Dade City Day Trip

Hello dear readers.  It has been 5 months since my last post and I've closed on a house, had two PODs delivered with my household goods, unpacked 260 boxes, continued pricing and setting up my space at the Lyon's Head Antiques mall; slammed, oh so slammed at work with my new department ... but loving the creativity and assignments and finally, spending the week with grandchildren while their mom and dad take a much needed vacation.  

Whew, got that all out.  I am loving my new Florida digs and having a little pool out back, everything a Sea Witch could hope for in a living space. 

 I have missed blogging and my need to begin exploring the local communities around me, so I told myself it was time to take a break from all of the above and start exploring.  

Several of my new neighbors kept telling me that I must visit Dade City, a small, north central community about 30 miles away from my home and known for its small town charm and quaint antique shops.  

Dade City is a pretty little community with Victorian and Arts and Crafts homes, rolling green lawns, and a downtown area that reminded me of Monroe, Georgia...where I used to shop often for treasure.

It was beginning to rain as I pulled into my first stop, Makers and Shakers, a new antique and artisan mall filled with antiques, vintage, kitsch, and art pieces from the floor to the ceiling.

Great tin signs greet you as your enter the shop.

Crazy about the Standard Oil Pegasus.  I swear I could find a place for it if brought it home, but I had to pace myself. 

This too Cha Cha for words apron is one of the many hand sewn items you will find here.

Everyone needs a huge Mardi Gras head and this bad boy would be the focal point of your outdoor living space.

My first purchases of the day was this lovely silverplated champagne bucket and vintage lace panel.

Always love to find Early American Pressed Glass (EAPG) pieces and I couldn't resist this pretty little syrup server.  

From Makes and Shakers I moved on to American Eagle Antique Mall. Another marvelous antique mall filled with antiques, lovely glassware and unique pieces.  However, the first thing that hits you when you enter are the marvelous smells that emanate from the cafe that is located inside.  O. M. G.!!! 

 Tables set with different vintage plates, flatware and glasses and homemade crab soup that looked amazing.  Oh, and they had jumbo size, fresh out of the oven peanut butter cookies and fresh peanut butter fudge.

Lots of vintage and antique glassware.  If you are a collector, this is the place to stop, especially for depression and EAPG.   Prices are all over the boards here as there are different dealers so you can find some good bargains. 

 Pretty little Dresden and Dresden like figurines.  These are enjoying a nice popularity these days and the lovely gals were priced to take home more than one.

This dealer had beautiful hummels with a lot of uncommon pieces.  Hummels have dropped in demand so now is the time to acquire those unique figurines while the prices are low, as these will become popular again and prices will reflect that interest.  

American Eagle is filled with treasure and I did not leave empty handed.

Found two more pieces of EAPG that I can add to my collection.

American Sweetheart, Depression Glass, dessert plates and dinner plate; oh how I adore the opalescent quality of these pieces.

Early 1900s silverplated hand mirror.

This marvelous Victorian tin head doll with original clothes.  Love her sweet face.

From American Eagle Antique Mall I moved on to a string of small shops on Main Street. 

 My first stop was at a darling, American Primitives shop called "The Shabby Hen's Nest."

I'm a huge fan of American Primitives but so much is mass produced out of China that I tend to shy away from those offerings.  

 

Not so at the Shabby Hen's Nest.  Much of her pieces are beautifully produced by local artists and owners, Chris and Judy, upcycle antique and vintage pieces into contemporary furniture and decor like this darling display for a pretty selection of comfy clothing.

Warm Americana pieces and Christmas fill the back space of the Shabby Hen's Nest.  So much to choose from. 

My purchases from the "Shabby Hen's Nest" were this marvelous, hand turned rolling pin.  I can't wait to make pies with this.

 How adorable is this tiny, burnt ivory candle that, with a pair of AA batteries, is a timer.  It will burn for six hours and than automatically shutoff.  It will then turn on again 24 hours later at the original start time.  

The last antique shop that I visited made me weak in the knees.  Everything that I love about the 18th and early 19th century was in this wonderful store.

Oh, be still my heart, "Antiques on the Main Street" wooed me the minute I crossed her threshold.

Incredible pieces, early 19th century dry sink, buckets, quilts and antique, children's clothing.

Gorgeous ovoid jug, dough bowls and spice boxes.

 Stunning pair of oils, high button shoes and authentic rug beaters.

 I gasped when I came upon this wall of early painted portraits.  The last time I saw pieces like this were in local museums in New England.  I was in awe and could have moved right into this shop and lived within.

 Had to have this pair of silk socks and stockings.  Never used, they still had their tags on them.  As I was preparing to leave, something stopped me in my tracks.

I was so overwhelmed by all of the beauty in this shop that I missed the "niddy noddy" hanging from the wall.   I have been searching for an early niddy noddy to use to wind off the freshly spun fiber from my spinning wheel bobbins.

I can't wait to use it when I spin fiber off my wheels.  Antiques on the Main Street is a must stop if you want to see living history pieces.

Made one more stop before I headed home and that was to Quilts on Plum Lane, known as Florida's friendliest quilt shop.   They certainly live up to their moniker as it was filled with customers who were greeted by friendly staff.   I wanted to pick up some fat quarters for the lovely woman who does my lawn each week.  She is a quilter and as I have learned, quilters can never, ever have too much fabric.  Interspersed between rows and rows of stunning fabrics were also antique pieces.

 This pretty little oil signed and dated 1907 leaped into my hands so I had to bring it home.

It was a marvelous day and I so enjoyed my day of treasure hunting and visiting Dade City.  I will be making frequent trips here as there are other shops I want to visit and I want to try out the local restaurants.  

I hope everyone is having a marvelous summer and life has been treating you kindly.  So glad to be blogging again and wishing blessings to you and those you love.  Sea Witch