If you are looking for something fun to do which includes fresh air, the beautiful countryside, and shopping then you will want to get to the Liberty Antiques Festival this weekend April 27-28. When I read about this event in Our State magazine a year ago I knew I had to go.
Typically I overtake what I need on a road trip and this trip was no different. I had a busy week so I really had not prepared until that morning. I grabbed cash in small denominations, camera, big camera, sunglasses, iPad, cellphone, layers of clothes, and a good selection of my cute tote/shopping bags. My husband is so great to go along with my little adventures but when departure time comes he is ready to go. I haul my things to the truck and plan to narrow down what I take in when I actually get there.
I love the thrill of the unknown. I got so excited just thinking about the visual splendor that awaits. That excitement started to bubble as soon as I could see the field of parked cars past the tree line. On the drive into the parking area I could not resist snapping pictures of these beautiful red barns. I admittedly love barns. I know, you can see me and the truck in the pic but I knew at this stage of the game that asking my husband to slow down or stop would be out of the question. So I am taking pics on the fly.
We're here. I see concessions on the right and a line on the left. We have not turned into the parking area when my husband sees the line and tells me to get out and get in it. So much for a little time to sort through my things and make decisions. I get out with the money, totes, large camera and get in line. Good news, they have several people taking money and the line moves fast. I get through the line before he can get from the parking lot. so don't let the line worry you.
There are rows and rows to explore. Plenty of vendors and a wide variety of merchandise. A good selection of food is available on the grounds so be sure to come hungry.
I want to say up front that I do not have much knowledge of antiques. We are not collectors. I go by advice I once heard which is if you really like it, it is within your budget, the price seems reasonable for your purposes, then buy it. If you are buying to collect or resell then you need to know your pricing.
I do not know the man caught in the reflection. I was trying to get a picture of the piece in front of the mirror.
When you come to events like this the challenge is to think through where you will actually use the things that catch your eye. How could you not love this little fire chief car. It would be an irresistible find if I have a grandson.
Here you see my better half finding some things that interest him. These lures would look beautiful in a frame. I guess a fisherman would think that was a waste but grouping things makes a great design statement. Below on the orange wagon tucked in the back you can see a wire egg basket that I bought.
These old tools were really beautiful. They speak of craftsmanship which is lacking in what we find today. The wooden took box was fabulous but I am sure would have been quite heavy to carry.
Love the ocean of jars and the aqua glass. I actually do own a few of these. They are great flower containers for casual entertaining.
Above is our first purchase of the day. As my husband said we usually make sentimental purchases first. If you are a grandparent you will understand. At the time we had one granddaughter and one on the way. You can not get them out of your head so of course we bought the child sized outdoor set. It is a great complement to what we have and has had a lot of use.
I debated about including the picture below of the oil cans but sentiment won out. I love the moments when a memory unexpectedly awakes and how no matter how long you have been with someone, 29 years, you can learn something new about them and their life. For my husband these oil cans brought back memories of his dad having some of these old cans. Unfortunately this tender moment of my husband sharing was interrupted by the vendor coming toward me shouting about why I was taking pictures. Obviously the moment was lost and we gladly left his booth without making a purchase. This was the only negative moment of the day but two things can be learned from it. First, I found out that no matter how casual the event you should ask if you can take pictures. Second, for venders, the venders I most appreciated and bought from were the ones who were approachable and took the time share information and educate me about the things they brought and loved.
My love affair with costume jewelry began with my mother Joan and my grandmother Viola. This vendor had some beautiful pieces that came with a price tag to match. In casual conversation I mentioned that I had inherited several of my grandmothers pieces. She asked me if they were signed. I had no idea that they might be signed. Signed pieces equal the higher price tag. For me they just had sentimental value but now I was intrigued to go home and find out. I will later do a separate blog on what I found.
These ice cream molds were amazing and the folks from Dad's Follies were so nice to talk to and give us a lot of history about the molds. They were the perfect combination of friendliness and willingness to share about the objects they love and collect.
This little bench was the object of my desire but I really did not have anywhere to use it. So I left it behind. Practicality won out but I wish I had not passed on it.
Now we head back to the truck with our purchases. We had a wonderful day under Carolina blue skies. I so much enjoy the many wonderful qualities of the state of North Carolina where I live. It is truly beautiful from the mountains to the coast and I am fortunate to live right in the middle of it where I can enjoy it all.
I can't resist taking one last picture of the silos on the way out.
I know this was a longer post than usual but there was so much to see and it is hard for me not to share it all. If you like the blog become a follower and please tell your friends to check out the Living With Color Designs Blog.