A Day's-Worth of Browsing at Niles Antique Faire

One of the oldest antique street fairs in California is hosted the last Sunday of every August by the Niles Main Street Association in Fremont. The 51st Annual Antique Faire and Flea Market is set for August 30, opening at 6am and continuing until 4pm. More than 200 vendors will line the Boulevard, which is also the home of the famed Niles antique row. More than 80,000 visitors will enjoy browsing to the tune of live music by Big Sandy and His Fly Rite Boys —if you go, plan on spending the whole day! Admission is free.

There'll be special sales inside the stores, too. Check it out on Facebook at Niles Antique Faire

A Little Sweet Romance

I've been finding some delightful antique and vintage eye candy on Facebook and various websites. Today the Internet took me to South End Antique and Collectible Mall's Facebook page. Guess I'm in a mood for romantic feminine touches, and I found plenty to like in the bedroom setting on their cover photo and this sweet fainting couch. South End's bright, well-composed photos were a pleasure to look at.


I could swear I smelled roses and lavender when I looked at these photos. Amazing how it lifts the mood. Soft lighting, filmy draperies, floral tapestry, pink coverlets and throws...I'm not a pink kind of person, but here it's just perfect.


Want a romance in your daily grind? South End Antiques and Collectibles Mall is in an old pickle factory on Hwy 99E in Aurora, OR, a popular destination for antique, vintage and collectibles shoppers.

MCM Vintage, a promising start in Chico

Last week a couple of dealers who had space in another large mall in downtown Chico, CA struck out on their own and opened a new multi-dealer store in town, calling it MCM Vintage. It's always exciting to watch these new beginnings, from the grunge work of repairs, hookups and refurbishings on the building, to the erection of the sign identifying your business and welcoming the new dealers as they unpack their merchandise and set up their displays.

MCM Vintage is going with a mid-20th-century theme, sometimes referred to as "Mid-Mod." Sleek Danish Modern furniture and décor such as colorful and fancifully shaped glass. Fun and innovative Steampunk objects. Rugs with geometric designs. Lots of kitchenalia like the gadgets Mom taught cooked with, often much better quality than the Chinese-made appliances available today. And, an MCM specialty, a collection of old vinyl records so large they call that part of the store the Wax Museum. If you grew up in the 50s and 60s you're bound to get a sweet nostalgic rush when you walk into the store, or visit their Facebook page.

Rare Rides in Roseville!

Antique Trove in Roseville, CA has an antique car show series, with the next one Sunday, August 9.
Visit their website at www.antiquetrove.com or see them on Facebook.

Bring on the Bargains...and the Rain!

Whistlestop Antiques in Santa Rosa, CA will be overflowing onto the sidewalk this weekend, Aug. 8-9, with everything 20% off. This sale only happens once a year, so don't miss it if you're in the area. Munch some free popcorn and browse their huge selection, watch Bob the Train Guy demonstrate his trains and meet Betty Boop, world's cutest umbrella stand! Now they just need some rain!

Visit their website at whistlestop-antiques.com and view their Facebook page at Whistlestop Antiques.

Benicia Peddlers' Fair Sat., Aug. 8

They started off small, but now they're a town tradition: Over 52 years the Benicia Peddlers' Fair has grown into 300 select antique and collectible dealers from all over the country, attracting 20,000 visitors, spanning the entire 11 blocks of First Street in the historic town of Benicia, CA. Along the same route are a number of antique and vintage stores to browse. Proceeds from the Fair go to the preservation of St Paul's Episcopal church, built in 1859. Admission is free, and free appraisals are offered by Steve Yvaska. See the Fair's website for more info, www.BeniciaPeddlersFair.org

Photo: Benicia Peddlers' Faire website

Turn It Into a Planter!

Urban Ore in Berkeley puts their passion for recycling, repurposing and Zero Waste into practice by making planters of all manner of things, from wheelbarrows to bathtubs to old tanks. 

And believe it or not, the gardener who has transformed their grounds is named Alice Green! 

For inspiration and an idea of the vast selection of items they've rescued from oblivion and made useful again, visit their website, or their Facebook page.

Silver by candlelight

Candlelight, crystal and silver make any table setting romantic and festive. Pasadena Antiques and Design has a stunning display of sterling silver and silverplate serving pieces and candlesticks. Our favorite: the unusual candlesticks with removable butterflies from Thistle & Bee of London (top). The graceful water pitcher is the "Lancaster Rose" pattern by Poole Silver Plate.
 A real statement piece, the solid silver Spanish tray from the 1920s (bottom). See more of the collection on their Facebook page.

Remember these?

Albany Antique Mall in Albany, OR has a new dealer specializing in old advertising signs, some with chalkboards, some with thermometers. Visit the store's Facebook page, at Albany Antique Mall.



Albany is gearing up for their 18th Annual Antiques in the Streets and Classic Car Show on Sept. 12, when antiques, vintage finds and classic cars will be on display on the downtown streets. For more info, go to their website.

News Flash: Scottsdale, AZ

Antique Trove in Scottsdale is midway through a storewide three-day sale. Visit their website at www.antiquetrove.com, and see their Facebook page — lots of irresistible items! Shown here, a color-themed shot (in my favorite blues!) of garden décor, a beautiful wicker buggy overflowing with flowers, and a very decorative birdcage.