Shopping Columbus & Pardeeville...and a Big Sale!

First of all, the big sale!  25% off everything at Gracie's Cottage on etsy.   Simply enter the coupon code 25off at checkout to save on everything in the shop.  This includes our huge numbers and letters section, ephemera, antiques, fun finds..everything! 

Now for the shopping report!

This week I had a chance to go on a fun excursion with my friend Pamm from Fresh Eggs Antiques.  Check out Pamm's etsy shop - I love her style.  And while you're at it follow her blog.  (Pamm  needs to blog about her home;  she's transformed a suburban home into a wonderful "cottage".  Show us some pictures, Pamm!)  

We spent several hours exploring the Columbus Antique Mall in Columbus, Wisconsin.  As their site says, it's

*Wisconsin's Largest Antique Mall* "Where dealers shop for their merchandise."
Over 82,000 square feet of antiques displayed and sold by 222 of Wisconsin's finest dealers in 444 booths in 18 rooms.
Open Everyday  8:15 am - 4 pm

Don't you love those hours?  
The majority of dealers at Columbus don't stage their booths; merchandise is packed on shelves.  There are some that do a great job of showing off their goods, like the owners of the booths pictured above.  Prices at Columbus tend to be very reasonable; a reward for the fact that you have to do some digging to unearth the treasures. 

After a quick lunch, Pamm drove us over to the Pardeeville Antique Mall , where we immediately fell in love with the greeter.  Meet "Sully".

Look at those eyes; they look straight into your soul and grab your heart.

Pardeeville is about 10,000 sf of pure shopping bliss. 

Each dealer stages their room-like booth in their particular style.

There are no messy shelves, no rummage sale lefttovers...it's all 'good'!

This shopping cart was a bit beyond my budget, but oh I loved it!

And what little cowpoke wouldn't look adorable in this shirt?

At the risk of dating myself, I remember watching Roy Rogers!

If you need a "shopping day" like I did, head on over to Pardeeville or Columbus.  You are going to have a swell time - I promise!

Road Trip! Baraboo Part II - Oak Street Antiques

Part II of Road Trip! Baraboo



While waiting in line for the estate sale to open, we met Jennifer Blau. Jennifer is the proprietor of Oak Street Antiques and invited us to stop by her shop, on the square in Baraboo. After leaving the sale we had lunch at the charming Garden Party Cafe, which Jennifer had recommended. Pumpkin ravioli anyone? Delicious!



Walking up to Oak Street Antiques we knew we were in for a treat. Located on a corner of the square, the historic building is graced with huge windows. The displays were show-stopping; a feast for the eyes. On one side, the Baraboo Button Club was showcased. An old machine for making shell buttons was the centerpiece of the display.

The corner window was a mix of furniture, architectural pieces and smalls, skillfully arranged so that they looked like they'd just fallen into place. Inside, the staging was impeccable as well. The large store has high ceilings and abundant light and Jennifer has taken full advantage of the setting. Each piece of furniture formed the basis for a vignette that incorporated smalls of every description. Hats, advertising, lamps, toys, glassware... it was all there.

When we walked in Jennifer told us of another estate sale in town that we should check out right away. With a promise to return, we left for the sale. If the first sale of the day was a '10', this one was a '1'. Items were strewn about the garage and in the house. Nothing was priced and the floors were covered with boxes of stuff. Kathy & I are not easily deterred, however, and dug in to find a few items to purchase.



We returned to Oak Street Antiques for a leisurely exploration of the shop and left with some small purchases, as well as more info from Jennifer on places to shop on the way home. By the time we had shopped the Antiques Mall of Portage and the Pardeeville Antiques Mall, my van was full and we had no choice but to go home...our 'golden' day had come to an end.

If you ever have a chance to visit Baraboo, Wisconsin, you'll find great food, historical attractions and Oak Street Antiques...don't miss it!