It’s funny…I’ve been coming to this area in for eight years and somehow missed Collinsville Antiques, a huge, 22,000 square foot antique mall that sells just about anything and everything. We spent about 2 hours just browsing, and we could easily have spent more (well, I could anyway. Fisherman was getting bored).
I took just a few pics with my camera phone so please excuse the quality (or lack thereof).
So what does this have to do with Belushi and Ackroyd you might ask? So glad you did. When you walk in on the right is a quirky cafe called ‘Cruisin Cafe’, where you’ll find these two funky gentlemen hangin’ out enjoying themselves.
I knew immediately I was in for a treat. How cool is this?
I couldn’t believe no one was eating here at the time, which was smack in the middle of lunch hour.
Ok, enough of that. Now for some ‘antiquing’.
Is this the ultimate repurposing or what??
Not only will you find collectibles and treasures of every shape, size and configuration, but clothing too. I love the color of this dress!
Did you know I collect handbags? Well, I used to. I actually would display them in our master bedroom. It’s not going to really work at the cabin anymore, so I’m no longer in the market, but I couldn’t resist a shot of this cute little number.
I have a weakness for old cash registers (and old typewriters too). This one is a beauty, and the $575.00 price tag reflects that!
If you happen to be a lover of Limoges, you would have been in plate heaven! There were countless displays like this throughout the space.
So…you’re probably wondering if we bought anything. Nope. Sorry to say we didn’t. We’re in the market for some very specific items right now, but other than that we’re looking to get rid of things, not buy more, and we’re constantly making trips to GoodWill to prove it!
We’ve spent the last couple of weeks reconfiguring some areas of the cabin to make better use of the space we have available (more on that in a later post). Mostly we’ve been working on my closet and the pantry, but until we can do something about the area under the deck I don’t think I’m going to be 100% satisfied. We don’t have an attic or a garage which makes things challenging, but it’s forced us to be creative and resourceful with what we DO have and there’s a certain amount of satisfaction that comes with that.
So tell me, what’s the largest antique mall/shop you’ve ever been to?
kimberly says
It sounds like my kind of place to snoop, Doreen. I love that cash register. I always wanted one of those when we were in business and couldn’t find one reasonably priced.
I’m sure downsizing is a challenge, for sure. You’ll get there soon, then your cabin will feel like home!
kelly says
I bet it was fun to look around that big place. It’s always fun to shop at a new store. I once had a friend whose parents had an old cash register similar to the one you shared. We were kids and used to play with it. I always wished it was mine! I had no idea they were that expensive! Getting rid of excess is good for the soul! Sounds like you don’t have the space to keep a lot of excess anyway.
Yvonne @ StoneGable says
Doreen, this looks like a wonderful place to stroll around… even if you could not find anything! What fun! Will I see you at Haven this year? I sure hope so!!!
Poppy says
Hi Doreen,
What an amazing place! I could have easily spent the entire day there, I think! Hunting for treasures builds up an appetite. The Crusin’ Cafe would cater to the hunger pangs and I’d be on the prowl faster than you can say, ‘deal’!
That blue dress and matching purse are SO pretty!
Have a wonderful Thursday!
Poppy
Jane says
What a neat place…I would have gone nuts with those dishes! The cafe is so freaking cute!! And that’s something all antique malls should have…don’t they make you thirsty?
Sounds like the busyness never ends for you guys! Hope you are checking things off the list!
XO,
Jane
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
oh this was fun and my favorite is that cash register! 🙂
Cecilia says
What a fun discovery! I’d be happy to wander around with you. 🙂 Sounds like a good break from all the moving stuff. Looking forward to hearing more about the down-sizing and storage issues. I’m going to file it for future reference!
Hugs,
Cecilia
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
The cash register is amazing and I couldn’t help but drool over the plates! Some patterns I have, others I couldn’t recognise.
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
How great is it that you are so close to an enormous antique shop….I have been to many super large ones while traveling….Hope you are able to find the things you need!
Manuela@A Cultivated Nest says
Oooooo, all those lovely dishes! I would have been tempted but I just donated a whole bunch of blue transferware. Sounds like a fun place. I love looking at old things!
Angela says
Oh gosh, some beautiful things!!! I’m surprised you didn’t sit on Dan or John’s lap for a pic!!!~~Angela
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Hi Doreen! Happy Mothers’ Day! I hope you’re having a fantastic weekend being pampered by your loved ones! <3
To answer your question, oddly enough I've never been antiquing. It's something I've thought of doing, but never got around to it. I've heard there are some great antique shops here in Florida. When I finally go I'll let you know. 😉 Hugs and kisses!
Doreen says
Oh wow Vashti! You HAVE to go! I’m not sure what part of Florida you’re in but yes, I’ve heard there are some worthwhile places to visit for antiquing.
Thanks for stopping by!
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
I’m definitely going to make it a point to do some antiquing this year. 🙂
Amy @ StowandTellU says
I think the largest I was ever at was in Hot Springs Arkansas. I saw some of the most unique antiques and treasures, and because it was an all girl day, there was no rushing around. Collinsville looks like so much fun. I don’t think that I’ve seen a diner situated within an antiques mall, but I think it’s a brilliant idea. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with the Blues Brothers?? Do you have any idea how old that cash register is? It’s almost steampunky, but that would make it realllly old. I hope you eventually find all that is on your wish list and have fun cruising around while your looking. Happy Mother’s Day, Doreen
Doreen says
Hi Amy, I actually don’t know how old it is. Kinda looks like the early 1900’s or maybe late 1800’s or so, but I’m far from an expert.
I found one of the items I was looking for yesterday, which I will post about soon. It’s hard for me to blog these days because I don’t have an ‘office’. My Mac is set up in my craft space and I’m just not feeling it. That’s going to change soon :).
Hope you had a great Mother’s Day!
Andi says
Did you eat there?? I would have ordered a cheezeborger. (I know it’s not the Blues Bros, but close enough!!)
🙂
-andi
Doreen says
I sooooo wanted to eat there, but alas, it was not to be. We weren’t hungry plus I’m not even sure it was up and running when we were there. It’s definitely on my to do list though.