“You really must go to Arcadia the fourth Saturday of the month,” she said, her husband nodding assent as they stood at my table during a book signing. I perked up.
“Why the fourth Saturday?” I asked.
“Oh, because all the antique dealers come from everywhere and set up booths,” she said.
Antiques take over downtown Arcadia
Hummm. Arcadia. A place I’ve never been in Florida. That is always exciting! But here is a heads up. The fourth Saturday is NOT always the last Saturday of the month.
You knew that, didn’t you, yet brilliant here (that would be me) did not think about that. Some months have five Saturdays, like January. Duh.
Last Saturday I traveled to Arcadia, one hour away from Sarasota, only to find out the big fourth Saturday Antique Shopping Fair was the Saturday before. So I was either one week late or five weeks early.
But it did not matter. The small downtown of Arcadia can hold its own in funky collectibles and antiques any Saturday of the month. I had a great time.
Steve Randall, owner of Antiques on Oak with his wife Judith freely admits that Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are “iffy”, that is to say, some antique shops may be closed. This is quite consistent with other small towns in Florida that only see an influx of visitors on weekends. If you have a specific shop in mind, check ahead of time to see if it is open.
Four blocks of Oak Street are lined with all things funky, antique and collectible. Last Saturday morning people wandered in and out of stores on both sides of the street. Every store seems to share the same format – an old building, circa late 1800s with high ceilings and the floor space divided into different areas of interest, each area maintained by a collector with an individual style and that makes wandering the aisles pretty interesting.
Another draw – most shops say they buy and sell antiques and collectibles so those with stuff to sell are also attracted here.
At the Whole Shebang Antiques & Collectibles on Oak Street, pick up a free map of downtown listing shops and restaurants.
The town of Arcadia is in the middle of serious sidewalk construction, known in city planner speak as a “beautification project”. Every corner was torn up and barricaded but that didn’t stop walkers from wandering on their way, even walking in the street.
Antiques and food mix well in Arcadia
Jamming live on the sidewalk outside the Oak Street Deli, a mom and pop local favorite, three musicians got in the groove – two violins and a guitar. A perfect place for antique admirers to take a break, sit a while, have some food and tap a foot in time with the music.
Arcadia restaurants by and large have good reputations – so it was no surprise to see lines outside both Mary Margaret’s Tea and Biscuit and Magnolia Street Seafood & Grill
Mary Margaret’s is located in the Arcade Building on the side facing South Polk Avenue – easy to find, as the massive building is painted pink with white trim. The effect is like looking at a gigantic frosted cake.
Outside of Mary Margaret’s front door is parked an antique car (yes, it runs) and inside the host wears a top hat and tails, befitting the Victorian era ambiance. Of course there is tea and bakery sweets like White Chocolate Bread pudding plus mealtime selections of soups, salads and sandwiches. Mary Margaret’s is open seven days a week from 11-4 p.m.
The next Antique Shopping Fair will be Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Over 100 vendors come from all over the country and set up on sidewalks, parking lots and the Tree of Knowledge Park, plus don’t forget the 24 antique shops already there in buildings along Oak Street.
For more information on upcoming antique events visit: www.travelersantiqueguide.com and www.arcadiaflantiquefair.com
And yes, I plan to go back on a FOURTH Saturday.
UPCOMING WORKSHOP
Sign up! Come join me at the Longboat Key Education Center, 5370 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, on Saturday March 7 from 11 – 12:30 p.m. Register online or phone (941) 383-8811 or e mail: [email protected]
Workshop description:
SWK1
50 GREAT WALKS IN FLORIDA
Lucy Tobias
From the far reaches of Pensacola to the blue green waters around Key West,
Florida has great walks in surprising places. Join the author of
50 Great Walks In Florida as she demonstrates the best way to meander; the birding trail essentials; best walks through history and surprises like a walk on a moonlight beach.
There will be demonstrations and takeaways plus a sale and book signing with the author. Wear a funky hat and your walking shoes because you will want to go for a “great walk” right after the workshop!
11:00 am-12: 30 pm
Saturday, March 7
Members $20
Non-Members $25
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