Friday, October 9, 2015

Small Town Thrifting

Today is one of those days--the good kind.

It is amazingly gorgeous out--mid 70's, slight breeze, crystal blue sky.  

I decided it was a great day for a small adventure so I hopped in the truck and headed down the interstate to a nearby small town to do some thrifting.

Sadly, many of the thrift stores and junk shops and cute boutiques are gone since the last time I was there. 

I did have a delightful lunch and took a few pictures around town.
thrift store, small town, Montana, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html

The town bell (?)--it has a siren on top and I guess is used in emergencies.
small town, thrift stores, bell, fall, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
Many of the buildings are empty.  
thrift store, coffee shop, turquoise, brick, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
I want to buy them all up and open coffee shops, and home shops and a candy store.
small town, thrift stores, brick, old building, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
Loved this iron gate, just there--not reallyleading to anywhere.
iron gate, rusty, small town, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
Some new signs have been painted on the buildings.
mural, brick wall, small town, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html

brick, mural, small town, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
I think the local bowling alley is all locked up now.
small town, bowling alley, vintage sign, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
LOVE this theater sign and the theater is still open on the weekends (showing movies that are a tad old).
vintage sign, neon sign, star, small town, brick, old theater, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
I mean, come one, isn't this star incredible?
neon sign, vintage sign, star, theater, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
And what about this politically incorrect neon motel sign?
vintage sign,motel sign, neon sign, small town, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
I did find a few goodies at the senior citizen thrift shop that is open only a few hours on Fridays and Saturdays.  TEN wire baskets, yummy!
wire baskets, vintage, locket baskets, thrift store, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
A "vintage" superbly comfortable rocking swivel chair for me.  The fabric is not my fabric of choice, but it is clean, doesn't clash, and looks just fine with a throw and pillow on it. It might get recovered one day.
thrift store finds, swivel chair, vintage, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
My daughter has been wanting a vintage suitcase for sleepovers.  While I am pretty sure she is wanting a hardsided travel case, I couldn't resist buying her the SAME sleepover case I had 40+ years.  Can you say vintage hip?!
vintage suitcase, luggage, hippie vibe, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
I got a great vintage canister set.
vintage canisters, 1950's kitchen, kitsch, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
And some old games (I am sucker for the graphics on games) and 25 vintage tupperware and metal cookie cutters.  
small town, thrift store, vintage cookie cutters, http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2015/10/small-town-thrifting.html
What a delightful way to spend a perfect fall day!

8 comments:

  1. I just love these little towns...all those old signs etc....just wonderful! Thanks for sharing all your finds.

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  2. Oooh, love the wire baskets. So many possibilities. I also love small towns with all the quaint storefronts. It's so sad that so many of them are disappearing. Not enough folks wanting the old look anymore I guess. Cute travel case too Becky. Thanks for sharing. Have you given away your pallet books yet? Should I uncross my fingers? I'm getting a cramp! Lol.

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  3. So many places in little towns are closing or already closed...makes me really sad. You found some great treasures, especially the wire baskets.

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  4. Great finds! "Me Like Um'…ha! Our small town too has SO many empty shops…. and I've often said I'd love to buy them up…. make them alive again… IF I was a millionaire!

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  5. Most of the best thrifting around here is in the little towns that are about 45 minutes away. I try to get out there a couple times a month with my BFF. That suitcase brought back some great memories for me...had one just like it!! Great finds!

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  6. Despite the decline of the town, you had a good visit! I get sad seeing that places are abandoned. And then I get 'disturbed' when I see builders taking down good buildings to put up more condos, etc... We have a LOT of that here! Fun finds! Thanks for sharing! Hugs!

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  7. What a great day! I love driving through old towns and dream of what i would do with all the old homes and businesses. Someday... :)

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate your kind words!