One man’s trash is a beachgoer’s treasure

There is something that I really love about antiquing.   It wasn’t too long ago that I realized this passion that has since become a hobby of sorts, albeit a hobby that I really know nothing about yet enjoy every moment.   There is something about scouring through the shops looking for….well…. I’ve never really looked for anything in particular, yet have found items that I realized I could not live without.

I’ve always wondered if you choose the antique pieces or do they choose you?   It’s as if the antique were a living being who has traveled the state/country/world and has led a fantastical life and chooses you to take them home to continue its adventure.   Where have they traveled?   What have they seen?   Was it a dining room table that witnessed families gathering around it for twenty years?   Oh, the conversations it must have heard!   I especially find a heightened curiosity in heirloom, costume jewelry.   Who once wore this jewelry? What was their life like?   What happened to them?   Was it given to them by a lover?   And if so, did they have a passionate love affair, was it given as a gift during their times of courting or was it an anniversary gift?   Perhaps a piece that reminded them of their children?   My imagination has taken me through all these inquiries but I will never know their journey.    Perhaps that’s part of my fascination with it.

When visiting the beaches of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, be sure to stop by and visit a few of my favorites, many of which are clustered in the Destin/Miramar Beach area. Who knows?   Maybe your next antique piece will find you.

• Antiques on Holiday- 850-837-0488.   105 North Holiday Road.   Miramar Beach, FL 32550.   Two stories of antiques from all over the world,   including pieces of French influences, hand-painted china sets, chandeliers, and furniture.
• Ava’s Attic– 850-424-6767.   Miramar Plaza Suite 105 Miramar Beach, FL 32550.   4 suites of furniture, clothing, jewelry, paintings, and local crafts.   Part of the fun is going from suite to suite within the plaza (the shops are spaced out within this shopping plaza).   Adds to the fun of the search!
• Bienvenue Vintage Home Antiques- 850-837-5122.   11840 Hwy 98 W, Miramar Beach, FL.   Located close to the Silver Sands Factory Stores, this warehouse-y metal building showcases multiple vendors with a variety of architectural and cottage-style furniture and vintage wares, including those old window frames that I love using as picture frames.
• Pink House Antiques- 850-678-1117.   714 Bayshore Drive Niceville, FL. Don’t let this tiny shop fool you.   I’ve found amazing pieces here, including an old french door, tiny tables, antique buffet tables, framed music posters, dishes, and even some beautifully, handmade clothing.   Come prepared to dig for your treasure.   You’ll never know what you’ll find.
• Smith’s Antiques.   850-654-1484.   12500 Emerald Coast Parkway Miramar Beach, FL 32550.   25,000 square feet of antique goodness.   Also carries contemporary items for do-it-yourself or professional decorators.

Wish you were here!

-The Hometown Tourist