This entry is a bit late because, honestly, I have been struggling to find a way to review last week’s destination without being totally insulting. I finally decided that, as always, honesty makes the best policy. So here goes…….
We took off Saturday morning for Hancock, Maryland. Located in western Maryland, it is the northern most large town along the Potomac River and just minutes from the Pennsylvania border. Our destination there was the Hancock Antique Mall, with over 250 dealers. Why?????? you may ask…..Because it was there. We thought the rural location would provide us with lots of country furniture You know, tables and dry sinks, cabinets and benches. So we went.
We arrived in Hancock at lunch time and decided to eat at Weavers Restaurant & Bakery located at 77 West Main Street. It was a very pleasant little restaurant. We both had soup and a sandwich. The sandwiches were very good, due to the excellent bread. The soups were okay. But the best part was the bakery. We left with a dozen peanut butter cookies and four small pumpkin loaves ( loaf shaped cupcake with wonderful icing). They were excellent!!
The Antique Mall is just a few blocks from Main Street, there is a big sign to point the way. The parking lot was pretty full when we pulled up, which was encouraging. The main entry to the mall is lined with old restored stoves from the turn of the century (20th that is).They are amazing pieces of equipment, some almost works of art. Old pieces of farm equipment, benches, and crates decorated the space. Things were looking good!!! So we went in.
Well my fellow antiquers, I have to tell you (remember honesty is the best policy) that I was probably the oldest thing in that Mall. And unlike the merchandise there, I am well preserved. And to add insult to injury, the prices were way out of line. Stoneware bowls that I sell for $60 to $80 in perfect condition were selling for OVER $100 with chips and cracks. We were patient. We did the entire Mall, all 250 dealers. And I can honestly say that there was NOT ONE THING I was even tempted to buy.
So we headed home. We soothed ourselves with a few peanut butter cookies and decided that we really needed an antique fix. So we stopped at Beaver Creek Antique Market www.beavercreekantiques.com . It is a place we frequent because it is on the way to the house we are restoring in Williamsport, Maryland. And to make it even more inviting, over the few years we have been stopping there the quality of dealers has continued to improve. I found two pieces for my store and my companion found some CDV’s , (carte de visite) which he collects. Next door is Antique Crossroads, www.antiquexroads.com . I found several brooches there last fall (they were the hot fashion item for fall/winter).
And finally we headed home, discussing the best way to be honest with out being sued. In the end I just decided to tell it like it is.
Be sure to visit my store ComfortableStyle.com at www.ComfortableStyle.com for Antiques, decorative accessories and gifts.
