Have you ever wondered what thrifting or antique shopping was like in other areas further away from home? I have then finally got the chance to see it for myself. We were in the New England States recently and oh my golly, the pieces there were nothing like ours. Texas became a state in 1845 and the beautiful pieces I saw were about 100 years older than that! So, as I join the lovely ladies from Thrifting With The Gals, here’s what you find when thrifting/antiquing far from home.
Not sure where these chairs came from since they were a gift.
What You Find When Thrifting/Antiquing Far From Home
I’m excited to join Thrifting with The Gals today. These ladies are talented and quite creative so frankly, it’s an honor to even join them. If you aren’t familiar with the “gals” make sure and check them out. Their styles are lovely and unique so after seeing their thrifting posts below, give them each a follow. You’ll be glad you did.
Found in an antique store in Searsport, Maine
I am a born-n-raised proud Texan. I love living here and I don’t get offended when someone tells me I say the weirdest things or make fun of my (mild) accent. But y’all, I’d relinquish all ties to live somewhere further north where they have 4 seasons. I need to visit more of them to figure out where but New Hampshire and Vermont are on the short list. So is Montana but that’s another post.
French Basket found in New Hampshire
Anyway, have you ever wondered why your antiques and thrifted finds don’t look like the ones your blogging friend that lives on the other side of the map has in her home? I do! You probably already know this but I was recently told it’s because different states were admitted to the union at differing times and the settler’s came from other parts of the world.
Antique baskets found in Maine
Really? Who knew? Whatever the reason, it is a wonderment. When we were in the New England States we saw lots of snow skiing and coastal fishing type pieces. Like snow shoes, wooden skis, old ski poles, and fantastic photos of people skiing in the funniest clothes.
Old wooden box found in New Hampshire
The coastal items were old rods and reels, old fishing boat flags and club pins and patches, lures and trophies. It was awesome and 99 percent of it I had not seen anywhere near where I live. Where I live in Texas it’s a lot of rusty bins, boots, hutches, silver trays, horseshoes, Mason jars, Fostoria glass, Fenton hobnail and old crocks.
Metal Tool box found in Round Top, Texas
I figure if I get to move up north, my new neighbors are going to wonder where that rickety chair bottom used for a side table came from and will ask why I use an old galvanized baby tub as art. Or maybe they’ll ask where I got the Baton twirler trophy used as a finial on top of the lamp or can they have my super old porch columns turned into coat racks.
Antique Hutch from the mid 1700’s found in Maine
Either way, I feel that’s how our new friendship is going to start. Then she’ll invite me over to compare centuries old treasures and we’ll become forever friends and shopping partners. Ah, good times, good times.
Antique Hutch from the mid 1800’s in Navasota, Texas
The difference between antiques found in the New England States vs. Texas seems to be more casual and less detailed. I have no clue honestly what is what unless someone tells me. I just buy what I like and find a place for it. The only thing I know for sure is Texas didn’t join the union until 1845 and the New England states joined in the mid 1700’s.
1700’s bench found in Maine
I would have purchased so many things had we not flown into NY. Even with the small things I purchased, we had to get a new suitcase to carry it all home. Next time I will beg the mister to fly up there, rent a trailer and drive home. That seems like the best plan.
Old church pew in Argyle, Texas
There’s no way for me to tell if the prices were high for the area. Because of their age, most everything was 3 digits with a lot being 4 digits. They cost quite a bit more than what you find down here. I’m used to 2 digits and sometimes 3 but maybe I’m just cheap.
Brass Pilgrim Bell found in Vermont
I found this small brass Pilgrim bell in Vermont and wasn’t leaving without her. She’s perfect to keep out during autumn and Thanksgiving. I might just use it to call people to the table to eat. So cute!
Brass horse found in Fort Worth, Texas
Horses, cows, herding dogs and deer are what you find a lot of in Texas. Along with football trophies and banners. We do love our football around here.
Well that is what you find when thrifting/antiquing far from home. I can hardly wait to go back with a giant trailer! What do you find most around where you live? Share it with us in the comments. Now it’s time to see what the “gals” found.
Lora Bloomquist – Create and Ponder
Lora Bloomquist is sharing her vintage fall decor ideas. Just look at those fabulous deep colors. I’ve loved her style for years! You will too.
Robyn’s French Nest
Robyn from Robyn’s French Nest has so many wonderful finds, you can stare at her photos for hours. Everything seems so cozy! Hop over to see 10 unique vintage home decor ideas.
Dabbling & Decorating
I love Ann’s style too and her knack for finding the most unique and beautiful treasures! I’d like to one day visit her home and see all of those goodies.
The Ponds Farmhouse
Rachel has a very creative mind and a talent for fantastic transformations! Stop by and see some her thrift store finds. I’ve loved every one of them!
If you’d like to see other fun Thrifting With The Gals posts, click here and here.
Cindy
I’m so glad you got to bring home some treasures from your New England trip. Next time I’m taking a u-haul! Lol. Thank for joining us again this month.
Author
I thought about you a lot while we were there and was hoping you got to take home a lot of fabulous things. The U-Haul sounds about right! Thanks Rachel.
LOVED this post! As someone who has lived all over the world, you are spot on in noting the regional differences in thrifting.
That pilgrim bell… swoon and sigh. Next week I am sharing my annual costume extravaganza. I need her. Stay tuned. LOL
Author
Thank you Laura. I see so many posts from bloggers that live all over and rarely do I see anything like they have in our stores. And I want it! 😉
Such a fun post, Cindy!! I LOVE vintage and antique shopping in different states. It’s so much fun to see the different things to be found! Your little bell is adorable!
Author
I smile each time I walk by and see her. It was between her or a larger wooden sheep on wheels. I think I made the right choice. Wish I could have brought home all of the things I wanted. Guess I’ll just have to go back with a U-Haul. 😉
Love to visit in New England as well. So different from Texas for sure.
Beautiful shorelines and small quaint towns. Not sure I could tolerate the winters though. Maybe if I were younger. Love to see all. The homes and what they find.
Author
Perfect assessment Cherry. It was like walking through Hallmark towns without the snow. And being able to eat blueberry ice cream instead of needing hot chocolate. I loved it and can hardly wait to go back.
I remember enjoying the antiquing in New England, Cindy. Funny story, while driving through NH (this was 2006), I got a call from my local auction house for a phone-in bidding I had signed up for on a set of sterling flatware. I won the bid (it’s still a favorite), but we were driving through hills (much like WV) where the service was spotty. Here in WV, you will find a lot of glass – Blenko, Fenton, to name just a couple. Much vintage Fiestaware, and a whole lot of primitive crocks.
I am in love with that triple bench pictured on your trip
Author
I’ve never participated in an auction before. I always think I can’t afford the starting bids. I’ll have to try it sometime. And hoping I win a set of sterling flatware. That is a huge weakness for me. But it goes along with all those plates I have. LOL. Sounds like I need to do some shopping in WV too. I’m putting that on the list. Thank you Rita.
Hi Cindy, didn’t you love antiquing in New England? It’s filled with so many treasures and I love all of your finds. I’m so thrilled you enjoyed your time here and next time we’ll have to have you order for dinner or lunch. The foliage is amazing right now as I type this from my porch. Thanks for joining us today Cindy!
Author
How fun and dreamy to live the NE life. I can’t even imagine! I’d love to have lunch or dinner with y’all next time. Although we may need to go out where they have a closing time because you may never get rid of us or your ears would burn from all the questions. 😉 Thanks so much for everything Ann. Loved every single minute we were there.
I have been some of those places but, always with a few other people with no room for big things like I wanted. Maybe I just really didn’t need them, but it was fun to look. Thanks for all those beautiful pictures. Even pictures are better than nothing!!
Author
I enjoy going with others but always want to be in my own vehicle so I don’t feel stifled when hunting. Vacations make it hard when you fly. Looking back on those, you are right – I didn’t need them anyway. Thanks Marlene!
I absolutely love all your beautiful vintage finds! Your style is beautiful as always! So glad you could join us this week, Cindy!
Author
Thank you so much Robyn. That means a lot coming from the vintage queen! Hope you had a great time at your teaching conference and brought home some fun goodies?!
It is so fun to thrift and antique in a new place! Yes’ it makes sense why there would be much older things out east. MN is a younger state, too. We have a lot of 1900’s &. newer here. You could make your way this direction some time, too. And maybe get some things for free;) So glad to have you join us, friend!
Author
Free?! Deal! I always love what you find on the side of the road. I honestly can’t imagine why people throw out the treasures you find. You are on my list of adventures for sure. Thanks Lora.
You are so right about shopping in other regions. Some of my favorite finds were in Charleston and Amelia Island! Love the pilgrim bell! I may have to go thrifting today to see what I can find.
Author
Usually the first places I hit are Golightly’s and the Antique Mall in Grapevine. Where do you like to go?