Mid-Century Magic: Portland’s Antique Mall Adventure

Oh, the joy of antiquing! There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the hunt for that perfect piece of the past to bring into the present. My recent antiquing spree in the charming city of Portland, Oregon was nothing short of magical. The city, with its quirky and retro vibe, is a treasure trove for lovers of mid-century modern, atomic, and retro vintage treasures.

My first stop was the famed Stars Antique Mall, a place where the past comes alive. The aisles were brimming with delightful finds from vintage furniture to quaint knick-knacks. I left with some amazing vintage pieces!! Each booth told a story of a bygone era waiting to be rediscovered. I enjoy shopping at Stars for a couple of reasons:

Stars Antique Mall
Stars Antique Mall

The Stars Antique Mall in Portland is a captivating blend of variety, space, and convenience, making it a must-visit hub for antique enthusiasts. Housing a lively community of 200 dealers, the mall offers a rich tapestry of merchandise ranging from Mid-Century Modern pieces of the 1950s-1960s, retro delights from the 1970s-1980s, vinyl records, whimsical kitchen kitsch, ephemeral items, charming figurines, novelties, and seasonal collectibles, among others.

This diverse array of merchandise not only creates a vibrant and dynamic shopping environment but also invites visitors into a nostalgic journey through time. Adding to its allure is the mall’s spacious and expansive layout, spread across two storefronts on the same block. The generous space provides a comfortable ambiance for shoppers to meander through the huge showrooms, making the exploration of antique and vintage treasures an exciting adventure.

Located in the quaint Westmoreland neighborhood of southeast Portland, the mall is easily accessible to both locals and visitors. To top off the delightful shopping experience, the vicinity boasts a range of refreshment options. Just a short stroll away, one can find a welcoming array of food and beverage outlets, from the comforting brews of Starbucks to the savory delights of Pizzicato, catering to every palate and making the antiquing adventure not just a feast for the eyes, but also a satisfying treat for the taste buds.

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Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf

Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco may be one of the most iconic places to visit when in California. The wharf is full of amazing eateries and shops, but Cioppino’s Restaurant in particular will leave you completely satisfied with their delicious Italian food. This restaurant has a warm atmosphere that is perfect for families or couples looking for an enjoyable meal. The restaurant has been featured on TV shows such as Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. Today, Gary and I were at Cioppino’s to try their pizza.

Approaching Cioppino’s you can smell the delicious garlic and tomato sauce. We decided to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine and breeze though indoor is available with proof of Covid vaccination card.

Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

The waitstaff are super friendly and efficient and took really good care of us. At one point the sunshine was rather bright and hot, and they moved umbrellas around for us, so we’d be more comfortable sitting outside. The Cesar salad came out first and we ordered a small, but it was easily enough for two people to share. Nice tangy dressing and crispy lettuce. The people watching outside is fantastic as there are tourists from all over the world walking by.

Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

I had a direct view of the pizza ovens, and it didn’t take long at all for our hot and fresh pizza to be ready. This is one good-looking pizza, and it was now time to taste it. Pizza time!! The first thing we notice is the golden crust and how crispy it is. By far, Cioppino’s pizza crust is one of our favorites we’ve had thus far on the great San Francisco Pizza Tour. If you like a solid and crispy crust then this pizza is for you. The pepperoni and Italian sausage toppings were high-quality but had a subtle flavor so not too overpowering like you can get with some Italian sausage. The cheese was light but full-flavored and tasted like a mozzarella Parmesan combo and the sauce was not garlicky at all also very subtle. There was a good amount of toppings on this pizza, and it was very delicious. And this was certainly not a greasy pizza at all and a very high-quality pie.

Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

The location of Cioppino’s being on Fisherman’s Wharf right in downtown San Francisco just steps away from the Bay with views of Alcatraz and proximity to all the attractions of the wharf simply can’t be beat and, you add delicious high-quality food onto that (not cheap touristy food) it is a wonderful experience and should not be missed.

Let’s rate Cioppino’s Restaurant on a scale of 1 (being lowest) to 5 (being highest): 

Style/Crust : Oven baked pizza – 4.8

Sauce: Basic red sauce –  3.8

Toppings: 4

Taste: 4.5

Presentation: 4.5

Experience: Location/Staff: 4.8

The location of Cioppino’s being on Fisherman’s Wharf right in downtown San Francisco just steps away from the Bay with views of Alcatraz and proximity to all the attractions of the wharf simply can’t be beat. You add delicious high-quality food onto that (not cheap touristy food) it makes for a wonderful experience and should not be missed. Their menu has something for everyone – from pizza to cioppino (their signature dish)! If you are looking for an amazing restaurant in San Francisco for a delicious and enjoyable meal, then you’ll want to visit Cioppino’s.

Was it that good? Or am I just that full? Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf | Crazy4Me
Was it that good? Or am I just that full? Pizza Review Cioppino’s in San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf | Crazy4Me

Comment on this post on Instagram or Facebook and share your favorite pizza!!

Let us know if you try any of the places we are reviewing, we’d love to hear what you ordered and your experience. Tag us on social media @crazy4thepizza

All pics by my sweet hubby Gary Greco

Keep up with our San Francisco Pizza Tour of 2021 where we are regularly visiting pizza restaurants in San Francisco to find the best and tastiest pies – www.crazy4pizza.com  Instagram @crazy4thepizza and https://www.facebook.com/crazy4thepizza 

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Antique Society: A Treasure Trove in the Heart of Sebastopol!

Hey, time-travelers and history hunters! Grab your magnifying glasses and put on your safari hats, because we’re about to journey into an oasis of antiquity – the Antique Society in Sebastopol, CA! This isn’t your typical antique shop; it’s an eclectic community of over 125 dealers under one roof, each showcasing a diverse array of treasures waiting to be discovered.

From the moment you step inside this charming brick and mortar, you’re greeted with an atmosphere that’s as captivating as it is inviting. The air is perfumed with a mix of old wood, time-worn books, and a dash of nostalgia. The sound? Oh, just the soft hum of conversation, punctuated by the delighted gasps of patrons unearthing a hidden gem.

Antique Society specializes in a wide range of categories. Fancy some Victorian-era furniture? They’ve got you covered. On the lookout for vintage jewelry? Look no further. Hunting for mid-century modern decor, retro kitchenware, Pyrex or classic vinyl records? Check, check, and check! The store is laid out in a maze of mini-stores, each dealer curating their space with their unique style and specialty. It’s like hopping between different decades with every turn.

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The Best Antiques Guide Along Northern California’s HWY 101

Gin'gilli's Vintage Home
Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home

There’s something incredibly romantic about the open road. The scenic beauty, the freedom, the adventure. This 4th of July weekend, my sweet hubby Gary and I decided to immerse ourselves in just that romance, exploring the breathtaking Northern California’s Highway 101.

Encircled by lush vineyards and the intoxicating beauty of the wine country, this route is an adventurous blend of stunning nature and charming towns filled with hidden gems in the form of antiques shops and vintage home decor boutiques. Our journey was a fantastic one – the perfect blend of relaxation, sightseeing, and of course, treasure hunting for antiques and collectibles.

Our itinerary included three must-visit places: Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home in Geyserville, Mill Street Antiques in Cloverdale, and Country Porch Antiques in Hopland. So buckle up and get ready for a recounting of our treasure hunt along the beautiful highway!

Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home, Geyserville

Our first stop is the quaint town of Geyserville, home to the delightful Gin’gilli’s Vintage Home. As soon as you step inside this charming shop, you’ll find yourself transported to a bygone era. Its collection boasts an eclectic mix of antiques, salvage, furniture, vintage cameras and vinyl, vintage toys and collectibles, jewelry, vintage furniture, crafted creations, and distinctive home decor that evokes a sense of nostalgia. Every piece tells a story, from rustic farmhouse tables to Victorian-era curiosities and retro-inspired home accessories.

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Antique Harvest the Best Antique Shopping in Healdsburg, CA

Healdsburg, California is an idyllic paradise boasting a charming downtown shopping district and gorgeous vineyards. Nestled between two quaint hotels lies Antique Harvest – an incredible trove of treasures in the heart of Healdsburg Plaza and has the best antique shopping. Antique Harvest is sure to give you your nostalgia fix with its one-of-a kind antiques and collectibles. Let’s take a closer look at this one-of-a-kind store!

Antique Harvest Fabulous Booths
Pyrex and Mid-Century at Antique Harvest
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The Most Festive Christmas Decorations and Luxury Shopping

December, the month of cheer and enchantment! My sweet hubby and I had an unforgettable experience in San Francisco’s iconic Union Square for the most festive Christmas decorations, dresses, & shopping. The cheerful atmosphere was filled with vibrant twinkle lights, a stunning Christmas tree at its center surrounded by ice-skaters gliding across the rink, making it truly magical.

Our day included seeing gorgeous Tiffany ornaments with works from the late Andy Warhol adorning their trees; William Sonoma’s whimsical gingerbread window display and Louis Vuitton’s one-of-a kind Lego Christmas trees as part of their mesmerizing festive windows – all giving us that special dose of holiday spirit we were seeking for our day out!

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