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.

Continue reading

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.

Continue reading

Priceless Barbies: Discover the Most Expensive Dolls Ever Made

For over six decades, Barbie has been a beloved icon for children and collectors alike. While many of us grew up playing with the classic, affordable versions of this fashion doll, there is a whole world of luxurious, high-end Barbie dolls that are worth a small fortune. These limited edition and designer collaborations are some of the most expensive dolls ever made and are sought-after collectibles in the world of Barbie, showcasing the finest craftsmanship and opulence that money can buy. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the most expensive Barbie dolls ever made and their extravagant price tags.

Stefano Canturi, Marie Antoinette, Pink Diamond Barbie, Pink Splendor Barbie
Continue reading

Mastering Mid-Century Antique Shopping in San Francisco

Stuff Mid-Century Modern Furniture San Francisco
Stuff Mid-Century Modern Furniture San Francisco

Today we’re mastering mid-century antique shopping in San Francisco. One of the premier places to find mid-century antiques is “Stuff,” located in the Mission District. This vast 17,000 square foot space is brimming with unique pieces from various eras, but the mid-century offerings are particularly noteworthy. From vintage Eames chairs to Danish teak furniture, you can find stunning MCM pieces that cater to every budget. The rotating inventory ensures a new surprise on every visit, offering you a treasure hunt experience in the heart of San Francisco.

Stuff San Francisco Yasmina Greco Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Stuff San Francisco Yasmina Greco Mid-Century Modern Furniture

You can read my post about Stuff Antiques and see pictures of the treasures I saw in this blog post – San Francisco Antiques and Mid-Century Modern at STUFF

Past Perfect,” another fantastic store located on Union Street, has two locations loaded with mid-century pieces. Their meticulously curated collection ranges from stunning MCM lighting fixtures to stylish furnishings that encapsulate the clean lines and organic curves characteristic of the era.

Flea Markets and Antique Fairs

If you enjoy the thrill of hunting for antiques, San Francisco’s flea markets and antique fairs offer plenty of opportunities to unearth mid-century treasures. The Alameda Point Antiques Faire held the first Sunday of each month, the largest antiques show in Northern California, are must-visits for MCM enthusiasts. Here, amidst the bustling activity, you can find a variety of mid-century items, from furniture and lamps to ceramics and art. We’ve had some amazing scores at this event with finding vintage Freeman McFarlin mermaids, Franciscan Starburst dinnerware, vintage Cathrineholm enamelware bowls, to Holt Howard pixieware and more.

Alameda Point Antique Faire
Alameda Point Antique Faire
Continue reading

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
Continue reading

Antique & Collectibles Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

Whether you’re an avid collector or a casual enthusiast, it’s always fun to stay abreast of the latest trends in collecting. Here’s predictions on what could be hot in 2023 in the world of mid-century and collectibles.

Mid-Century Furniture & Home Décor

Mid-century furniture and home decor will continue to remain popular with its classic lines, modern style and craftsmanship. With the continued growth of television shows like Mad Men and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, we can expect more people looking to recreate that 1950s vibe at home. Mid-century furniture is now easier than ever to find online, making it accessible for all budgets. The key is finding pieces that are still in good condition, as many vintage pieces require some restoration work before they can be used again.

Kitsch & Retro Toys

Get ready for a blast from the past! This year, kitsch trends inspired by pop culture icons such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe are popping up everywhere–on walls and t-shirts alike. Not to mention those irresistibly cute Japanese figurines of cats, dogs, bunnies & bears that were all the rage in the 1950s/1960s with their big expressive eyes – no collector can pass these gems up! And don’t forget about tin toys: robots; windup models; cars…these vintage treasures have seen an incredible comeback thanks to nostalgic charm they possess. So go ahead collectors – start your search now (you might even discover some great inspiration too)!

Continue reading