A couple of my former coworkers invited me to go on their Fall shopping spree. It has become a tradition every year to explore the galleries and boutiques in two small towns on the outskirts of our city. Many of these small towns have development initiatives to attract more patrons to their downtown shops.
We started out the morning at one lady’s house for breakfast. Then we drove the backroads to the first small town. We found THE best vintage shop called Halle’s Vintage Shop, which has become my new favorite.
Everything was clean and neat, and organized better than any vintage shop I’ve ever been to. (i.e., no boxes or piles blocking the aisles, waiting to be sorted)
The shop itself felt vintage, with the coolest tin stamped ceiling, and this great selection of funky hats. Have I ever mentioned that I love funky old hats like this? Too bad they were too high for me to try on.
Halles had a wonderful selection of vintage beaded clutches. If I were ever going to collect anything, it would be vintage beaded clutches. They are so dainty and feminine and impractical, and I love the nostalgia that comes with them! So far, I only own four. This was my newest purchase. It was in good condition (no stains) and quite usable.
We also found some great galleries that showcased several artists, including photography, weaving, metal work, and pottery.
We had lunch at the cutest little cafe, and moved on to the next town. Here we found a quilt shop, general store, jewelry shop and other boutiques.
We all fell in love with this valance, painted with different colors of a quilt block.
I don’t often take the time to explore the little towns that surround my city, so this was a great opportunity to support the local shop owners, see the sights and find some new inspiration.
Terri's Notebook 
Alot of us don’t shop in and around our local areas. I know every time we moved it was like “we should have” So you leave an area that you really never knew.
It sounds like you all had a great time. It is always so much from.
Have a good week.
Looks like you guys had a lot of fun! I love discovering new little shops and cafes around me! I do this everywhere I live. It’s the best part of moving!!
Glad you found a cool vintage store! I believe very much in recycling, reusing, repurposing and restyling!
xoxo
Would love to do that in Aiken,SC sometime before I venture off to NC!
Glad you had a joyous time!
so fun! afternoons like this are my favorite!
what state are you in?
looks lovely~ and a good time by all.
I love to see so much support for the handcrafted! Also, the use of old, established shopspace in such a quaint way.
As Tina Fey says on 30Rock,
“I want to go to there”!!!
I’m sure you had great time with your friends! Those shopping days when wondering around with friends are wonderful but we just don’t do it often – perhaps that’s why they are even more special!
I’m sewing ‘log gabbin’…
Best Regards Teje
I’m having some vintage shopping envy! Esp. for those hats. Sounds like you had some fun!
How fun! I work in a small-ish town with a really cool downtown square. When I have a bad day, I “eat” lunch on the square by browsing in the shops.
Jennfer 🙂
What a cool way to spend the day!
Your vintage clutch bag is gorgeous – don’t you just love looking at all of the detail that goes into bead-work.
So glad you had a fab day :0)
How much fun!! My aunt is getting ready to move to a little town outside our city and I’ve LOOOVED getting to know the sweet lil’ downtown. FUN shopping and really creative people out there! Glad you had a great time and sweet clutch!
Sounds like you had a fun day! I love to check out the main streets of our local towns, but I don’t do it often enough. That tin ceiling is awesome!
looks like a great time. i love going to all the small towns around here just for fun. The clothes in the vintage store are wonderful. I love the soft colors.