I was in Centralia, Washington, located halfway between Seattle and Portland, Oregon. There are hundreds of dealers in shops and malls throughout the town, allowing the antique enthusiast many pleasurable hours of treasure hunting. Most of these are open 7 days a week. Cobblestone sidewalks, brick streets, vintage streetlights with cascading flower baskets and quaint old buildings add to the charm of the downtown Historic District.
At the end of November for a week through the beginning of December is the downtown Victorian celebration 'Dickens Of A Christmas' where you can see the tree and candle lighting ceremony, enjoy horse drawn carriage rides, townspeople dressed in Victorian costumes, vendors roasting nuts, decorated antique shops and more.
Don't forget your camera - I've gotten some great pictures at Centralia's holiday celebration.
There's a new guy in town . . .
New and not new. The same dealers - just new ownership and name. I started out with Betty probably some twenty-five or more years ago when she was down the street and only had crafts. The shop was called The Calico Goose. She eventually moved and bought a new building that had 2 shops and she added the antique mall. She was from the old school and probably had the best rental rates in town and part of the craft section was her alterations and wedding dresses. You could still get your jeans, slacks or whatever hemmed for $5.00 and all you had to do was bring her a picture of your dream wedding gown and it was yours - and knowing Betty probably for a really great price!
This shop had some unique antique dealers that didn't put the highest prices on everything either - but they had great antiques! What's this? Still treasures to be found for decent prices? And everyone is friendly?
Well, Betty has finally retired and sold the shop. It still has the same dealers and friendly atmosphere with great prices - just the name has changed. So when you do get to Centralia to visit be sure and check them out. They don't have a website yet but said they will be getting one soon and then I'll put a link in for them. But for now it's:
Simply Collectibles
Antiques & Gifts
216 N. Tower
Centralia, WA
Timeless Treasures Antiques & Collectibles
Centralia Square Antique Mall
Winder's Web
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