Antiques are not really my thing, but I love salvaged pieces and re-purposed items. Something about a pile of old watch faces displaying antique lettering or rusty railroad spikes made from wrought iron speaks to me. I think about how I might use them when combining art with nature in the garden and as decor in my container gardens.

So when I suggested visiting a vintage bazaar in Salisbury, Massachusetts to Steve, my husband, as an idea of “what to do on our anniversary this year,” he agreed to go.  There was a nice “seal the deal” portion of the trip because on day two of the event, vintage motorcycles would be showcased, plus we planned to stay on the beach nearby. 

Clever displays, Upscale and Classy.

All of the show’s vendors at The Vintage Bazaar in Salisbury, MA cleverly displayed their features and finds in well-spaced tents of a boutique style format. Their items were arranged in interesting groupings on the edges of their tents, and in an upscale classy way. There was also a raffle table where you could place your five raffle tickets received as part of your entrance fee of just $5.00. If you wanted to get there early to find the deals and get first dibs, you could do so by getting “early bird” tickets for $2.00 additional dollars.

It didn’t take too long to spot the unexpected, from eerie Ouija (weeje) boards to a cute little vintage travel trailer spiced up with adorable and charming embellishments inside and out. All included in the vendor’s asking price.  The trailer sold during the “early bird” hour, prior to the gates opening at 10 am, for a price of $3,200-3,500 (I can’t remember the exact amount she stated, but I know it was in the 3’s).  You may not expect to spend that much at an event like this – and you don’t have to – there were many bargains and deals as well (I got two huge golden reindeer for $4 each!), but seeing this special trailer did start the day off with a feeling of more good finds to discover.  And I could imagine this cute little trailer right in a garden as a spot to relax and enjoy the views too.

Added bonus – getting Autumn Decor at the show.

There’s something special about visiting fairs and shows like this one during the fall season when you can also collect Halloween or Autumn decor to dress up your surroundings at home for the season.  One of my favorites was works by Alycia Matthews made of paper mache and mixed media.  I bought a cute little Halloween themed doll from her whimsical display to add to my collection of Halloween figurines. Alycia is located in Newburyport, MA and her works may be found via etsy at www.AlyciasArt.etsy.com.

Pumpkin Heads by Vergie Lightfoot.

And I was infatuated with handmade pumpkin heads with realistic painted eyeballs by folk artist, Vergie Lightfoot. I spotted this pumpkin headed manikin with a black velvet dress from yards away, and couldn’t stop looking and considering the others like this one in the tent. However, by this time, we had spent enough dollars on other finds, some at bargain prices – and with a weekend beach stay as part of this trip, we couldn’t justify the expense for a pumpkin head, even though the seller mentioned these pumpkin heads were talked about on The Jay Leno show last year, and he collects them.  I can see why – they are comical and goofy.  I especially liked the one in the little black shoe with a black umbrella.

Re-purposed.

There were other surprises – like this big basket or container created with saws.  And things like a bowl or envisioned bird nest made with rebar.  Both repurposed in a unique and creative way.  These could be positioned in a garden as garden art and would last for years due to the material.  The creators were thinking wisely and you can see the hand-crafted effort put into these items.  And check out the mason jars – different ways to repurpose them into storage containers, whether for your spices or wine corks, it is a good use of a commonly available jar.  You could easily recreate something like it with baby food jars too.  However, getting them from an artsy person is always an option too if you don’t have any crafty bones in your body.

Other Garden Themed Decor.

The event gives you inspiration by viewing all the wonderful ideas and finds.  Take these metal letters – perfect for creating a sign in a space like on a roof top patio or by a sitting area in the garden.  Or how about the little decorative glass lantern below with a bird nest and other cute features, perfectly staged to add decor to a themed enclosed garden room.  And the old typewriters remind us of prior years.  When incorporating elements from the past into our spaces, we create thoughts and memories – and talking points. And who would think we would treasure the bowls or drinking glasses from the 60’s or earlier times?  The once tossed or stored items by your parents or grandparents are treasured for so many reasons – they are rare, unusual, or bring back memories.  Plus many come in great colors too.

Capping it off with a Harvest Fest.

After the vintage bazaar day, another traveler mentioned another find – an “Applecrest Harvest Festival” in Hampton Falls, NH.  So after resting our feet for a bit, we drove there – and it was worth the visit.  Fiddle band, warm apple pie with fresh ice cream, hayrides, orchards, tons of apples, peaches, figs, and homemade cider donuts.  The waiting line for the donuts was very long, so we opted for pie and picked up some fresh goodies, then ended our day with another sit on the beach in our sweatshirts, waiting for the harvest moon to cap off another gorgeous sunset on a beautiful September weekend in the fall. And alas, it rained on Sunday (which it did on our wedding day 23 years ago – and seems to happen almost every September 22nd, but it is considered good luck – so we’ll continue to take it).

The Event’s Location.

The Vintage Bazaar in June and September is held on Pettengill Farm at 45 Ferry Road, in Salisbury, MA (only minutes from Salisbury Beach).  I believe this was their 3rd annual this year in 2013. Hours are 10 am to 5 pm and entrance per person is $5.00.  However, there is an “early bird” ticket option where you can enter earlier for $2.00 more which includes free entrance on Sunday.  The parking is free. Several bands play during the day, and because the event is held on a beautiful flower farm, you also have the option to shop for plants at reduced fall prices. There are greenhouses, arbors, statues, fountains, and even a live emu on the premises.  A beautiful map of the grounds, designed and rendered by “Order Up a Garden,” is displayed at the raffle drop off beyond the entrance booth. And by the way, The Vintage Bazaar is going on the road in October, partnering with The Boston Antiques & Design Show at Shriner’s Auditorium in Wilmington, MA.  To learn more, visit: www.mybazaarlife.com.

Written by Cathy Testa

P.S.  Steve did purchase something – an antique Budweiser serving tray.  That surprised me the most – not that its BUD, but that he bought something for himself at this event!  He was a good sport, and even though the next day’s rain prevented us from seeing the Vintage Motorcycles on day two, he went with the flow.  Instead we opted to hit the road early back home and get some local pumpkins to put outside.

Another tip:  Seaglass Restaurant on Salisbury Beach is outstanding.  Great views and a nice treat for dinner, and take an easy walk on the beach after to work it off.  Loved the side plates (appetizers) the best!

Links to business cards above:

Sand, Sea & Steam

The Yellow Zebra

Alycia’s Art

The Cozy Nook

Pettengill Farm

Yard Garb

POP & circumstance

Peacefrog Designs

Mermaid Bay Treasures

and there were many many more…See HERE.