A Trip Back in Time - Midway Antique Mall

Last weekend, I visited the Midway Antique Mall at 5130 Madison Avenue for the fourth time. My folks have a booth and a couple of glass cases at this truly fabulous establishment.



MY DAD CHECKING OUT MY MOTHER'S BOOTH

Over the years, I have been inside plenty of these antique super stores, where dealers take small spaces and fill them with every kind of oldie-but-goodie imaginable. Normally, this means wandering through cramped quarters, and being somewhat overwhelmed by the clutter. Where Midway takes a step away from the others I've been to, is the way the owners have managed to lay out the place, giving it a spacious feel.

The location is an old Ethan Allen store, so it automatically has a retail feel, rather than the usual barn-like quality, and several areas for small vignettes. Additionally, it's got a terrific entry area and red-vested attendants throughout the store. The Red Vests are dealers in the shop, who take turns manning the place, so there are always experts on hand and plenty of assistance getting into the various cases to oogle the goods.


WELCOME TO MIDWAY




My favorite thing about this stroll back in time is the "Fabulous 50's" area. There you will find rooms fully decorated to reflect this glitzy era. When I was there last, there was THE most amazing Parisian orange and yellow dining set, in incredible condition. If only I had a place to put it!

WIDE VARIETY OF THINGS EVERYWHERE YOU TURN

The 50'S area is in the very back, a more open air area, so be sure to head all the way the rear of the store before you go.

Their website www.midwayantiguemall.net says they are open everyday from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. and lists their phone number - (916) 779-6252. But if you're looking to see what all they have, hop in your car and head towards the 80 and Madison exit - you won't regret the drive.

Davis Daytrip

Last weekend, I ventured to Davis, something I'd been planning to do for several weeks. I finally made it and I was thrilled with the result. Davis has lots to offer and I plan on going back soon.

I started at the Farmer's Market, which is really much more than a market for farmers. It's more of a bazaar, with offerings from exquisite pastries to handmade products of all kinds - clothing, jewelry, handbags, soaps and more. Under the permanent canopy, is mostly the farm products, with a few stalls to stave off urgent hunger pains, which I suffered until I gave into a magnificent cinnamon crisp and a perfect cup of coffee. The booth, which I neglected to record the name of, cannot be missed - it's large and the smells wafting your way will give it away. And if you have any question as to whether you're at the correct booth, the spinach and feta scones will reassure you. I plan on trying one of those next time.



A YOUNG CUSTOMER AT SALLY'S BOOTH

As I wandered down the promenade in the center, eventually it gave way to uncovered booths, where most of the handmade products were being offered as well as causes. I'm always thrilled to happen upon artists' goods and that's what I found at Sally Parker's booth in her "Tiny Worlds Jewelry." It was fanciful and I delighted in her pieces, where the fact that she's also a storyteller was evident. I could not resist a charm that reminded me of a character I'm currently writing about and a pair of fun earrings.

Further down, I happened upon a gentleman named Tom, manning a custom t-shirt booth, with sayings I loved, being a grandmother now. My favorite "I eat my vegetables" will be a Christmas present for my grandson, when I venture back to Davis again. To view their "green" products, visit their website at ninaandtom.com.



TOM OF THE TSHIRTS


If you have little ones, allot some time for the old-fashioned merry-go-round and two playgrounds nearby.


After the Farmer's Market, I headed to the U.C. Davis Arboretum, which you'll find if you take the U.C. Davis loop. On weekends parking is free, and it's open 24 hours a day. I was genuinely thrilled to find the Redwood Grove, as I absolutely love the smell and feeling of shelter in a forest. Next time to Davis, I will pack a picnic lunch and spend a few hours pondering - one of my favorite activities.




There much more in Davis to keep you occupied for the day. Walking around the downtown area nets you quirky shops, a red double-decker bus and fabulous dining choices. The day I was there was also filled with music and gatherings at the fraternity and sorority houses and a couple of cause-driven happenings.

Happily, my drive to Davis took less time that my daily commute home. Visit Davis on a day when you think you've played out the Sacramento area for things to do. You'll take home memories and the desire to drive the 30 odd miles again - soon.