Field Trip Friday: Renninger's Antique and Collector's Extravaganza
November 21, 2014
Last Friday, Laure Ferlita and I rose before the
crack of dawn to trek out to Mount Dora, FL, where Renninger’s was hosting an
“Antique and Collectors Extravaganza.” This popular 3-day event attracts
vendors from all over the country, and many thousands of visitors. We wanted to
be there when it opened so we could cover as much ground as possible.
It was a gray and drizzly day, which kept a few of the more
casual buyers away early. By late morning, the sun had come out and by the end
of the day, we were glad of the trees shading many of the booths. (Florida may
not have traditional seasons, but we like to pack as many weather changes into
one day as we can.)
Laure is an experienced Renninger visitor, but it was my
first time. I was astonished by the sheer volume of antiques and
collectibles—including antique and vintage furniture, art, jewelry, collectible
glass, porcelain, sterling silver, architectural pieces and much more. We
wandered the aisles, admiring, questioning the wisdom of, laughing, drinking in
the sights and sounds, generally filling the inspiration well with a complete
change of pace from our usual routine. (We also ate mini donuts—they
weren’t beignets, but still pretty tasty! We had to keep our strength up, after
all.)
My only purchases were three of these spools:
…and a copy of A.A. Milne’s The House at Pooh Corner.
However, I was mightily tempted by some Beatrix Potter figurines (which I
unfortunately did not get a picture of) and hope one day to start a little
collection of them.
I did collect a few things that were not things that
day, including:
- Appreciation of some people’s creativity
- Inspiration to be more creative myself
- Realization and gratitude that I have nearly all of the “things” I think I need to furnish my home
- Happy memories of spending time with a good friend
- Very sore feet!
Altogether, a most satisfactory field trip.
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4 comments
Oh how fun. I don't really collect anything, but I could see starting a collection of those spools. Well, that's not entirely true, I collect Longaberger baskets. At least I have a collection of them; I don't really buy them anymore. And of course, I collect fabric and thread and art supplies and . . .
ReplyDeleteWho has money (or room in the house) for collections when you collect art supplies, fabric, and in my case, books!
ReplyDeleteDear Kathy - what a wonderful day this must have been. I enjoy looking at things but not necessarily purchasing them...my house is full but if there is any weakness it books...somehow I can always find room for one more (LOL). Hope you have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteDebbie--That's what's great about Reninger's--you don't need to buy anything in order to have fun. There's just so much interesting stuff to look at. And you'll notice that I did purchase a book...I just don't seem to be able to resist books!
ReplyDelete