Antique Roadshow

I spent most of Friday and this weekend solo parenting, finishing up our bathroom, carting kids around to play dates and birthday parties. Fortunately one of those chores landed me in Sebastopol kid-free for 2 hours. I spent my time driving up and down the Gravenstein Hwy exploring the myriad of antique and vintage furnishing shops on the south side of town. I'd noticed them on our way to Sunday Farmer's market, lining the road, dotted in between small farms and hippie coffee shops, but antiquing is considered the most boring of all activities by my children, so this was my very first visit.

I made a quick stop in town to Retrospect, a vintage modern furnishing shop.  Artist in residence/owner, Gregory Odle has a beautiful collection of mid century and large canvas paintings.  The space is quite small, so selection is somewhat limited, but a treasure trove for the mid century enthusiast.

104 Petaluma Avenue. 707-291-7058 

I began my driving tour at Trader Bucks, an antique shop with a bit of a Grandpa's garage feel to it.  I spotted a leather sling chair, slat bench table and some interesting art.  Shop here for vintage flags, mismatched kitchen chairs and curiosity pieces like mounted antlers.

1140 Gravenstein Hwy So.

(707) 829-7722

My next stop was at Windmill Antiques.  This place had a range of early 20th century furniture, collectibles, and depression era housewares.  I did find a pretty mint colored typewriter, beautiful mixing bowl sets and a blue velvet occasional chair.  The highlight of this pop in was meeting Billie, the owner.  She was so chatty and welcoming.

2830 Gravenstein HWY So. 707-823-7945 

Last stop, and my favorite find, was FFT Antiques. The large space is curated into vignettes by era. I found several mid century pieces I would LOVE to bring home. They had a vast selection of art, tchotches, lighting, and furniture. Shop for good: Proceeds benefit FOOD FOR THOUGHT, the Sonoma County AIDS foodbank.

2701 Gravenstein HWY So. (707)823-3101