Antique shopping is like a modern day treasure hunt. As I rummage through cluttered shelves filled with hidden gems and oddities, I cross my fingers for a 48-piece china set for $10 or antique costume jewelry for less than a new haircut. You just never know what you’re going to find. And in the shopping district of Boerne, Texas, the odds are, you’ll find something pretty spectacular.
Me and my fellow treasure hunters start the morning buzzing with excitement. Entering the first store sets the tone as we spot incredible wood furniture, rusty buttons from presidential runs and a silver, pig-shaped pin cushion squealing for me to take it home. We chat with the shop owner to get the insider information on the shopping and layout of the area. Then we shuttle out the door.
Continuing our adventure, we debate which store to explore next. I peer in the window of The Antique Mall and immediately spot a necklace that almost lights up with a heavenly stream of sunlight; just like it does in the movies. I take a deep breath and push through the door. We all make a beeline for the silver bib beauty. It’s perfect; delicate yet strong. A definite statement piece yet simple. What will it take to make this mine? A mere $25. What?!
I double check; yes only $25 dollars! Giddy with happiness I scan the cabinet searching for another inexpensive jewel and grab a long brushed gold chain with decorated black onyx pendant. Again, only $22 dollars. I think this might be my lucky day. And then I locate a silver open chain with tassels from the 1950s. Gasp! This looks like a movie star accessory. The jewel gods certainly smiled down on me today, my mind is thinking, as I pay for my new found treasures.
As you can assume, jewelry makes me a happy girl, but these shops have so much more. Rugs, lamps, stained glass creations, furniture and more stacked from floor to ceiling. Something for every budget, taste level, or need. Home accessories galore, enough to furnish and decorate every room in the house. Why buy anything from West Elm or Crate ‘n Barrel when this stuff is less expensive, unique and part of a really entertaining day? I was tempted to purchase cratefuls of items, but alas, my carry-on luggage is the size of an ice-cream sandwich.
Beyond the glorious antique shopping lies quaint clothing boutiques, traditional indian jewelry and art galleries. Truly something for everyone. I hope to return soon with nothing short of a U-Haul van to carry away all of the goodies I can find in Boerne.
If you go:
- Stay at the grand Westin La Cantera, at less than 30 minutes away it offers exceptional service and gorgeous hill country views. For more information, visit www.westinlacantera.com or call 1.210.558.6500.
- Check out the Boerne Convention and Visitors Bureau site for events
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ning year round. And for more information about dining, shopping and activities.
- For modern day shopping, check out the Shops at La Cantera featuring upscale shopping such as Burberry and Neiman Marcus and restaurants in an outdoor mall. For more information, visit www.theshopsatlacantera.com.
Click here to see all of Leah’s Boerne, TX images on Flickr.