Collectibles, Treasures, and More…

by Sarah Lopez

We used to call it junk store browsing. It’s more fashionable to call the treasures you will find in downtown Arlington collectibles. The quaint little town has a nice mix of collectible stores on the main street (Olympic Avenue), making an outing with mom, or your friends, a perfect way to spend time together. My mom is a regular; she likes to frequent these stores, checking in for any new items. And she has a favorite store, rightly named “My Favorite Things.” Before heading in we park the car at Legion Park across the street!

Shops Not to Miss

My Favorite Things is predominately antiques. You will recognize items from your childhood, knick-knacks galore. Super pretty pink glassware. Cute yard items.  Things that you still need today or want to share with your adult children, like cast-iron pans. After visiting My Favorite Things:

• Head north on Olympic Avenue. If you are into new home décor items, country-style, walk into the front door of Arlington Hardware to browse.
• Continue on your loop, to Third Street and you will find Sassafras, Vintage, and Gifts. If you are looking for gifts, they can help. Cards, jewelry, dog lover items, seasonal décor, and many country signs.
• A few doors down at 311 Olympic Avenue is Bits and Pieces. A true second-hand store (I know lots of you love a good buy)!  The store is full of used items, clothes, furniture, books, etc.
• Rustic Vintage is next door. This is a pretty showcase of antique furniture and houseware and other items. The displays are beautiful.

Last Stop, Katelyn’s Korner

• The next stop is Katelyn’s Korner. This is another of my mom’s favorites.  She has collected several “live edge” cutting boards here.  Katelyn’s Korner also has baby blankets, glassware, and other assorted items including crocheted washcloths (my favorite).
• Head up the sidewalk to Flowers by George. This is another beautiful shop with fresh flowers, new home décor, and small gifts, plus an espresso bar.
• At the corner of 5^th Street, you will find “Found It” a small used clothing boutique with many other items.
• Cross the street to Country Rose and Fauxy Furr Vintage. Country Rose has new items, candles, jewelry, clothing, country signs, and more. Check out Fauxy Furr’s upcycled cowboy boots.
• Restrooms? stop by theLab@Arlington, an old service station, where the city has public restrooms. 404 N Olympic Avenue, or the Depot visitor center at Legion Park, 114 N Olympic Avenue.
• Before you head home with your treasures, grab lunch or a bite to eat at either the Bluebird Café or the Centennial Bar and Grill, both located between 4^th and 3^rd Street on this Olympic Avenue loop.