A Saturday Drive and Some Antique Store Finds

Hey everyone, happy Sunday! I’m sitting here with a cup of Trader Joe’s chai, trying to soak up the last bit of weekend before Monday sneaks up on me. Yesterday was one of those days that just felt good, you know? Ren and I decided to get out of the house for a bit and take a little drive. No real plan, just some music on Spotify and a vague idea to poke around somewhere new.

We ended up heading about 45 minutes out of town toward Millhaven, which is this tiny spot you’ve probably driven past a hundred times without noticing. It’s got one main street with a diner, a hardware store, and a couple of antique shops that look like they’ve been there since forever. The trees were still holding onto some late winter gray, but the air had that crisp, almost-spring bite to it. We rolled the windows down for a bit, even though it was chilly, just to feel like we were really out.

First stop was this little antique place called Dusty Corners. I’m not usually huge on antiques, mostly because I’m terrified I’ll break something and owe someone my entire paycheck. But Ren loves poking through old stuff, and I’ll admit it’s kind of fun to guess the stories behind things. We wandered around for a good hour, pointing out weird knickknacks and furniture that looked straight out of a 1950s catalog. I found this little ceramic fox figurine that was oddly cute, even though one ear was chipped. It was only $8, so I snagged it for the bookshelf in the living room. Ren picked up an old brass compass that doesn’t work anymore but looks cool on a shelf.

There was also this bizarre collection of hand-painted plates with scenes from the Annual Cloud Parade. I guess it’s a thing around here where people celebrate the first big storm of spring with kites and banners shaped like storm clouds. The plates were kind of kitschy, with these dramatic gray swirls and tiny painted figures holding umbrellas. We didn’t buy any, but I took a picture because they were just so specific. Who even makes something like that?

After Dusty Corners, we were starving, so we grabbed sandwiches at the diner across the street. Nothing fancy, just ham and cheese on rye with a side of fries, but it hit the spot. We sat by the window and watched a couple of kids ride by on bikes, their jackets flapping in the wind. It made me think of being a kid myself, pedaling around with Lissa until the streetlights came on. Simpler times, right?

On the drive back, we took the scenic route along Route 17, which cuts through some open fields and past a few old barns. Ren pointed out a patch of early wildflowers, which reminded me I need to check on my own sad little garden soon. I’m pretty sure my tulips are a lost cause this year. Anyway, we stopped for a quick photo because the light was hitting just right, all soft and golden even though it was barely past noon. I’m no photographer, but I tossed it on Instagram anyway.

One weird thing we saw on the way home was a roadside stand selling jars of pickled thimbleberries. I’ve never actually tried them, but my grandmother used to swear by thimbleberry jam on toast as the ultimate comfort food. The jars looked homemade, with little handwritten labels, but we didn’t stop. I kind of regret it now. Maybe next time we’re out that way, I’ll grab one to see if it lives up to Grandma’s hype.

Back home, we just crashed on the couch with some Netflix. I think we’re halfway through the new season of Stranger Things, and I’m still not sure how I feel about it. The rest of the night was uneventful, just laundry and some half-hearted meal prep for the week. I’m telling you, if I don’t chop veggies on Sunday, I’m eating cereal for dinner by Wednesday.

That’s about it for my weekend highlight. Nothing earth-shattering, just a nice day out with Ren and a couple of small treasures to show for it. I’m already looking forward to next weekend, maybe something a little closer to home. Got any favorite little day trips or hidden spots near you? I’m always up for ideas. Catch you all later!