Jewelry Highway Vacation: Circa 1700 Goes to Texas!

Circa 1700 not too long ago went on an great highway excursion to Texas and on up by Tennessee. She graciously usually takes us on her journey by way of these two antique-filled states and let’s us in on her finds! Let’s travel alongside as she delivers us on this TWO Part blog site journey:

TEXAS:

Upon recognizing that neither my Canadian nor British passports could well be renewed in time for the silver ring for menEuropean gem hunt more than the holidays, my partner and i made a decision, even though feeding on a yummy breakfast at Small Flower, to strike the highway as an alternative!

So we mapped out our route along with the first stop was my husband’s household in rural Texas. After that, we drove to Austin, flew on to Nashville and then moseyed on down to Memphis in our rental motor vehicle.

My 1st journey was with my sister-in-law, Theresa. We ended up out checking out the pawnshops (loads of guns, if that’s what you’re right after) and antique stores of Whitney, Texas. The jewel hunt turned out to get a bust, but the Hill County Courthouse unquestionably was not.

I just required to take some pics of your stunning setting up, but my curiosity got the higher of me after we found out a suspended staircase that dead-ended at an outdoor window. I requested a gentleman relating to this staircase and he discussed which the window opened to a balcony wherever two presidents – together with LBJ – had presented speeches. And when he couldn’t open up the window for us, he insisted we comply with him by way of a courtroom that would are already a time capsule from To Eliminate a Mockingbird – a single of my preferred textbooks – in which he proceeded to open the window at the rear of the judge’s bench so we could all crawl out on to a little balcony.

I used to be amused that LBJ would have needed to do the identical within the other window. But that balcony had a record relationship back for the 1800s carved, with a few flair, into its limestone making blocks. Sweethearts testifying to their undying love – or previous sweethearts scratching out the identify in their once beloved.

It had been incredible to operate our fingers above such a unique monument to the record of the neighborhood and also to recognize that each and every in the writers needed to sneak out over the balcony to depart their mark around the courthouse.

Over the way to Austin, we drove by way of Waco so we could visit Display and Explain to Antiques. I’d examine the Dr. Pepper Mansion, which now properties this boutique that is certainly equal parts shop and museum. The community isn’t any longer what it absolutely was in the event the initially CEO of Dr. Pepper experienced the home created, but that’s no explanation to overlook this treasure trove. It’s lovingly curated by James together with the equipped guidance of Dotty.

Experienced we, but income enough plus a van, I would’ve absconded with significantly in their incredible crystal stemware. And for just about any bride-to-be on the lookout for your unique china spot placing, a check out to their upstairs is if you want. Also inside the mix are antique textbooks, home furnishings, rare artifacts, some jewellery and 1 or two items of Tiffany and Lalique glassware. I hope to return soon – I’ve my sights established on some crystal ice tea stemware.

From there we went to Austin in which we settled in to your historic Driskill Hotel. The initial night we ate in the 1886 Caf & Bakery – also known as “Austin’s Original Socializing Parlor.” More importantly, though, it’s known for its mouthwatering 1886 Chocolate Cake.

In excess of the next couple of days we explored various spots which include Uncommon Objects on South Congress Avenue, which has a never-ending supply of, well, uncommon objects that are both antique and vintage. Uncommon Objects is definitely not a quick in-and-out. You’ll want to meander as a result of all of its various nooks and crannies.

Besides all the funky shops as well as the amazing malts (and more) at Big Top Candy Shop,

South Congress Avenue is home to many talented street artists. A single in particular – Karren – captured our imagination with her ink and gauche color drawings that put a new twist on Alice in Wonderland. She was willing to part with an original of your cowardly lion asleep amongst a field of red poppies. As a cat rescuer, it had been love at initially sight for both my spouse and me.

We also experienced two terrific culinary adventures in Austin – dinner at Arro and men’s gold chain only necklacesbreakfast at Walton’s Fancy and Staple. My only regret was not getting to explore Bell and Bird – they have been closed for the season. Bell and Bird curates some with the most stunning antique jewelry I’ve ever seen – well to date, only online.

And be sure to check out Circa 1700’s shop on Ruby Lane! She has some gorgeous staple items within the Circa 1700 jewellery line, as well as one-of-a-kind antique jewels and lots of conversion items that were once pins or brooches, made into wearable necklaces, rings and bracelets. You can also find items from her road journey for sale!