The only true “must” about my recent visit to Ann Arbor, Michigan was to spend time with my Mom and Sister as well as to meet both my Mom’s new boyfriend and dog (I was crazy for both of them). And that is what I did and I tell you, it was wonderful. They spoiled me rotten with love sweet love.
But I do have my favorites that I try to get to each time when I am in that neck of the woods. Perhaps on the top of that list is Treasure Mart in the Kerrytown neighborhood. Like the Dêpot-Ventes in France that I so adore, it is somewhere between junk shop and antique store. You never, ever know what you are going to find but as the stuffed antelope at the door proclaims, you are “welcome” to dig in and dig around. Supposedly, there are folks that come every single day to Treasure Mart and that doesn’t surprise me a bit as the merchandise is priced to turn over as quickly as possible.
We actually headed there the morning after my arrival (which probably is telling, isn’t it?) and in my jet-lagged haziness, I let a few interesting pieces slip through my fingers.
I was in a decidedly old-fashioned country mood and was delighted by the piles of gilded china, the doilies and this enormous apple-blossom covered set.
I most certainly would have brought home any one (or all three!) of these fine ships for Remi. The least expensive was only $75 (in France it could easily be triple that) and its imperfections made it all the more charming.
My favorite piece that first day was this wonderful oak rocker. There are quite a few homes in the area in the Arts and Crafts architectural style and I know that this beauty must have happily resided in one for decades. Why anyone would part with it I’ll never know and found it to be a steal at $200.
Yes, the comfort of country and the reminders of my childhood. Different times. I was very drawn to all of the quilts on offer as well. When I was not quite seven years old, my Mom piled my Sister and I into the car and drove us far out into the country in Ohio to a little red schoolhouse that had been made into a home. The woman living there made quilts for a living and we were both allowed to choose one for the Victorian home that we were soon going to move to in Mason, Michigan. I used mine until it completely and utterly shredded apart. I even kept the shreds for years later. No surprise then that I looked longingly at the slightly torn quilt in the window, especially at only $30!
Lest you think that there are only the golden oldies at Treasure Mart, I present to you this brand new Ralph Lauren duvet and a faboo brass lamp that could easily go for ten times the price on One King’s Lane. I couldn’t help but think that several of my designer friends would appreciate it.
So what did make it home with me this trip? Not much actually as I was in too great of need of practical Americana like jeans that actually fit to bring back as much as usual. But on our second visit I couldn’t resist two woodcuts for $1, I bought my Mom and I each silly sunglasses for the same price (mine are rather Bonoesque, don’t you think?), a chunky stone and semi-precious necklace that will be great next summer and what became known as the “chickateapot” because…well, it made me happy!
More from Ann Arbor to follow soon. Here is to a great week ahead!
Yay!! Treasure Mart! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways! I think that if I lived in A2 I would probably have to be in your neighborhood just so I could visit all the time. Truly!
Thanks for all you do and I'll see you the next time that I am in the States…
We are so pleased that you had a wonderful experience here. Thank you so much for shopping with us! We love the photographs and it is fun to read the lovely comments. Sincerely, The Treasure Mart
What lovely treasures! It's so exciting finding the perfect vintage piece for a steal!
~ Clare x
Oh my! Lots of unattended comments on this post!
Carol, isn't it funny but I can only imagine how excited someone must have been to have found that unwanted dining room set–"the grass is always greener"! Hoping that you found a replacement to your liking. 🙂 And yes, you never know what you will find there–on my last visit there was a faux Louis XVI sitting room set that was gilded and looked worthy of an African prince!
A friend in Georgia just sent me the link to your A2 restaurant post today (3/8). Reading about your visit to TM really brought back a memory! We currently live in Plymouth, a lovely town about 15 minutes east of A2. In 1986 my husband inherited his grandma's circa 1930 dining room set. To say it wasn't to my taste is putting it very mildly. We set it up with the stipulation (mine) that it was a temporary visitor until we could afford my dream furniture. When that day came, the Treasure Mart truck took Grandma's set away as I breathed a long sigh of happiness and relief. I couldn't imagine who in the world would want those old pieces, but that was no longer my issue. A couple of hours later, Treasure Mart called to let me know that Grandma's dining room set was sold before they had finished unloading it from the truck at the store. I haven't been to TM in quite some time, but I think I'll stop in and look around next time I'm in the land of Maize & Blue.
Oh! Somehow I missed this on Sunday. Looks like a fantastic treasure hunt, what fun! Those ships are lovely – they'd be perfected perched on a mantel in a sea-side home. Glad to see you had such a lovely visit home. XO
Those sorts of shops are VERY DANGEROUS for me! Well, dangerous for my bank account, that is. Love the rocker chair especially. But also that wonderful china, with the floral pattern. What a treasure trove! xx
Treasure Mart! What a surprise to see one of my local haunts on Lost in Arles (even though I knew you were here not long ago…still). I got the coolest red desk chair last year from Treasure Mart. Love that place!
Oh no! I am bummed to have made you homesick and there are quite a few posts to come on A2 (including a couple of shots of the farmer's market) so be warned! 🙂
Dear Heather,
I have been following your blog for quite some time…and was SHOCKED to see your recent story about The Treasure Mart! Ann Arbor is my hometown, and The Treasure Mart is one of my favorite places to visit when I go home (after the Farmer's Market)! What a surprise! Your pictures make me a bit homesick!
Love your teapot!
Cathy
Oh you know, Mom did her typical thing were I turned around and she was wearing them. She said "Hey Heather, how would you like to see the world through rose colored glasses?" (pretty witty our Mom) so I ended up getting them and buying her another pair because at 50 cents each, why not?
Love you Sister!
That would be fantastic! Especially as you included me in your wardrobe selection. 🙂 And I thought that I had already translated that for you! Oops! Yep, they are great places and perfect for you with your fabulous shop, The Hen House!
Wait – what? How did I miss those awesome sunglasses?? You and Treasure Mart are a match made in heaven! I will look forward to more takes of your visit in future posts but will need no reminders for how wonderful it was to spend 11 days with you!! Le sigh.
So, thats what the sign means in my kitchen!The Depot VENTE.Somewhere between junk and antique!That is so perfect for me you have no idea!Thanks for the translation!PS. I will photo copy the article to send to you!Of Moi in Where Women Cook!Does that sound good?
Oh Penelope, it is a far cry from the San Francisco Antiques Show! It is very kind of you to comment. But yes, that little teapot, with the baby chick on the mama's back is just a perfect reminder for such a perfect trip. Remi and I are experts at bringing things back from our trips but this visit wasn't about that. 🙂
Hope all is well with you!
Great post! Love that little teapot; and it is hard to bring stuff back! That happy teapot will always remind you of this trip!
Debra, how are you doing with your snow? I bet Dylan dog has had a blast! I am actually pretty tired today. That is often how it goes–I get through the first couple of days from sheer will then my mood/energy drops for two days and then I am fine. Luckily, Remi and I had a great day out in the country today and I took a ton of photos–that made me feel awake!
xo,
H
Thank you so much Elizabeth. Really appreciate that. Bisous.
And as for the shopping, well, I have bought too much from them in the past and know that I have to be on my best buying behaviour when I go!
Looks like you had some retail/antique fun while visiting. You're stronger then I am when it comes to shopping I would have left with something no matter how small. I hope you're well rested now and enjoying being back with your men!
XX
Debra~
Such restraint…..how did you manage to take so little home? The prices are indeed much cheaper than those I've seen in France. I am a sucker for anything that reminds me of my childhood and grandparents – I'm sure I would have purchased half of the shop and then wondered how I would get it home and what I'd do with it!
I'm pleased that you had such a wonderful trip. It is difficult when your heart is split between 2 continents. Take care.
Bisous