Every now and then I like to spend the day -- or even longer! -- hunting for treasures. One of my favorite pastimes is discovering new streets or towns with clusters of antiques shops.
I'd like to take you along with me. Today is the first in an occasional series of stories about Bay Area spots collectors might like to visit. I'll do the footwork for you.
I'll scout around for expert services and keep an eye out for noteworthy trends. I'll even suggest a couple of places for a bite to eat.
My first adventure keeps us close to home with a trip to a section of West San Carlos Street and South Bascom Avenue in San Jose called Antique Row. After going to nearly 20 places, I was bowled over by the variety of goods up for grabs.
Remember that shopping for vintage merchandise is just like going to any outlet or mall. You need to return on a regular basis to check out recent arrivals and occasional sales. Ask about layaway policies. And by all means, find out store hours.
Organized shoppers tote a tape measure, photos, color swatches, even a piece of china or silver in order to get replacement or add-on pieces. Carry a notepad to jot down facts and figures, and pick up business cards.
There's plenty of free parking on Antique Row. Since you have lots of territory to cover, dress comfortably and put on a pair of shoes with good support.
I believe you'll enjoy Antique Row. Chances are you'll encounter an object or two you can't live without. I did. Let's begin our tour where West San Carlos Street meets McEvoy Street:
Ancora 751 W. San Carlos St. (408) 977-1429. This 100-year-old group of historic buildings houses a series of small, well-lighted rooms with neatly displayed items. Plenty of colored glass and china. The book nook is worth exploring.
Artefact Design & Salvage. 245 McEvoy St. (408) 279-8766. 9,000 square feet devoted to a splendid array of unique architectural elements, statuary, cemetery art, urns, ornaments and garden accouterments.
San Carlos Street Antiques. 1409 W. San Carlos St. (408) 293-8105. This well-stocked emporium offers a mix of nice china, glass and furniture, but also has quirky items like student microscopes and an old phone booth.
Moon Zooom. 1630 W. San Carlos St. (408) 287-5876. Scads of vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories. As October approaches, the shop becomes a popular haunt for folks in search of a special Halloween getup.
Laurelwood Antiques. 1824 W. San Carlos St. (408) 287-1863. Large group of holiday collectibles, some majolica and many cases filled with interesting artifacts. Arguably the biggest batch of R. Atkinson Fox prints for sale in the nation. For those not familiar with his work, Fox was a contemporary of Maxfield Parrish.
Memory Lane Antiques and Collectibles. 1867 W. San Carlos St. (408) 289-1022. A new-comer to Antique Row, the store features Occupied Japan novelties and calendar plates, as well as Franciscan ware and bric-a-brac.
Evelyn's Antiques. 1863 W. San Carlos St. (408) 292-2234. The most incredibly packed shop you'll ever see -- a San Jose institution for more than 35 years. There's a little of everything. Be sure to greet Tikki, the resident handsome and sometimes talkative macaw.
Bruce's Antiques. 1883 W. San Carlos St. (408) 292-4356. This could be Antique Row's smallest space. Look for a smattering of pottery, Depression glass, clocks, lamps, frames, odds and ends.
Briarwood Antiques and Collectibles. 1885 W. San Carlos St. (408) 292-1720. More than 30 vendors offer radios, period lighting, fishing paraphernalia, Roseville pottery and watches. A tremendous source for hinges, latches and other hardware. Lamps repaired. American radios fixed.
Burbank Antiques. 1893 W. San Carlos St. (408) 292-3204. Eduardo Massa's shop boasts Czech glass, Belleek, custard glass, furniture and a phenomenal cache of innovative ceramics designed in the 1940s, '50s and '60s by dancer/sculptor/jeweler/artist Sascha Brastoff.
Annette's Antiques. 1887 W. San Carlos St. (408) 289-1929. Whimsical 1950s ceramics including head vases, cookie jars, string holders, and salt and pepper shakers mingle here with silver, jewelry, porcelain and light fixtures.
Collectibles Outlet. 1889 W. San Carlos St. (408) 288-6027. A huge choice of collectibles including Precious Moments, Swarovski, Lladro, Armani and Hummels. A source for discontinued china and crystal.
Antiques Colony. 1915 W. San Carlos St. (408) 293-9844. Antique Row's largest collective, with 50 dealers and 15,000 square feet. Old linens, ephemera, silver, clocks, jewelry, advertising memorabilia and a huge selection of furniture. Waxes, polishes and other care products for sale.
Antique Market. 481 S. Bascom Ave. (408) 275-1129. ``Shabby chic'' and country furniture displayed in bright, comfortable vignette settings. If you're in the market for an armoire, it could be at this recently opened shop.
Big Al's Record Barn. 522 S. Bascom Ave. (408) 294-7200. More than 500,000 records -- everything from easy listening to Elvis, Big Band to the Beatles -- available at this landmark.
Time Tunnel Toys. 532 S. Bascom Ave. (408) 298-1709. Action heroes like Batman and Spiderman along with G.I. Joe and Godzilla call this home. Discover vintage toys, movie posters and funky Polynesian beverage glasses.
Hello Dolly. 534 S. Bascom Ave. (408) 288-7897. Mary Watts has run this porcelain doll studio and hospital for 19 years. Doll clothing custom made. Teddy bears mended.
Space Cat. 536 S. Bascom Ave. (408) 280-7257. Comic books, collectible cards and pop fiction toys. One of three South Bay locations. A resource for books, magazines and archival supplies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact Steven Wayne Yvaska at syvaska@sjmercury.com.
