As I toured Lincoln Avenue in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, I couldn't help but hum Willie Nelson's ``On the Road Again.''
In the second installment of my occasional series, I hit the road in pursuit of antiques and collectibles. I had my eye out for bargains and my ear open for news to share with die-hard collectors.
Lincoln Avenue, originally called El Abra and renamed for our 16th president shortly after his assassination in 1865, is home to a thriving group of businesses. You can easily spend an entire day wandering about this charming and historic community annexed to San Jose in 1936.
Merchants' hours vary, so call ahead. Some businesses are closed on Sunday, and one shop opens only the first two weeks of every month. Free parking abounds, but watch for posted restrictions.
We'll begin our visit near Coe Avenue on the corner of Pedro Street.
The Loft. 999 Lincoln Ave. (408) 294-7307. Owner Dovey Pickle -- daughter Jenny Urban tells me she's now 95 -- has been hawking antiques at this location since 1961. Expect to find objects that date prior to World War I, especially glass. Not long ago, I saw a number of examples of Clambroth, an aptly named grayish, semi-opaque variety seldom seen. The shop is one of my favorite haunts in the Bay Area.
Rystad's Limited Editions. 1013 Lincoln Ave. (408) 279-1960. This crowded shop boasts an inventory of 7,000 collector plates -- the largest stockpile anywhere in the state. But that's not all. In business since 1967, it has Christmas ornaments, Red Skelton items, as well as Elvis and Disney memorabilia. An ideal source for plate hangers, stands and stretchers.
Falcone Coins, Jewelry and Collectibles. 1230 Lincoln Ave., (408) 292-2221. Sal and Barbara Falcone, members of the trade for 35 years, are among the nicest folks you'll ever meet. Besides coins and estate jewelry, the Falcones offer military and political paraphernalia, autographs, odds and ends, plus 35,000 postcards. A great spot to spend a rainy day. Watch and jewelry repair available.
Park Place Antiques. 1318 Lincoln Ave. (408) 294-9893. A funky and fun place to shop in Willow Glen. As I spied the mostly '50s-era merchandise, I couldn't help but admire the way proprietor Linda Garcia took old hatboxes, a barber chair and bushel baskets as props to display her vintage clothing. I lusted after a super yellow-and-white formica kitchen set tagged at $550.
The Willow Glen Collective. 1349 Lincoln Ave. (408) 947-7222. The 15-member antiques co-op has been a fixture in the neighborhood since 1981. The long, narrow shop has case after case of jewelry, glass, silver, dolls, holiday decorations, books and lots more. I saw a kitchen clock exactly like one my mom had ($30) and a well-preserved 1972 issue of TV Guide featuring a perky Barbara Walters ($2).
Gold Street Patio and Antiques. 2092 Lincoln Ave., (408) 266-9999. If you're on the prowl for furniture, you may want to see what this shop offers. In the trade since 1968, George Weaver is best-known for his antique wicker. Nowadays, he sells mostly new pieces. Weaver still has a few older specimens along with antique marble-top tables, dressers, desks and bric-a-brac. ``Want lists'' maintained.
Lincoln Avenue Bookshop. 2194 Lincoln Ave., (408) 448-0373. Few pleasures in life are as rewarding as a visit to an independently owned bookstore. At Linda McKeown's cozy emporium, feel free to browse tens of thousands of volumes priced anywhere from $1.50 to $2,000. I like to investigate an area reserved for books about antiques before heading for sections devoted to children's classics and cookbooks.
Silverleaf Antiques. 2255 Lincoln Ave., (408) 264-5900. With more than 6,000 square feet and 37 vendors, this is Willow Glen's largest antiques outlet. Among the sellers: Jim Dyer, best-known for coronation souvenirs, and Barbara Kiltz, regarded for her glittering costume jewelry. Penny Parisi offers ceramic restoration and Kent Westbrook has antique lighting and hardware. Lots of stellar furniture. UPS service, free appraisal nights and frequent sales.
While you're in Willow Glen, take time to peek at the assorted accessories to complement your antiques at Casa Casa, 1355 Lincoln Ave., (408) 298-2272. I liked the tin picnic plates ($8.50 each) reminiscent of ones made circa 1900. I'd use them as service plates for a formal dinner. And check out the splendid variety of silk tassels. These dress up any keyhole or doorknob.
Also look at the merchandise at Fleurish, 1335 Lincoln Ave., (408) 294-5557. They have wonderful kitchen gadgets and odds and ends. It's hard to leave empty-handed.
There's no shortage of places to rest and have a meal along busy Lincoln Avenue. In fact, there's such an array you may have a tough time making a decision.
Recently, I met pals Barb and Wil for lunch at Willow Street Pizza. Just off Lincoln Ave. at 1072 Willow St., the restaurant is known for its wood-fired-oven pizzas. Phone: (408) 971-7080.
If you fancy Chinese cuisine, head to Taiwan at 1306 Lincoln Ave. You get ample portions for under $6. And the floral displays are magnificent. Phone: (408) 289-8800.
As you relax, ogle your purchases. Or, if you're like me, spend time contemplating how to justify yet another.
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Contact Steven Wayne Yvaska at syvaska@sjmercury.com.
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