Get ready for trio of historic antiques shows
Coming up is a summertime trio of historic oneday antiques shows. Between them, the towns of Benicia, Moss Landing and San Juan Bautista have logged 155 years’ worth of sales.
Whether you’re a newbie or a longtime collector, don’t forget this veteran shopper’s advice: Arrive early. Bring a shopping tote, measuring tape, color swatches. Stay hydrated. And take along cash. While some sellers accept credit cards, many don’t. And you may be able to negotiate prices because vendors can avoid those pesky service charges.
BY THE SEA >> On Sunday, July 30, the seaside village of Moss Landing has its 47th annual Antique Street Fair. I have been going to this shindig for ages and often find a prize or two. Last season, it was a neat 1950s pamphlet touting Barq’s brand root beer ($3), a dinner plate in a friend’s pattern ($9) and a rhinestone pin shaped like a bowling pin ($28).
Some folks have said the Moss Landing they remember is gone as the antiques stores have shuttered their doors. But there are 200 dealers set up for selling a variety of both old and new. So let’s be thankful.
And the food is still awesome. Find delectable seafood at Phil’s Fish Market (7600 Sandholdt Road), a hearty breakfast at the Moss Landing Café (421 Moss Landing Road) or fried artichokes at the food trucks.
Moss Landing is located halfway between Monterey and Santa Cruz on Highway 1. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: $5. No charge for kids 12 and under. Parking free, or in private lots for a small fee. Sorry, no dogs. Details: 831-6334501, or www.mosslandingchamber.com.
ON THE WATERFRONT >> In Benicia, the former state capital located on the Carquinez Strait, about 300 vendors will congregate along First Street for the annual Peddlers Fair on Saturday, Aug. 12. The initial event dates back to 1963.
Here, the event organizers are wise to place the antiques dealers in one location — at the beginning of First Street. Elsewhere, visitors find a gigantic selection of newer goodies such as handcrafted clothing, beaded and crystal jewelry, toys and foodstuffs. While shopping on this thoroughfare, make a point to stop in at the various antique boutiques that dot downtown Benicia.
I’ll be part of this show’s fundraising effort for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church by providing verbal evaluations of your heirlooms or flea market discoveries. No charge for the first piece. A $10 donation is requested for additional items. (Firearms, coins, stamps and precious jewelry not examined.) See me from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. near First and J streets. I’m looking forward to this swell opportunity to chat with many East Bay readers.
If you get peckish, indulge in tea, salad, soup or a dessert at Camellia Tea Room, 828 First St. This relaxing spot is in a beautifully restored 1897 building.
The event lasts from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission, parking free. Sorry, no dogs allowed. Details: www.beniciapeddlersfair.org.
ON A MISSION >> On Sunday, Aug. 13, head to San Juan Bautista for the 53rd yearly Antiques and Collectibles Fair, the proceeds of which support the San Juan Bautista Rotary Club’s many community and literacy programs.
About 100 exhibitors sell their wares near Third Street in this mission town founded in 1797. You’ll view silver, glass, jewelry, ephemera, furniture, clocks, china and books. Watch for notices advertising garage sales that pop up all over town. And once you have made the rounds of the outdoor booths, you have a number of stores to poke through in this charming community used by the director Alfred Hitchcock in his 1958 film “Vertigo.”
Please drop by to see me from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to hobnob, or share one of your precious keepsakes. There’s no charge for these informal evaluations. I’ll be in front of the Union Bank Building at Third and Mariposa streets.
And when it’s time for a bite, head to one of the eateries dishing up Latin American or Basque cuisine. By all means, go to the San Juan Bakery and Grocery, 319 Third St., for a cup of coffee, breads and pastries baked on the premises.
While the fair’s official hours may be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., expert buyers to arrive as the roosters first begin to crow. Free admission, parking. Sorry, no dogs allowed. Details: 831623-4107.