New town not home until you find places for fun

I get mail frequently from people, especially women, who are either new to Spokane, or considering a move. They want to know about the best flea markets and antiquing opportunities in the area.

Moving can be traumatic, especially if you are a stay-at-home, or work-at-home parent. So much time and energy are spent settling your family into a new environment; enrolling children in school, looking for the new dentist, grocery store and dry cleaners or simply learning your way around town, it’s easy to neglect your own fun.

And if shopping for antiques, or cruising around town stopping at interesting garage sales is your favorite hobby, it’s hard to know where to go. I know because I felt the same way when I moved to town.

I thought about this several weeks ago as I chatted with a woman who had recently moved to Spokane.

In the course of our conversation, I learned that through the same company that brought her to Spokane, two other families had also transferred. And one of those families had moved into my neighborhood.

I gave the woman my card and asked her to pass it along to her friend; my new neighbor. She did and within a few days, the new neighbor called. After talking about cross-country moves, children, new jobs and how to find a place in a new community, my neighbor mentioned that she loved antiques and was anxious to learn her away around.

I was driving to Coeur d’Alene the next day to talk to a shop owner, so – impulsively – I asked her if she would like to ride along. Acting on her own impulse, she said she would.

I admit it felt a little odd when I pulled up in front of her house the next morning, and a woman I had never met hopped into my car. After a slight pause, we looked at one another and laughed.

“This is like a blind date,” I said.

The day turned out much better than most blind dates. We had a nice time exploring the antique malls and a thrift store, and enjoyed the warm sunshine. I came home with a few bargains and a new friend.

When you move to a new city it isn’t just a matter of finding the grocery store that carries your favorite foods, a new doctor or a place to buy tires for the car. It’s also important to find the fun.

For people like me, and many of you, feeling at home is as much about finding your way around the neighborhood garages sales; the flea markets, thrift stores and antique malls, as it is about knowing where the movie theaters and restaurants are.

I’ve only lived in Spokane a few years, and I had to learn my way around, too. I discovered the Monroe Street district and the Hillyard district. I found the fairgrounds and the antique shows and flea markets. I bought a map and learned the city by driving to estate sales and garage sales, explored the shops downtown and up on the South Hill, and the thrift stores all over the city.

Later, I found friends to meet for coffee before the estate sales, and companions who remembered to pack a snack for a day at the antique show because they knew I wouldn’t. Slowly, Spokane began to feel like home.

Favorite flea market

Where would you send a new resident who wants to do a little antiquing? Do you have a favorite spot for junking? Know the best place to find a shabby chic treasure?

I’d like to hear about your favorite flea markets, antique malls and junk shops. Give me a call or drop a line and help me put together a resource for newcomers.

Bargains are Blooming

This weekend “The Country Roses,” four local dealers, will be selling antiques and collectibles at the Wayside Community Center, located on Monroe Road, north of Spokane.

Hours are from noon to 6 p.m. today and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Food and snacks will be available and new merchandise will be added on Saturday. A raffle will be held and all proceeds will benefit the community center.

For more information, call Yvonne Hale at 599-7795.

Directions: Take Highway 395 five miles north of the “Y,” and left on Monroe Road.