Monroe Street Shopping!

I finally found time for another (this time a little more local) shopping adventure! Monroe Street in Spokane is bursting with antique and thrift stores. It seems that every time I drive down the street, another one has popped up. Last week I spent an afternoon scouring the shops, and oh boy is there a lot to find out there.

I am a sucker for kitchen and garden junk. (Is there a better word? I suppose other people deemed it junk at one point and gave it up, but to me the things I find are completely wonderful). Older kitchen utensils tend to be studier (and less expensive! Bonus!) than new. And I love using old, chipped enamelware (it comes in so many fun colors!) and galvanized metal for potted plants. On this trip I was specifically looking for enamelware and buttons for some upcoming projects (details to follow!).

Area 58 : More thrift than antique, Area 58 is well-organized, friendly, and has very reasonable prices—also a good place for used books!
Fabulous Finds : If you’re looking for kitchen items, home decor, or sewing goods, this is your place. And in March they’re opening the second floor, which will feature mostly furniture. More good stuff to find!
Cruzin’ By Antiques : A pretty new shop that is just starting to fill out. I can’t wait to see what else they bring in.
Beads & Treasure s: This shop is so full it can be difficult to navigate, but their prices are great and the potential to find something wonderful is high. They have many other things, but if you’re looking for beads, this is your place!
Vintage Rabbit Antique Mall : The Vintage Rabbit has been on Monroe Street for years. It is huge and houses lots of variety. The prices are occasionally a little out of my range, but not always. I got the best enamelware bucket I’ve ever seen (pictured above) on my last visit!

When the shopping wears you out, stop in at Caffe Delicio for one of the best cups of chai tea in town. There are several tables inside, and it is a cozy, quiet local shop.

I think I’ll be visiting Monroe Street every few weeks or so. My favorite part of thrift and antique store shopping is that the inventory changes fairly frequently, just don’t wait too long to make a purchase; it may be gone the next time you’re in!

What are some of your favorite shopping spots in town? (I promise I’ll leave some of the good stuff for you).