The last few days have been a whirlwind and I finally have a chance to sit down and write to share what I’ve been up to. Some of it has been personal – attending a banquet, Jeff’s installation into his new pastoral position (which included a very warm welcome for our entire family), enjoying fall colors from a local overlook (Pen Mar), and finally unpacking my suitcase; and some of it has been in that strange hybrid world where my hobbies and business collide – attending the Lucketts Fall Market, moving things back into the rooms where the hardwood floors were installed, and shopping for more pieces to fill holes, and starting to put my studio together. There is so much to share, but let’s start with the Lucketts Fall Market that my mom and I attended on Friday.
On Thursday, I picked up a cargo van in the hopes that I would find at least one of the large pieces on my wish list and wouldn’t have to worry about how to get it home. I also packed moving blankets, a roll of shrink wrap, straps, a shopping cart, my notebook with lists and measurements, a measuring tape, and some canvas shopping bags for small things.
My new house is almost exactly an hour from the Clark County fairgrounds where the Lucketts Fall Market is held, so we could get there shortly before the gates opened. We ended up getting a fantastic parking spot just outside of the entrance. This was fortunate because I was concerned about how my foot would handle all of the walking. It was reassuring to know we could get back to the van easily.
I haven’t attended a Lucketts event as a shopper in over a decade, so it was a bit surreal to be on this side of the gate before the event started.
When the gates opened, the line moved quickly and the race was on! Let me tell you…I don’t know what the land rushes of the 1800s felt like, but I’m sure the opening of the gates at a Lucketts Market has some of that flavor. There is an energy in the air and a tension that the piece you want might have a sold tag already or perhaps you might rush into a purchase and regret it later when you see something you like even more at the next tent or building. I felt every bit of that tension and pressure and I limped as quickly as I could, looking for large cabinets or counters where I could stake my claim.
The row of tents along the entrance was crowded and I felt like we needed to move further onto the grounds to try to get away from the surge. The flurry of activity was too much to make a big buying decision. So, we went into some of the buildings to check out vendors who I know carry large pieces – Chartreuse, The Foundry, and others.
Everything was so tantalizing. I saw so many pieces I liked, but I really struggled to commit to anything.
This amazing European display cabinet was a contender for my studio. It was the perfect size, but I was concerned about moving it with all of the old glass, the doors were missing from the bottom, and there was some question about whether the doors could be securely installed on the top.
As much as I loved it, I knew in my gut that this piece wasn’t going to offer the storage I needed. It would just be perfection in a shop, though.
This piece was also a strong contender, but the little cubbies weren’t quite what I needed either.
The third contender was this beautiful step-back hutch with a bead board back.
After looking at some contenders, but not feeling ready to buy any of them, I wasn’t sure I would actually buy anything on my list. We had been at the event for over an hour and I hadn’t made one purchase. My mom bought a couple of knitted potholders, which certainly could’ve been transported in my minivan. The cargo van felt like a waste of money and I was learning that I don’t shop well under pressure.
I needed to take a deep breath and relax. I didn’t have to buy anything. If I didn’t see something that was perfect, that was okay. I was so in a twist that I was having trouble enjoying the beautiful weather and the positive atmosphere of the event. Deep breath, Marian. Relax. If someone else bought a piece that I was thinking about, that’s okay. It wasn’t meant to be.
The deep breath was just what I needed. I started to walk at a slower pace and spend more time browsing. In the Show Barn, which was the place I set up during my last Lucketts Spring Market before I moved, I spotted two pieces in a booth owned by Whiskey Glitter out of Chatanooga, TN. One was a large, glass-front hutch with drawers in the base. It was an unusual piece in that the base had four drawers instead of a cabinet. It also had a shorter base and a taller hutch. I could imagine the hutch complimenting my hardware cabinet and working nicely as a studio piece. It didn’t look like it belonged specifically in a dining room or kitchen. It was a winner.
And just in front of it was a counter. It wasn’t just a counter, but an absolutely drop-dead gorgeous, solid wood, antique counter with four large drawers and paneled front and sides. It was a special piece. There were a lot of stunning pieces at Lucketts, but this one was extra special. Not only was it a show-stopper, but it was in perfect working condition. The cabinet was a splurge, but the counter was an investment. It’s the kind of piece I would need to commit to using for decades because it was unlikely I would ever make a profit on selling it and it was at the top of my budget. But, it really was a perfect work surface and storage piece to work as an island in my studio.
My mom is a great shopping buddy because she tells it like it is. As I was swooning over the European glass cabinet and fretting about missing out if I didn’t jump on the purchase, she pointed out the obvious potential issues. “You will miss having closed storage in the bottom of the piece.” With this piece, though, she encouraged me to make the investment. “You’ll use that piece for years and it’ll be the hub of your studio. It’ll also be in so many photos. It’s worth it.”
As someone who’s been on the selling side of this event, I know the advantages and disadvantages of being an Early Bird shopper. The advantage is pretty obvious – you get first pick. The disadvantage is the sellers are just getting started. They have three full days of the event and are less likely to negotiate or be accommodating in the early hours of the first day. And I get that, so I knew asking for a discount was a long shot. But, I also know that it’s nice to know two huge pieces won’t have to be loaded in your truck again. So, I asked. “I know it’s early on the first day, but if I buy both of these pieces, would you give me a discount?” The seller agreed and took a nice chunk off of the price. Sold!
The deep breath before buying these pieces was a self-imposed exercise. Now, I actually felt myself relaxing. I found two big pieces on my list, the cargo van would definitely come in handy, and if these two pieces were all I bought, that was a win.
We walked around a bit more and I visited with vendors, filmed some Stories for Instagram, and casually looked for other pieces on my list. It was nearing lunch time and my foot was getting sore, so we decided to pick up the cabinet and counter and load them into the cargo van. That piece would be done, so we could leave when we were ready and I knew how much room was left in the van in case I found another piece.
Lucketts is brilliant when it comes to loading furniture. For years, they have had the “Pink Shirt Guys” who will pick up the piece from the vendor and take it to the “Furniture Pick-up Tent” where you can drive up, have your piece loaded, and drive off. I took my furniture tickets to one of the pick-up tents so my pieces would be ready. (As you can see by the sign, this service costs $5 per piece, which is a bargain when you buy an enormous, solid oak counter.) These guys work so hard and they do a great job making sure your pieces are cared for and packed well in your vehicle.
We drove over to the Furniture Pick-up Tent, had my two purchases loaded in, and then parked the van again.
It was then time to rest my foot and review my list over a burger and onion rings. I was able to check two things off of my list, but I realized I was a little over-ambitious thinking I would find everything in this one shopping trip! I also realized that having a list was good, but it made me a little closed-minded. I typically show up at an antique store, flea market, thrift store, or secondhand shop with a very open mind. It’s a bit of an adventure and a scavenger hunt. You don’t know what you’ll find. I went into this event laser-focused, which did help me hone in on what I needed, but I did deprive myself of the fun of being surprised by something I wasn’t looking for.
We revisited some of the tents and buildings we visited earlier in the day. The crowds had thinned out enough that I could meander, take pictures, and browse. I considered one ironstone pitcher, but I already have rows of pitchers that need to find a home, so I put it back. I did end up buying a couple of large pieces of natural coral, but those were the only small things I purchased.
Here are some more pictures from around the event…
I just loved this booth. I wish I got the information on the vendor.
I pondered a library ladder for my future dining room/library, but that room is far from being ready for the finishing touches, so I passed.
From the pictures, you can tell it’s a sunny day, but it was beyond that. The weather was perfect. It was dry, sunny, cool, and breezy. It was one of those days that, even if you don’t have anything to do outside, you will create something to do outside because you just can’t waste a day like that. It was a gift.
And yes, it was a happy place. A quartet of stringed instruments played country tunes while delightful smells wafted from the food tents. People I hadn’t seen for five years gave me hugs and we caught up on life. Occasionally, I would bump into someone who read my blog or followed me on Instagram and we would enjoy that rare opportunity to go beyond the algorithms, emojis, and anonymity and connect as kindred spirits. It was a sweet time that was about so much more than buying furniture for my house. It was a homecoming of sorts.
My heart was full and my foot had reached its time limit. I was concerned that I would have to go back into the boot for the event, but I was able to walk in my cute leather boots for over 9,000 steps with just a little bit of assistance from a cane. It helped that my mom was my porter and pulled the shopping cart most of the day! She kept insisting I give it to her, so I could be unhindered to shop or could use the cane when my foot was sore.
The question that kept coming up is, “Will you be selling at Lucketts again?”
I don’t know the answer, yet. I feel like it’s almost unavoidable in the best possible way.
For now, I’m just trying to get through the boxes…
36 Responses
I have that exact library ladder, found it by the side of the road. Almost wrecked getting stopped to grab it before someone else did ? Some day, if I’m lucky I will visit Lucketts.
Next time you’re in the area. You need to stop at Valley Furniture Country Interiors in Stephens City. Family owned and operated for 51 years.
Oh my word I dont know how you managed it as there were so many aDorable pieces!!!! But you really found 2 great pieces and that long counter is the bees knees just in the storage alone! The best I could find was a woody high dresser! Im making myself purge the incidentals of creativity so I can breath in there again! I am impressed you did all that walking in those cute boots!! Im impressed you could get your foot in there as im limited due to my break! I may get a pair tho! Thanks for that great share!!!
I didn’t think I’d be able to go this year, but seeing your stories and the posts from some of my favorite vendors, I couldn’t resist. I went on Sunday with a specific piece in mind from Hip and Humble that I saw on IG, but it was gone. Before you say “the early bird gets the worm”, it turns out they are local so they brought in another piece to fill the spot and it was even better. It was a rustic light minty green chippy dry sink. They gave me a nice discount and it fit in my SUV. In this case “the late mouse got the cheese”! It now sits on my covered porch in a spot I’ve been trying to fill for a couple years. Thanks for the inspiration! The pieces you got are gorgeous, btw.
Thank you for sharing – one of these days I will get to the Lucketts Market! It always seems to fall when we have a ton of things going on. I have stopped at the store when traveling through Leesburg, I just loved it.
Congratulations on your wonderful pieces, can’t wait to see everything in place at your new home!
If you become a vendor at Lucketts again, I definitely want to attend! Please do! 😉
Just wow!!?
Thank you for sharing all of your beautiful pics from Lucketts and so happy you found some nice pieces to fill your new home. I know it was truly a homecoming after being away for the last five years.
Many times, when you go to a big event like Lucketts, you never know what you will find, if anything, that fits your style or is what you are looking for. Isn’t it nice to have your Mom as your sounding board when you are debating buying a piece. Many times, I have found myself debating an item and having my Mom or a friend who knows my style and home is a blessing. We will stop by Lucketts store in early December when we go to meet my sister in law/hubby in Lancaster, PA to attend the Christmas Show at AMT.
I went Saturday. Found a desk I’ve been looking for for months. There it was – victory! Great music on the stage as well as the wandering musicians.
Can’t wait to see what you do with those two beautiful pieces! Sounds like the most perfect day for a flea market! I think I remember several years ago when you posted about how rainy it was on the day of the market and you were trudging through mud and trying to keep everything dry. I’m in upstate NY. About a six hour drive to Lucketts. I would love to make it there next year!
It sounds like a day well spent. I think a list kept you focused for this trip; surely there will be many more opportunities to browse without one in a flea market/antique shop in the future. I have to say the photo of the aqua truck would be a perfect print—if only it was set in a field or anywhere away from the building. I love to make cards from photos and this would be a beautiful Autumn card!!
Good for you, remembering to breathe and enjoy the moment 🙂 Glad to hear you were able to get around pretty well, prayers for continued healing!
What trends did you see coming through this year? Love to hear your insight! 🙂
Sounds like a perfect day.
It’s funny…..take me to an antique store and I’m relaxed body and mind. Take me to a tent sale with multiple dealers and I lose all focus. What is that !!! You made great selections. Can’t wait to see both pieces in place.
What a fun day! I have to say that octagonal piece with all the drawers just sings to me!
Me toooooo!!
Oh my goodness! I’ve followed you for years and didn’t know you were there! I actually bought the hunt chair at the vendor you mentioned above. It was Grandeur Fine Antiques and Design.
Please tell us about the dress you’re wearing in the last photo. Is it linen? I adore linen clothes but most of mine are lighter in color and look like warm weather wear. That color is such a lovely indigo!
Thanks for sharing your Lucketts shopping trip. I loved reading your commentary and seeing your wonderful purchases! I know you will love those pieces! I’m yearning to attend one of those shows sometime.
I don’t know how you resisted so many things! I love warm patina wood with reds or blues! My ranch is already filled with so many things that I love. My husband objected to an antique bell that hangs on a leather cord that I have on the back door recently. Too many changes at once, I guess! But congratulations on walking that many steps & driving a cargo van!!
On the Rusted Roots vendor, they are on IG and Facebook under that name, they are a fun couple with really unique inventory. They travel all over as vendors. You wouldn’t be disappointed if you look them up.
Oh yeah, I’ve known Candace before she was even Rusted Roots. We go way back!
How nice that you found your two pieces! Looking forward to seeing them in your Studio. I know you and your Mom had a great day together while looking at all the items. Hope your foot wasn’t too sore when you got back home. You and your Mom will appreciate being so close to one another and doing things together. I always loved doing things with my Mom! Now, I treasure those memories!
You found some gorgeous pieces. They will be prefect for your studio. It’s great that your mom could offer such good counsel. I could use that beautiful library ladder for my kitchen. Lucketts has to go on my list.
Marian, I was there too! It was truly the best Market day, and the vendors were wonderful as always. I was hoping to run into you and often found myself looking at something and thinking it would fit in your home…or mine. I look forward to seeing how your new pieces fit into your studio. Welcome back to the east coast.
I think you should do a book signing at the Spring Market ! Nice meeting you, It was a little out of my comfort zone to get over my shyness and say hello and introduce myself. Thank you for being so nice.
So many amazing pieces. Thank you for sharing your day
By the way are you wearing Duckfeet boots? They are my favorite boots! I wear them all the time
haven’t gotten to go to the Luckett’s market in a few years. Used to go every year and was also a vendor at one time. Loved seeing the market from your eyes. Saw some things I would have loved to buy 🙂
Hi Marian,
I was there on Friday afternoon around 1:30. My daughter and granddaughter were with me. As you said it was really beautiful weather and we looked at all the shops. I picked up a nice garden piece from one of the shops. It was a lot of fun!
Thank you for taking us on your adventure to Luckett’s! I know the exact feelings you described. Good on you for calming yourself! Glad you found what you needed!! Looking forward to the next several pists!
This year, I did not go to the fall show, but did go to the spring show. I have to admit, the best years were when you were there as a vendor. I remember the last year, and your sweet boys, so friendly and welcoming. I usually get there early, I am known to be like one of the first five in line. And I always walk to the back of the show and work my way to the front. Your last year, I just went straight to your spot, so glad I did, I snagged many treasures.
I was there Friday as well and looked for you but sadly didn’t see you. You and I both considered getting the library ladder. Such a pretty piece.
Oh my, I just want everything. Such beautiful treasures and that weather…wow! Thanks for sharing your day with us.
Envious. There were several pieces I saw that were very tempting. Unfortunately (or not), my house is not big enough for any more furniture unless it would be a replacement piece. Also, my husband is dead set against buying any more . He says we are too old to buy new things. I do not agree with that but whatever. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself and found pieces you will love.
I have to ask about your shoes. Any info you can share? Love the post
Hi, Marian,
I loved this post on the Luckett’s show since you have referenced it so many times on your blog, and I have never attended. I, too, was smitten by the octagon cabinet, a hardware store bin, perhaps? Think of all the goodies one could stash in those drawers!
At the risk of sounding like a bragging Texan, I hope you can some day attend the mother lode antique shows in the Round Top, Texas area. Not only are there multiple shows over a period of weeks, the whole thing covers acres and acres of land. Some are pristine, high end and curated antiques, some dealers have new products depending on the show, and some are piles of junk to dig through. Come in the spring when the weather will be more tolerable, but not anything like what you experienced at the Luckett’s show. And wait until your foot heals because walking a cow pasture is not good for an injured foot. Trust me on this one.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful finds, photos and thoughts because it was a blissful tour for those of us who appreciate patina.