On Thursday afternoon, my mom and I set off for Northern Virginia to visit old friends and spend a day at the Lucketts Spring Market. Throughout the weekend I thought, this is why we moved back… So I could go to Luckettts again. Just kidding! It’s so we would be close to family so we can do things together and be there to support one another.
We were invited by Chris Tigges to stay at her bed & breakfast and wedding event, Zion Springs, on Thursday evening so we would have a quick 30-minute drive to the Lucketts Spring Market in the morning. The Clarke County Fairgrounds is almost exactly an hour from Hagerstown, so we could’ve made that drive pretty easily, but this makes the event more of a treat for us. And, staying at Zion Springs is a treat.
We stayed there during our last Lucketts Spring Market before we moved to Minnesota and were overwhelmed by their hospitality and generosity. It’s also just a beautiful place to spend some time. If you’ve been wanting to come to the Northern Virginia area to do some antiquing, this would be a great place to stay.
Isn’t their garden so pretty?! I took a bunch of pictures to use as inspiration for my own garden.
We happened to be there on an evening when they were hosting a picnic-style dinner, so we were able to join in.
The cherry on top of the night was getting to take a long, hot bath in a soaker tub. That might not sound like that big of a deal, but we only have a shower in our bathroom currently, so it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to soak in a tub. We will add a tub when we renovate the bathroom, but that isn’t going to happen for a while. Anyway, it was a little luxury I thoroughly enjoyed. I was a bit too excited to sleep well. My mind was buzzing about all of the possibilities of the next day.
In the morning, we had a quick breakfast of homemade muffins and yogurt and set out to the market. If you’ve ever attended a Lucketts event or you get to in the future, you can immediately see they put a lot of time and attention into making all of their customers feel special. There is a wow factor right from the get-go. A live band is playing, a cheerful spring display with umbrellas, rain boots, wagons, and flowers greets you, and you’re given a complimentary water and shopping tote. You can even buy a mimosa or bloody mary if you are so inclined.
While waiting for the gates to open, we met up with my dear friend, Shari. Shari was my antiquing buddy and mentor when I was a newlywed and going to Lucketts was our thing. We would save money for it, make lists of the things we wanted, and that date was always penned on the calendar. We also sang together for years on the church worship team, did Bible studies together, and I spent most weekends at their newly purchased farm, cleaning out old barns, painting the walls, and helping with renovations. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you might remember the Farmhouse Chic wedding I worked on back in 2011. That was Shari’s daughter’s wedding at their farm. Anyway, we have the kind of friendship where we can just pick up where we left off, so after a tight hug, we chit-chatted to catch up while we put a plan together for the morning.
We used our old tactic of doing a quick flyover of the grounds to see if we spot any of the big items on my list (I was the only one with a list this year) and then we would go back and mill around a bit more. My mom is also used to this tactic, so she grabbed my cart, and the three of us started breezing through the market. I had two big items on my list – a counter and a hutch, both for the kitchen. As I shared a couple of weeks ago, I bought a pine counter from a blog reader that could be a stand-in for the island if I didn’t find one at Lucketts. Even though the pressure was off to find an island, I really wanted to find one. The other island has a place in my basement laundry room to use as a folding counter, so there was a plan in place.
I had a few other things on the list, but those were the two biggies we were looking for while we did our initial flyover.
Right away, we spotted a counter that was the right size and had a lot of potential. It was a counter out of an old feed & seed store, so that was appealing. The finish was a little rougher than I wanted, but I could easily fix that.
And I really liked the storage shelves on the back. It was the first contender we saw, so I was hesitant to jump at it and decided to keep looking.
We then spotted a similar island that was a bit more polished and it had a gorgeous top…
But it was almost three times the cost and it didn’t have shelves or drawers, so we kept looking.
We were distracted from counter shopping when I spotted a large pine hutch that looked perfect for the kitchen. While I was debating about the counters, there was no debate about this one. I took measurements to have a better sense of how it would fit in my space, but it was otherwise a no-brainer.
With the hutch secured, it was back to island-hunting. Throughout the search for a free-standing kitchen island, I found myself drawn to large tables as well. I saw a couple that were beautiful but were too big for my space. And then, I spotted this one.
The size was perfect, but what caught my eye was the top. It is such a special tabletop. You can see all of the history in it and just imagine the food that was prepared on this antique baker’s table. Oh, the stories it could tell.
There were two issues. Number one, it is about 2-3 inches shorter than the standard counter height, and, number two, the base is painted black. The black paint isn’t a big deal. I can paint it the color I want or I can strip it. The height was what gave me pause. I had been texting Jeff pictures of the islands that were contenders, so I sent this one along as well and let him know about the height. This option was his favorite and he agreed it was a special piece. I wanted to continue to think about it and review other possibilities.
While continuing the search, I made another purchase…
I bought an antique key that was a part of this beautiful antique pine cupboard. I was looking for a piece for our foyer that provided more storage (since we’re losing some closet space) and this one really spoke to me. I like that it’s two pieces, it offers tons of storage, and it’s a great antique pine piece. In addition, it was about half the price of other similar antique piece pieces I saw during our flyover.
This was another piece I looked at and considered for the foyer because the door was such a stunner, but the other cupboard provided more practical storage and was a more versatile piece overall.
After stepping away from the kitchen island options for a while, I had more clarity. While the shop-counter-style islands were good options, they were not what I wanted for our kitchen. They would sit heavier in the space and block the view of the range and cabinets. I felt like they also might look too much like a shop counter plopped in the middle of our kitchen. I never included an island in any of my kitchen sketches, but I was heavily inspired by Georgian English kitchens. With that in mind, an antique baker’s table fits beautifully with that vision.
I called Jeff and we talked it through a bit more. In the end, we agreed I should go back and purchase the antique baker’s table with the gorgeous top. I love the idea of having an open shelf to use for storage and display. I have large French laundry baskets I could tuck underneath and I can imagine a stack of large ironstone platters, perhaps my Kitchen-Aid Mixer, too. It’ll be fun to play with different arrangements. As far as the height, we figured we could raise it up if we felt like we needed to. We only needed two inches or so and that could be added by casters or we could extend the legs. We will use it as it is and decide if it’s even an issue.
All of my nervous energy had now dissipated and we could just peruse at our leisure. We grabbed some lunch, talked about family and I got all of the updates on Shari’s farm. (We used to farm-sit for them, too, so I got to know all of their animals pretty well.) And then, we continued around the fair. I bought a few small things, but I’ll share those in another post.
Here are some shots from around the market…
Around 1:00, I was dragging and ready to call it a day. It was a flurry of a day and I felt satisfied with what I found as well as the experience. My boots were dusty, my cart was full, and I had three large pieces to fit in our uHaul cargo van.
I had worked out in my head how all of the pieces would fit, but when I saw them sitting out at the pick-up tent, I started to question my spacial awareness. I’m pretty good with knowing what will fit and only misjudged one time in my whole history of furniture hauling, but this was going to be questionable. Even the guys loading were shaking their heads and I’m envisioning having to drive everything home and come back for the one piece that won’t fit. A quick hour-drive home would turn into two additional hours on the road when I was already tired. Okay, I think if we put the two cupboard pieces in the back, the table, and the hutch base side-by-side, then we can fit the hutch top on top. Well, they fit by the slimmest of margins!
We had piled everything up in the cab with my mom and she said she was just sitting there praying it would all fit.
It was such an amazing day and I was thrilled with the pieces I found. Not only that, but it was just a good day. It was perfect weather, I got to spend time with my mom and Shari, and I also got to see some of my old vendor friends and blog readers. It’s a day that fills up your emotional tank.
I’ll share more about the big pieces I bought as well as the small ones. I even got a special gift from one of the vendors that I’ll share as well…
34 Responses
How great that you found those three big beautiful pieces AND had a great day with your mum and your friend. Your purchases will always be linked with a happy memory!
Our island is purposely a few inches shorter than our kitchen counters. It’s the perfect working height for chopping, rolling dough and the like. You may love it! If not, locking casters are always a good option for a kitchen island. Love your finds! Enjoy! Can’t wIt to see them in your home!
Wow, such fun!! It never ceases to amaze me how many glorious objects are being bought and sold and kept care of in this world. I really love the table you chose vs. the counters for your kitchen. So glad that everything fit!
Also, that massive piece that you showed in one of your photos, the big dark one with what looks like pull-out drawers behind glass doors, that is some statement piece! Any idea what it was used for?
I love the island you found! I think your instinct is good; the other items you were considering just seemed too big. I also think the purposing of the island you bought in the laundry room will be such a sweet addition to that space.
I repurposed an old table of my Dad’s as an island. I put a marble top on it, which you won’t want to do because of your patina. I also added castors that are really big and vintage looking and it makes me happy every time I see it.
I also love the cabinet you found. It’s so ideal. It’s just what I wish to find!
I love your choices. I love that it all fit in your van. I love your Mom’s hair.
Thank you 🙂
Mom
Love love that you picked the table! If you don’t choose casters, take a look in the table leg section of Home Depot or Lowes, lots to choose from that are close to that leg style. They could be chopped to the correct size and no one would ever know they were added.
My sister and I used to be vendors at shows and we upgraded to the 10 foot truck instead of the van. So worth it. The walls and ceiling are actually straight and much easier to load and tie down big pieces. No crawling around pulling heavy items to the front. Easy to drive, sit up a little higher (we drove thru both LA and San Francisco on our first trips!) I am sure you can do it!! Can’t wait to see what you do !
I love all of the three pieces. That table, though, is a dream; and its top? Heavenly!
Seeing these pieces makes me SO excited to see how it all turns out! These and your amazing range are going to make it all feel like YOUR kitchen. Can’t wait!
Nothing but envy from me. Want/need to go to this antiques sale/show. Heck, I need to go to any place that has such cool antiques. And I need room at home so I can use them. Alas, we’re full up. I’ll just have to watch you create magical spaces.
My daughter and I really enjoyed Lucketts this year as well. Like you I took pictures of the VERY large cabinet with all the drawers in it. What an amazing piece. I also loved the chair chandelier behind it. The furniture you purchase is all lovely and I hope the bakers table works as your kitchen island.
What beautiful pieces that will all be perfect for your home:-) I understand the beautiful patina is appealing to admire; that being said a 2″ marble or soapstone (or quartz etc) countertop would provide a beautiful surface for baking, rolling out doughs etc as well. But that table is pretty perfect just as it is too!! That is my favorite piece of the three, but all three are going to be amazing in your new home! A great shopping trip!
Oh I wish I had run into you at the Spring Market. I did not realize you moved back to the area. I met you years ago when your shop was in Biglerville.
I forgot how much I loved the Sping Market. I just retired as a RN & Lactation Consultant at Chambersburg Hospital. In the past 5 years I have had to work weekends. I am now living life & enjoying doing what I love. The market was one of my first days for Me!!
You picked up some Beautiful pieces.
Made some awesome memories with your Mom and friends.
I love ALL of your pieces and am so excited to see them in your home!!
I want you to know just how much I appreciate you sharing your thought processes, even the doubting and questioning and the reason you made up your mind one way or the other. That process is a good one to learn about for a lot of people and seeing how you do it, and the ultimate outcome is very inspiring and informative, so thank you for taking that time.
That hutch really was a no brainer! What a beautiful piece and I love the bureau you chose as well. But that table! Ohhh, it’s so lovely!
When I read your blog, I glance through at the pictures you provide before reading, just so I understand what you are saying as you describe things. THAT table was exactly what I’ve been looking for, but on a smaller scale, so I was hoping as I read through, that it was “the one” and I was so excited for you when it was. I can so imagine some of the wonderful ways you’ll style it out with as you add your own story to it’s history.
It seems to always add some extra joy to life when you spend lovely days like the one you described. I’m so happy for you that you found the perfect pieces for your new home and even have a new laundry table too! Well done, you!
I used to live in NoVA and loved the Luckett’s Spring Market! Your post makes me want to save the date for next year and make it a special road trip. So glad you found what you wanted and everything fit. I’m eager to read more details!
THANK YOU so much for sharing your special day at Lucketts! I could not go this year nor the last several, so was kinda bummed about it, but next year I am hoping and praying to be able to go!
Amazing that you found exactly what you were looking for!
I saw in some of your pics just what I have needed to buy; those old-timey”store” bin drawer pieces that I can label! I have so many “smalls” for everyday living that we just cannot find things when we need to use them. They get stashed just “wherever” and it makes life so stressful! I am determined to find one that we can afford and that fits in our smaller home!
So happy you are back in the area to be close to family!
Like most, I love the table. I have a similar one that was not tall enough to function as needed. It lives in our cabin on a creek that had minimal counter space. I had our cabinet maker build a box and affix the table to the box. It lifted the table about 6″ and I store items in large baskets under the table. However you plan to set it up, it will be lovely and so useful.
What a fun and productive day at Lucketts! We were planning on coming Friday at 12:30 general admission but I wasn’t feeling the best and decided to wait until the Fall show. I hope one day you will make the trip to the Round Top, Texas antique week. I finally got to cross that off my bucket list and I must tell you it is like no other market you will ever go to!
love the pieces you got for YOU, but would personally have had a hard leaving that piece with the door you decribed as being a stunner. it was sooo curvilicous!
You and Lucketts…together again…all’s right with the world…..
I saw you at Lucketts on Friday while you were posing for pix with a faithful reader. Glad you were successful in your hunt.
We couldn’t be more honored (and excited!!) that our hutch found a way to your kitchen Reno. It’s going to be perfect! It was so nice meeting you on Friday!
i really like your gathered dress. please share where i can purchase one. thank you.
Thank you! You can get one here – https://bit.ly/3pUsJvJ
Thanks for the tip on Luckett’s Spring Market this past weekend. My daughter and I went on Saturday and loved it. She and I enjoy these types of events, especially since she just bought her first home. Love what you purchased. I’m so glad you bought that island table. It is going to be perfect!! Looking forward to seeing it in place and accessorized! We didn’t get as lucky as you did with fitting everything into my SUV. Yup we had to go back on Sunday. It was so nice they hold items until the next day free of charge!! I live 2 hours away in Northern Maryland but it was worth the drive on both days. The next day we spent more time at Luckett’s store and really enjoyed all the yard items and out buildings they have there. My other daughter wants to go with us next time so hopefully we can make the trip in the Fall!! Thanks again!!
Nothing like finding everything you are looking for on a shopping trip! You must have a knack for this! Thanks for bringing us along!
How wonderful that you and your mom enjoy each other’s company and
love antiquing together; what a blessing! And what great antiques you
purchased!!!!
Marian, first of all it was the thrill of my day to meet you at Lucketts!
Also, the market was absolutely amazing.
The pieces you selected are beautiful. I am always amazed at how you see potential in a piece of furniture that’s not quite right…yet!
That island will be absolutely perfect! I can already picture it there and I actually think the height will not be an issue. We had a large table like that in another home and it was lower than the counter and it ended up being very convenient. And if not, as you say, you can raise it up. Can’t wait to see it in your beautiful new kitchen!
I love your purchases for your remodeled home! I sit down every few days to get my “missmustardseed” fix and I love how you are taking us along with you. I’m loving all you are doing. This may be a strange question, but I follow you on Instagram too and while you were at Luckett’s, you picked up one of several small brass frames with a painting in them that I loved. I was wondering if you found out where she got those frames. They had a little clasp to keep it closed. Can’t wait to see your kitchen island set up in your kitchen.
Thanks for sharing your adventures at this beautiful market. Love the antique pieces you purchased!
It’s like Luckett’s is an old friend that needed a visit, too. What a fun day for you and your mum. I can’t wait to se ehow you transform the pieces!
I think you will love the island at its height for rolling out dough- working at hip vs waist height is easier on the shoulders . Love everything. I would be broke!