Georgia Magazine - January 2021 - 32

them up curbside, which has been great. "
As shoppers plan their road trips for 2021, Cole Huffman
recommends the " Plan A Trip " tool on the website, which allows
users to input their starting location and destination. The map
then lists stores within a 10-mile radius of the driving route,
which users can modify.
Shoppers also can visit the website for state-specific
brochures and maps, and they can request free brochures to be
shipped to their homes.
" One of the main reasons I do this is that I feel like antiques
are tangible history. If we don't preserve it, I'm afraid we'll lose
some of that history, " she says. " In some small towns, there's
hardly any business left other than antique stores. Go support
your local stores and follow the trail anywhere you're going. "

Embarking on the trail this year
The Georgia Antique Trail has brought plenty of shoppers

Georgia Magazine

January 2021

to the Main Street Market Antique Mall in Swainsboro over the
years. Situated on West Main Street near the crossroads of Highways 1 and 80, the 12,000-square-foot space often draws tourists
who cross through Georgia on their trips elsewhere.
After a one-month closure last April, the shop saw its largest month of sales in history, and it's been going up ever since.
" Our largest day in sales-ever-was our Christmas open
house [on Nov. 7], " says Michael Bright, the shop manager. " Get
out and shop. There's plenty to still do and enjoy. "
As shop owners look to the year ahead, they're
excited about the possibilities.
The New Red Wagon Vintage Market in Lyons
reopened under new ownership near the end of
2020 but kept the same name and many of the same
vendors. The operation moved a block down Broad
Street, added a Georgia Grown section to highlight
local farmers and stocked up on Dixie Belle Chalk
Paint, which has become a favorite at many shops
statewide.
" We're focusing on local and Georgia-based
vendors, and the community has really gotten behind our market, " says Benjie Frost, one of the three
new co-owners. " It's important to us to create an
opportunity for entrepreneurs to come in and sell. "
In Dahlonega, Kym Strom is eager to see new
faces at her two shops on the Antique Trail as well.
Gateway Antiques on Main Street often draws tourists who walk from shop to shop in the main downtown area, but Dipsy Doodle, a newer shop a few
miles off the beaten path, benefits from being on the trail map.
" I've been in antiques for a long time, and even before I
owned a store, I used the trail myself to find places, " she says.
" We're all anxious to start a new year here. "
Antiques on Atlanta in Barnesville is ready for changes, too.
The shop basement is undergoing major renovation for this year
and will feature an open furniture gallery and dozens of new
vendors.
Kathryn Green and her sister, Courtney Claxton, inherited
the shop from their parents. (Green writes about her experiences with antiques, specifically old houses, in this month's
My Georgia essay on page 12.)
" We've had to place several reorders for items, which is
pretty significant. People want to spend their money on their
homes right now, " Green says. " Shoppers seem enthusiastic
being out, and I think it will continue. "
Carolyn Crist is an Athens-based freelance writer.
MICHAEL BRIGHT

JUNK IN THE TRUNK

KYM STROM

Left: Dealers at Gateway Antiques in Dahlonega often feature
vintage cookware and kitchen items for those who want a taste of
home. Bottom left: Vendors at Junk in the Trunk in Athens focus on
recycling, upcycling and mixing trends in their booths. For a modern
take on the classic blue-and-white china pattern, buyers can arrange
decorative balls for a refreshed look. Bottom right: Classic metal
signs-especially Coca-Cola, breweries, license plates and road
markers-are must-haves for any " man cave. " The Main Street
Market Antique Mall in Swainsboro features signs in a variety of
styles and brands.

Georgia Magazine - January 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - January 2021