Way back in April before any of this crazy move stuff happened my friend, Ann, and I spent a few days in Asheville, NC discovering all that the city has to offer.  You might remember that we stayed at a wonderful Airbnb place where the host was an amazing chocolatier. You can read that mouth watering post here.

We had such a great time exploring and the one place that I absolutely fell in love with was The Downtown Market located at 45 South French Broad Avenue.  It is an amazing place filled with vendors who have quite the variety of things for sale in their booths.  I think it is one of those places that changes every single time you drop in because the vendors are constantly updating and changing merchandise in and out along the way.

Taking it all in can take quite awhile.  Ann and I spent quite a long time poking in all of the nooks and crannies.  Of course I was drawn to the teapots I found and actually bought one I featured on Teapot Tuesday here.

So what can you find in the Downtown Market?  According to their website:

 … vintage, up-cycled, handmade and contemporary clothes, shoes and accessories. Each of our vendors has their own style, ranging from up to the moment, punk, vintage, antique, lacy, old school, elegant, artsy, unique, organic and outdoorsy.

I love how looking is encouraged.  The store is huge and has lots of nooks and crannies so there is a lot to look at. This booth owner especially wants shoppers to have fun and poke around.

Jewelry is a huge feature here with vintage and up cycled items galore.  If you want it you can probably find it here.

One area that really intrigued me was a display of these “ears” that you can purchase.  The mannequin models proper placement for these felt delights.  Asheville is known to be a little “quirky” at times so there must be something I am missing about wearing felt ears. Someone google that for me, will you?

You say you want retro items?  The Downtown Market has that covered completely. From Tupperware that my friend, Michelle, at The Crazy Tupperware Lady would love right down to vintage glasses that Minnesota Prairie Roots friend Audrey would drool over this store has you covered.

But wait.  Did you catch a glimpse in that picture above of something that “I” would love?   Remember my whole quest to drive the Weinermobile that was denied me?  At least I could have a plush replica to remind me of my failure to achieve that goal.

I thought this display of books was especially interesting as far as the “arrangement”.

And then there were these amazing vintage journals and one went home with me. I can not turn down a journal.  
Part of the wonderful experience had to be meeting Gerti who manned the cash register and who also has a booth that has an eclectic mix of items that she shares with shoppers.One of her claims to fame is a beaded pin that helps to hold sleeves up or change a crew neck shirt into a v-neck.  Of course she had to demonstrate how these original creations work. (Never mind the shiny face – it was hot!  And don’t tell Mr. Diamond, okay?) Gerti was fun and enthusiastic and helpful and shared the perfect mix of helpfulness while not hovering like some clerks tend to do in stores like this.

Other items that I deemed worthy of sharing on the blog today follow. You will have to ask Ann what was on that shoe because I can’t remember and can’t seem to get a clear shot of what it was. 

The slogan found everywhere on The Downtown Market is “Cool Things for Cool People”.  I think they covered that pretty well and I am anxious to go back and visit again to see Gertie and see what else is new at the market.  Who would have known I would be able to hop right over to Asheville just a few short months later from my new home.  I think it was meant to be.

Do you like to shop at places like these and if so what is your favorite thing to look for as you shop?  Don’t forget to Comment for a Cause.