As Spring breaks here in Florida, there is nothing more fun than taking the peaceful drive up to Mount Dora, a town known for it’s vintage markets, to explore the famous Renninger’s Antique Mall.
I happened to catch one of their special “Antique Fairs”, which is held the third weekend of each month. These monthly events bring many more dealers to the outside pavillions, which are scattered across the property’s rolling 117 acres. Small vendors that focus on more eclectic, in-the-rough items dominate the rows of pop-up tents along the hillside. The open air atmosphere is easy and casual and dealers are very personal. Bargaining is generally welcome.
A common trend among these outside vendors was steampunk design. Bins were overflowing with an array of scavenged gears and knobs, and shelves were lined with old hinges and industrial fasteners. I kept finding myself captured buy some box of shiny metal do-dads and asking, “What are these?” I was thinking a prospective craftsperson would have had a field day grabbing up all these curious oddities. The dealers recognize that a lot of artists and jewelry designers comb their booths for just the right sprocket or spring, so they offer just about everything under the sun.
Above, center: Steering Wheel Table Lamp, Robert Bettinger, 352-735-3575
The outside area of Renninger’s that is open every weekend is composed of shops that offer a wide range of antiques from victorian era furniture to early American farm equipment. It’s a great stroll and mostly under the shade.
One new shop for me was Prism, which caught my eye with it’s colorful display of painted tin ceiling tiles, reclaimed from an old Coca-Cola factory. Owners Nicole and Ryan Kramer have put together a shop to showcase their own upbeat take on vintage. Offering a variety of furniture, decor and textiles, it’s also merchandised with a fresh and hip perspective.
Prism Antiques; Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 5pm, prism.antiques@gmail.com, 352-229-6908
In the main building, (which is air conditioned, thank you) you’ll find more extraordinary finds, with generally fair prices to match. From great selections of Heywood Wakefield furniture to this stunning silver serving set from Reed & Barton (above).
Whether you wait for the monthly outdoor antique fair or make the drive any weekend, you're bound to find a treasure or two at Renninger's.
Above: Reed & Barton Silver Set, Unique Antiques, unique-antiques.com
Renningers Florida Twin Markets
20651 US 441, Mount Dora, FL 32757
352-383-8393
Saturday & Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Alan Pepin / Creative Director
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Reply #1 on : Tue March 22, 2011, 21:52:07
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Reply #2 on : Tue March 22, 2011, 23:42:19