I’m not just an antiquer — I’m also a golfer.  So when the Kansas City Metro Chapter of the EWGA (Executive Women’s Golf Association) invited the Des Moines Chapter to join them for a golf outing in Grove, Oklahoma — I jumped at the chance.

The carpool picked me up bright and early on Friday morning and we headed south on I35.  We had a 6 1/2 hour drive ahead of us — and I had antiquing on my mind!  

I love to drive I35 because Missouri has this antiquing thing figured out.  Every 45 minutes there is a GOOD antique shop — just off the highway. So you can drive 45 minutes — and then shop for 45 minutes.  Drive 45 minutes.  Shop 45 minutes.  Yep — it takes a lot longer to get to Kansas City — but it’s worth it! 

Now, if I had had my way — we would have stopped at every antique mall in every small town between Des Moines and Grove, Oklahoma.   But alas — I was a passenger on this trip.  So I had to strategize. When would we require gas breaks?  When would nature call?  How long would our knees last?  And if I could only convince them to stop once — what would my 1st choice be… 

The Enchanted Frog

I love this place.  They have great dealers with beautiful merchandise.   But the one thing that makes them stand out is that the people behind the counter really know their dealers and are more than willing to call them and negotiate for you!  And if you are looking for something specific — they know just where to look.  Did I tell you I love this place?

My golf mates were very kind — and agreed to stop.  To save time I had planned to just shop 3 of my favorite dealers — but the gal behind the counter suggested I look in two additional booths.  And that ended up being good advice.  I found an unusual RS Prussia Hidden Image Shaving Mug for one of our regular customers.  And two pieces of Czech glass that I know will draw a lot of attention in Oronoco. 

I admit I wanted to spend more than 30 minutes shopping.  And for the rest of the trip — every time I saw a sign for a mall or spotted that antique flag flying — my heart fluttered and it broke my heart to drive right on by.   But I know I’ll be back.  

Earlier this year we decided that it was time to do a little picking in Oklahoma and Texas.  And now I have a travel plan in mind.  I-35, US-71, I-44 — here we come!