The Occasional Saler

Here are some preview photos. Early birds get in tomorrow (Thursday) at 8:00 and regular admission starts at 10:00 AM for $9.

Fall arrangements of dried tansy, baby’s breath and wild flowers are just a few of the attractive items at The Back Porch Gals sale just off Hwy 371 north of Pine River about 4 miles. Vintage linens, dishes, blankets, and tools plus cleverly re-purposed items like chalk boards and shelves fill the rustic shed and surrounding yard. Original oil paintings and jewelry are new treasures to consider. The sale is open TODAY until 4:00.

Most followers of The Occasional Saler are in the Twin Cities, but it’s hard to resist posting about attractive, well organized occasional sales farther afield. Hope you agree!

A trip to Rosemount and Apple Valley was an easy drive today. A Cat and The Fiddle A Fair at 3005 W. Lower 147th St. (just off Robert St./Hwy. 3) was dressed for fall with mums and Halloween touches to add to the cozy, eclectic atmosphere. I saw some beautiful old wood furniture, rag rugs, repainted frames, lamps and nice decorator items.

Haupt Antiek Market at 7570 W. 147th (just west of Cedar Ave./Hwy 77) was filled with reupholstered chairs and ottomans, dishes, garden pieces, signs, windows and seasonal accents.

For details, click on headline or elsewhere on the post to see This Month’s Sales. I heard a rumor of another occasional sale opening in the area. Please comment if you have info. Thanks! Happy saling!

Amour Sophie is a new occasional shop with its own vibe. It definitely has a girlie, feminine feel. No rusty farm implements here. There are burlap wreaths, repainted furniture, and vintage glass, silver and china pieces. Plus artisan candles, jewelry, handcrafted “flowers” and original paintings plus a few bits of French decor. Open this weekend in South Minneapolis at 46th and Bloomington Ave. S. See This Month’s Sales for the details.

Photo taken at Mama’s Happy…in the city (in Linden Hills, Minneapolis)

EXTRA SALES and lots of FUN EXTRAS mark this weekend’s calendar. Deja Vu in St. Paul is having one more sale. Prairie Haven in Hutchinson is adding a sale day this Saturday, Sept. 14th to coincide with the big Hutchinson Craft Fair. Mama’s Happy will showcase 30 vendors and lots of live music in their Outdoor Artisan Fair Thu-Sat along with their normal indoor shopping starting Wed afternoon. The Urban Cottage is hosting a special antique/flea roadshow with informal appraisals Friday from 10-7. The Cottage House has added cheese, hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting and live music on Sat from 7 – 10 PM.
Do check the Monthly Sales listings, or individual websites or Facebook pages for more details. Then head out for some extra fun shopping!

When I saw a poster with the words “Vintage Sale” along the road from Pine River to Longville last weekend, I decided to take a chance and see what kind of sale I’d find. You guessed it – a brand new occasional sale! It’s called Cabin Connections, but the re-painted furniture would work as well in the city as in a country cabin. There were picture frames, bottles, dishes, and several items with a Paris decor. The location is pretty remote, but IF you ARE in the area, you can visit this Friday and Saturday. Hours are 10- 4. The official address is Norman’s X-ing, but it’s best to describe the location as just east of Hwy. 84, 9 miles north of Pine River (approx. 1 mile north of Harriet Club). Follow the orange signs or call 218-587-2996.

This seems a good time to mention an occasional sale in Duluth. I haven’t visited in person, but the Facebook photos look great. Snowman’s Hill, 4462 Tischer Rd, 218-428-9564. If anyone’s been there, please let us know with a comment.

Can’t decide whether to go to the State Fair? Or to do a little shopping for school supplies? Or to try a new recipe? No need to choose just one activity. Your Lucky Day is paying tribute to Julia Child with a collection of her cookbooks, French copper ware and assorted utensils as well as screening her TV shows. There’s a corner for kids who want to spin the wheel or those who want to reminisce about the Fair. As usual, there are books, games, toys, school desks and lockers plus lots of chairs, glassware, and a couple pretty cool mid-century pieces newly refurbished. There may be treats, but what you’ll get “on a stick” is best not eaten! Hours are 9 to 6 Thursday – Sat, 10 to 5 Sunday. 42nd & Grand, south Minneapolis.

Sometimes I just can’t wait for the occasional sales to begin so I visit a consignment shop or an antique shop….or go window shopping at an Occasional Sale shop which isn’t open! That’s what I did today. Call these preview photos.