Day 4:  We began the trek back to Missouri.  We had written down several exit numbers with Flea Market and Antique Mall signs when we were driving to Ohio .  First stop, Richmond, OH for breakfast.  Second stop, Centerville for a FANTASTIC antique mall.  We found several deals and a couple of really neat prints by an artist called Shaker Gus.  We stayed in Terre Haute and hit a couple more shops before calling it a day (and the wallets were pretty empty).

LOCALS, GREASY SPOONS, & HOLES:  We found a local diner called Sunrise Family Restaurant.  It was a bust.  Everything tasted pretty cafeteria and packaged--disappointment.

Day 5:  Homeward bound.  We had plans to stop at a big antique mall in St. Louis and then at the grape stands around the St. James & Cuba area, but by Sunday, all we could think about was getting home. Home by 1:00 with a cargo van not quite so empty!

Day 3:  Flea Market Day!!  We both got up so early--couldn't sleep, so excited!!  We were at the Flea Market Extravaganza by 7:30.  We parked the empty cargo van. . .

and the shopping began!!  I believe we made 4 trips back to the van before leaving about 3:30.  Thanks again, Dana, for the cart.  We would never have made it without the cart!!

LOCALS, GREASY SPOONS, & HOLES:  We were at the fair grounds, so what do you ALWAYS have to have at the fair?  Corn dogs!!!!!  And it was thumbs up yummy:)  I also had (still having) homemade fudge.  The lady said it was her secret recipe.

Day 2:  We left Effingham, IL and headed on down the road.  We saw antique signs in the Terre Haute, IN area, so we pulled in.  My favorite purchase was a gold box with a glass front.  The front is like a little door and the name at the bottom is "Taggart's".  Since this is my maiden name, I felt it was meant to be!!  It was labeled a candy box, but I'm not finding information on it under that.

Once we finished in Terre Haute, we headed on to Springfield, OH.

LOCALS, GREASY SPOONS, & HOLES:  We went searching for something unusual, but not successfully.  We didn't want to stray far from the hotel area--exhausted.  Ended up at a Bob Evans--oh, well.

Business Trip

Yup--that's what I'm calling it.  The best one EV-ER!!  I have two booths at Relics Antique Mall.  Mick and I have been dreaming of a freelance antique trip stopping at any little town at any appealing flea market buying any sweet thing we want.  And the main purpose of the trip is to stock my booth.  Granted, we may find a few keeper items (pretty sure Mick will find more Christmas goodies) and I am keeping my eyes open for a few items requested by clients (OK, friends and family, but whatever). 

We decided on Springfield, OH as our ultimate destination--flea market extravaganza!!  Really, that's what they call it!  My next request was that we be able to eat at local establishments, or greasy spoons, or hole in the wall restaurants.  So, instead of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, my personal critiques will be of Locals, Greasy Spoons, and Holes.

Here we go! 

Day 1:  Mostly travel.  We stopped at 2 flea markets--one was closed (at 3:30 in the afternoon--called STUFF FOR SALE) and the other in the town of Altamont, IL.  That one was held in storage sheds--interesting.  The stuff was OK, but no deals--looking for deals.

LOCALS, GREASY SPOONS, & HOLES:  I would consider this a local favorite as it was crowded with every age.  We ate at Neimerg's Steakhouse in Effingham, IL.  Thumbs up!!  I had fried chicken and mashed potatoes (one of my very favorite comfort foods).  It came with the salad bar.  They also specialize in pies--every kind imaginable.  Three pieces of chicken, mashed potatoes, salad bar--all for $6.50.  UNBELIEVABLE!!