What I Found In Florence--The Antiques Capital Of Colorado

Here's a weekly roundup of fun and funky and unique items I found in some of the many shops in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

Yes, it's a butter churn. But I think of it as a vintage exercise machine. Notice that the churn has a foot pedal AND a handle for churning--for a total aerobic workout. DISCOVERED AT: Iron Gate Antique Mall, 109 W. Main St.

Handcrafted right in Florence--delicious organic vanilla. Here's a secret about Florence: There are a lot of home based artisans making small batches of edibles, soaps, crafts and other items, one batch at a time--the old fashioned way. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main, 114 W. Main St.

Delicious honey. As it reads on the label: As straight from the hive as you can get.

It's unfiltered, raw and unpasteurized. I purchased some and can attest to the quality and taste. Florence resident, Shellie Busetti is responsible for the honey and the vanilla. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main, 114 W. Main St.

Shellie is also a photographer, along with her husband, Bill. She recently showed the new note cards she is producing from her original photos--as well as Colorado postcards. Yes, scenes from Florence, are in the works! The Busettis' photos and artwork are also available matted and framed. They have a website at : http://www.busettiphoto.com/  DISCOVERED AT: Iron Gate Antique Mall, 109 W. Main St.

Handcrafted letters made painstakingly from beer bottle tops, by a local artisan. Each letter is sold individually, so one can just get one's initial or make an entire sign or statement. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main, 114 W. Main St.

If you are missing an iron gate for your estate--no worries! You'll find it in Florence. And it's no accident or IRONy this treasure was discovered at The Iron Gate Antique Mall, 109 W. Main St., which always pays homage to its namesake with a good selection of vintage gates and fencing.

Beautiful Hoosier cabinet, spotted at the Iron Gate,which also carries separate Hoosier jars and glass.

Handcrafted, handpainted wood signs--made by a local artisan. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main.

Scruffy, the antique dog. Not for sale--but he wanted to get on the blog. DISCOVERED: At my house.

FLORENCE,CO: Tour of BARN & BARREL--Total COOLNESS!

You all know I like to roam the streets of Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado and just see what's going on. Recently I stepped into Barn & Barrel, located at 115 W. Main St. And I also ascended into a world of total coolness.

For those familiar with Florence, the location of Barn & Barrel formerly housed the antiques and art shop, Touch of Grace--also a popular destination for those looking for top-drawer antiques, art, jewelry and architectural salvage. The owners of Touch of Grace relocated out of state--and Dan Vinton and his wife Tracy, a few months ago moved Barn & Barrel from a smaller location a few doors down to the spacious showrooms at 115 W. Main.

Barn & Barrel's slogan is: Farm Fresh To Barrel Aged. The shop specializes in antiques, art and architectural salvage.

                                                  BARN & BARREL IN FLORENCE,CO

I guarantee if you check out Barn & Barrel's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/barnandbarrelflorenceco/?fref=ts
you'll be pleased and probably hop in the car to check out one of southern Colorado's most unique home decor stores.

Like most shops in Florence, thing change almost daily. But here's what was going on at Barn & Barrel last week. Join me for a fun tour!

Yes, they have a great selection of primitive wall cupboards with that delicious, chippy paint.

And free-standing primitive cupboards loaded with vintage smalls.

OK, you had me at chippy paint. But there's way more to be discovered at Barn & Barrel.

Salvage galore!

A wonderful farm (or harvest) table constructed of 100-year-old barn wood. And the price is a fraction of what it would generally be outside of Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

Another view of the delicious barnwood table.

Owner Dan Vinton said this area started as simply a quiet retreat area for customers and browsers to sit back in comfort and relax and rest. He said they put a comfy couch there for visitors--that wasn't supposed to be for sale--and it sold. They got another comfy couch and it sold. And then they finally put in this stylish, distressed leather couch--which is now for sale. But no worries--Barn & Barrel will always have a good selection of stylish furniture and a comfy place for visitors to unwind.

Here's how it all started. Dan said his wife Tracy, years ago, began offering a line of quality handmade soaps and body products--and they used some antiques as "props" in their display. The antiques and vintage items began selling--and the rest is history. But the Barn & Barrel still has a line of soaps and body products.

A display of handbags, scarves and other fashion accessories

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The Barn & Barrel also proudly sells local artisan work--like this handmade wooden bowl.

You never know what you will find at Barn & Barrel--and that's half the fun of browsing in this fantastic shop--and all of Florence for that matter!

A vintage car fender as wall art? You bet!

Thanks for joining us on a tour of one of Florence's coolest shops.

And make sure and snap some pictures of what YOU find in Florence--and feel free to send your pictures to this blog for possible publication.

Florence Colorado: Barn & Barrel, One Of The Best Window Displays

  I haven't done an official study, but I imagine Florence Colorado has one of the highest per capita ratios of antiques in the country. And the antiques capital of Colorado also has some of the best window displays I've seen anywhere.

  I'm a sucker for anything vintage and green, whether it's close to St. Patrick's Day or not.

  The current window display and at Barn & Barrel at 119 W. Main St. is delicious and green. Every shade of green from minty to sagey to Ireland. Weathered paint. Ah. Yummy.

  And this is just the window display. The shop inside is also full of tremendously delicious vintage delights.

  Barn and Barrel is one of cutest stores in Florence, but I bet as I take blog readers on more tours of Florence, I'll be writing that about most every store in town. And it will be true! After all, this is True Story Club.