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Treasure Hunt: 2 Gems on Tacoma's Antique Row

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Tacoma's Antique Row is a neighborhood unto itself. Downtown, on Broadway, extending north from S. 9th St., it may seem ordinary enough from the outside. But enter in, and you'll find it's a destination for whiling away the hours of a gray day, a street for discovery, a place where treasure is sought, surprises are found, where rare gems of days gone by will catch your eye and strike your fancy. Go empty handed (perhaps with a pocket book), and return home with untold vintage delights, or at least the memory of them, now tucked away in some secret corner of the treasure chest inside your mind. Go. Don't be afraid. The shopkeepers are kind. 

For a peek inside two (of the many!) shops on the row, read on. One is old, established, trusted, and true. The second is sprawling, adventurous, decorative, and new. 

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Lily Pad Antiques

Collectibles, Comics & Old Toys

Lily Pad Antiques, 756 Broadway
Open 11 am - 5 pm, Closed Mondays

This is a true "mom and pop" shop run by the same couple (both US Army Veterans) for the past 28 years on Broadway. They keep a friendly, colorful shop that is both jam-packed and tidy. While the entire display area of the shop can be viewed from the front door, you've got to wander through the aisles and around the corners of shelves and displays to even begin to discover the variety of what's stocked in this shop for the curious and the collector. I loved their tiny rack of vintage children's garments including 2 little white frocks. But there's also a whole shelf of beer steins, and there are so many toys! For just a sample of the treasures in store, scroll through the gallery below.  

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Luluz & Co.

a vintage marketplace on Broadway.

Luluz & Co., 746 Broadway
Open Daily, 11 am - 5 pm

Known on Facebook as "Luluz junk tribe" this shop is anything but junk. Luluz had its grand opening on Halloween Day 2017, so they're pretty new on the scene. Hosting antique dealers, local artists and makers, Luluz is a trove of garments, collectible dishes, furniture, and whimsical objects of all sorts. The ground floor display encompasses two rooms. I'm still dreaming of an original drawing circa 1890 of a bouquet of snapdragons and honeysuckle (are you still there?). Upstairs there's a spacious area dedicated to vintage clothing and there's a fun view of the main floor from the balcony. Go in and see everything from a nice collection of Frankoma dishes, to tiny original watercolors by Terry Bader of Tacoma (one of the first things to draw my eye). There's plenty to see, room to move, and it's all worth a visit just for the front windows decorated with paper hearts, many inscribed with love quotes from literary and historical figures. Preview the treasures at Luluz in the gallery below, then join the "junk tribe" - go visit!

Perhaps we'll meet on Antique Row one day, gazing at a shelf of fanciful salt and pepper shakers or pining over antique colored pencil drawings of beautiful bouquets. Wishing you luck whatever you're searching for. 

On this closing day the biggest excitement came from a 7 year old who’s about to have his own room and who loves (fervently) the bathroom downstairs with orange walls. We’re excited for the whole family. Friendly neighbors came over to sa
I’m grateful Michael is willing to join me again, again, again and again on Orcas Island. We went last week so I could turn 41 in a place where my heart feels quiet, where deer tracks and bird tracks cross on the beach, where paths bordered by
When even the east glows at sunset What stills me in one window frame Where fabric flower feather and wax make the table a place How light of sky and light of candle and light of bulb need their own names Why home is also the distance seen beyond its
There’s change in the air across Tacoma, the return of things once lost, the reopening of places once closed, the transformation of one restaurant into another, the creation of brand new places to gather, shop, eat, and drink. We’ve been
From Sunday to Tuesday we joined almost every single person from @windermereabode for a retreat at @seabrookwa. We entered a time of camaraderie, visioning, personal exploration, and so many hugs. I don’t know how many realtor retreats are full
We took our two hearts out for an impromptu lunch at @threeheartstacoma today and we suggest you do the same. When we read the news that they’re extending their soft launch and staying open for the week instead of closing until next Tuesday we
Slipping a few coins in the parking meter’s a small price to pay for such a nice spot to sit. If you haven’t visited @outerdarkcoffee yet go before all the leaves fall. They’re very good company outside the huge windows. If you miss
As we celebrated their closing day yesterday our clients shared that after our first day of searching they weren’t sure if buying a home in Tacoma could actually happen for them. Less than two moths later we had the joy of handing them the keys
I’m marveling at all the colors that come from just one backyard maple tree (Michael’s heard enough). But, as Anne of Green Gables says, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers…Look at these maple branch
Over a year ago we first met our client here on the patio of @cider_cedar and today we celebrate her closing day! Home searches sometimes ebb and flow with really active times and seasons when a buyer takes a break, reimagines, and continues to sense
Lost hair bow, late season magnolia blossom, or an installation piece? This curbside crocus has a lot to offer too. May you encounter the fanciful, odd, and extraordinary ordinary in your walks about town. -G #walkingview #sidewalkart
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Hi, I'm Michael Duggan, a licensed broker with Windermere Abode. I would love to help you through the home buying or selling process. Please contact me to set up a meeting and get things started.