Antiquing My Way Through Michiana

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The Chicago Reader article "Beyond New Buffalo" inspired me to go on an antiquing trip with my mom & sister in Southwest Michigan & Northwest Indiana. Bargains and bonding made this trip memorable! I plan to go back in a month or two.

 1. Beardsley Avenue Antique Mall

816 W Beardsley Ave
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 523-1955

Category: Antiques

5.0 star rating
  6/22/2010

The real name seems to be Antiques on Beardsley

This was my favorite stop on our antiquing trip. I have a huge crush on Antiques on Beardsley.

There are many dealers so plan spending some time walking through. Furniture, knick-knacks, artwork,…More »

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 2. Hearts Desire Cafe

3030 Old US 20 W
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 296-7848

Category: Restaurants

5.0 star rating
  6/24/2010

*Disclaimer*
There is a post office and cafe (wasn't open when we were there) in this antique store. You will see people darting in to make a bee-line for the post office. I only talked to one of these people thinking it was someone in my group...

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 3. Iron Lace Antiques

20075 State Highway 205
Edwardsburg, MI 49112
(269) 641-2171

Category: Antiques

4.0 star rating
  6/24/2010 First to Review

Iron Lace was not on our agenda but a neighbor recommended we go when stopping at her yard sale. Boy, are we glad we did.

The owner was so friendly and even opened 10 minutes early on a Saturday (opens at 10am). She stores her antiques in a large…More »

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 4. Elkhart Antique Mall

51772 State Road 19
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 262-8763

Category: Antiques

4.0 star rating
  6/22/2010 First to Review

Two floors with many dealers. This was the first stop of our antiquing trip and what a great way to start. Artwork, collectibles, furniture, etc.--there is some good stuff here. I would plan to spend at least an hour walking through all the rooms.

The…More »

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 5. The Chubby Trout

2730 Cassopolis St
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 264-5700

Categories: Seafood, Sushi Bars

4.0 star rating
  6/23/2010

When in Elkhart, dine here. Decent selection of draft beers--Founders, Oberon, New Belgium and more. The menu includes burgers, steaks, seafood, and --- sushi, which was a little weird for me.

We tried the lobster pasta special, walleye, and trout.…More »

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 6. Four Flags Antique Mall

218 N 2nd St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-6681

Category: Antiques

4.0 star rating
  7/10/2010 First to Review

Two floors with the second floor heavy on crafts.There are many dealers selling furniture, décor, clothing, etc. Plan to spend at least an hour browsing.

I ended up buying two wood framed mirrors--one I'm sure is an antique and the other looks to be a…More »

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 7. Microtel Inn and Suites

3301 Plaza Ct
Elkhart, IN 46514
(574) 970-0420

3.0 star rating
  6/22/2010 First to Review

Things I wanted from a hotel during this trip 1) Cleanliness (I don't want to see trash left from previous occupants, random hairs, etc. 2) The best bang for my buck.

I was happy at Microtel Inn & Suites. For $75/night it was one of the best deals I…More »

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 8. Unique Antique Mall

50981 Indiana State Route 933
South Bend, IN 46637
(574) 271-1799

Category: Antiques

3.0 star rating
  7/10/2010 First to Review

We did not have Unique on our agenda but saw their sign and stopped (more like put on the brakes and turned around).

This store was heavy on the collectibles but there are crafts and antiques mixed in as well. According to my receipt they buy and…More »

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 9. Riverfront Cafe

219 Front St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-2233

Categories: American (New), Cafes

3.0 star rating
  7/10/2010

Riverfront was charming and located in downtown Niles. Outdoor seating is available but we opted for the air conditioning.

Soup, salad, and sandwiches were on the lunch menu. The best item we tasted was the crab soup. The bad storms the night before…More »

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 10. Antique Avenue Mall

52345 Indiana State Route 933
South Bend, IN 46637
(574) 272-2558
3.0 star rating
  7/10/2010 First to Review

I thought of giving Antique Avenue Mall just two stars because it is on the expensive side (bargain hunter here!) but they did have some high quality stuff.

I was looking at wall clocks and the prices seemed to range from $275-$2,000+. If you want…More »

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 11. Main Street Antique Mall

109 E Main St
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 684-9393

Category: Antiques

3.0 star rating
  6/24/2010 First to Review

Main Street Antique Mall seems to be geared to those heavy on the antique collecting as opposed to those wanting to buy nice-looking pieces to use and be "green." I thought many of the items were overpriced but then again I was buying items to use…More »

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"I don't Facebook or Twitter.......I Yelp."

Review votes:
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Chicago, IL

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December 2007

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autumn, David Bowie, my husband's hair in the morning, Project Runway, Belize, bernese mountain dogs, gardens, tea, Taos, alpacas, naps, my jokes, My husband, New Grist beer, extra dirty martinis, dark chocolate, morel mushroom hunting, goat cheese

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Andersonville/Lincoln Square/Ravenswood/Uptown

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm cruising Craigslist for pianos.

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peer pressure

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http://dlisted.com

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Unaccustomed Earth

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American Beauty

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King crab legs, mac & cheese, creamed spinach, brownie sundae

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I've always hated Groupon.

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High Protein Peanut Butter Balls

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The Pekingese that just won the Westminster dog show.