In my travels...

...I always like to spy some new favorite shopping destinations.
While on vacation in Wisconsin I attended the Princeton Flea Market. It is touted as "WISCONSIN'S LARGEST WEEKLY OUTDOOR MARKET" and I was amazed at how many people actually turned out on the 4th of July.

Personally, I purchased a rectangular basket for carrying items from our kitchen to the beach and a berry picking pail to hold napkins and such. It's a great market with something for everyone whether you love antiques or just like "stuff" for cheap.


My favorite find of the day was just outside the flea market right on HWY 23. The owner of this treasure is Bonnie Mac Lagen and she named her shop Johnny Crow's after the children's book Johnny Crow's Garden.

Her house has the perfect set up for a home based business. The main house has the front door facing the side street, while her garage turned antique shop faces HWY 23. The house and shop are painted a soft, inviting yellow and the black awning over the shops front door definately captures your attention.

We headed inside and found a treasure trove of antiques and memorabilia. The first thing you see as you enter is an antique sleigh.

Now the picture I took of this sleigh does not do it justice but, it is something that would take my Christmas decorating to a whole new level. The only problem I see...where do you store something like this if you don't own a barn?
There was everything from great framed works of art to furniture and all sorts of memorabilia.
As you weave your way through the store, you are directed to a magical garden outside, complete with the "Crow's Nest".

Here I found some great architectural salvage like these copper gutters. Oh the things I could do???? Just how do I fit them into an overstuffed minivan? This may require a second trip to Princeton.


The shops of on Princeton's main drag, Water Street, were all equally enthralling with their unique staging and presentation. Unfortunately, some of them were not open while I had time to shop.

If you ever have a chance to stroll through Princeton, I urge you to take your time and visit some of the great shops such as Georgie's (formerly Tracy Porter's original store)and the little diner next door called Blue Moon. It is a great example of the wonderful things you can do with your downtown and small businesses who think big and creatively.

I admire every shop there because while growing up Princeton did not have a lot to offer but along came Tracy Porter who showed the residents what a treasure they had and helped Water Street blossom and opened the flower it has become today.

Wish I had more pictures to show you but again...my time was too short and the lake called my name. It's a hard choice to make...water or shopping, two of my favorite past times.