Playing hooky from your life can be so much fun! FDC and I took advantage of a beautiful spring day while the kids were still in school. We took days off our jobs and headed down the shore.
We discovered the St. Damien Thrift Shop by accident, we were on our way somewhere else nearby and we saw a plain black & white sign draped on a building proclaiming it to be a "THRIFT SHOP". We love thrift shops, so this was a must-stop.
The shop is on the first floor of a commercial office/retail building. It doesn't look like much on the outside but like many treasures the best is hidden behind the doors. I knew it was someplace special when, as we walked in, there were Pfaltzgraff "Gourmet Brown/Brown Drip" pattern serving ware and plates on display, and memories of my childhood flooded back. FDC and I gasped, and quickly selected some of our favorite pieces - they were in pristine condition.
From there it just got better. This shop benefits the ministries of St. Damien, and the people of this congregation have clearly generously donated to support the effort. The store is chock full of items - kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, clothing closets, books, CD, DVD, VHS, decor items, artwork jewelry, tons of items to outfit yourself and your home.
Another treasure found by FDC was a perfect-condition Roseville Pottery planter. It was, of course, among the pricier items, but given it's relative value was also quite a bargain.
The volunteers working at the shop were all quite lovely, helpful, cheerful and knew just where things were (which, given the amount of stock, was pretty amazing).
This place was very definitely a 'find', and I look forward to more treasure hunts! read more