Oh, it’s good to be home again! I’ve missed being in my own house and my own bed, but also enjoyed the time in Florida with my hubby. What a week it has been! I’ve missed all of you too, but hope to catch up this week and come by to visit. Y’all need to come by everyday this week, as I have a full week of posts to share and I think you’ll enjoy them all. Time to catch up on the laundry and get back to my regular exercise routine.
I was on my own during the week for the most part and had to find things to occupy my time. So, I had heard that Dade City, FL had some neat antique shops and since it’s only 25 miles from Lakeland, drove over one morning to check it out. This is the town courthouse, which sits right on the square. Isn’t it beautiful? Moss on the trees in Florida has always held a certain fascination for me. We used to drive down to see my mom’s relatives in this area when I was growing up and it was always a thrill to start seeing the moss in the trees. We didn’t have that in Atlanta and I always thought the moss was so picturesque. I still enjoy seeing it sway in the breeze and take over the trees.
Tucked away in some of these small Florida towns are historic districts that thankfully have been preserved and brought back to life. Dade City is one of those small towns who has done a great job with keeping the quaint ambience. We enjoyed beautiful Spring weather last week in Florida and the temps couldn’t have been more perfect for a day of browsing the shops.
This first store I stopped in was a girl’s dream come true. Called Willio, it had everything…a lunch spot, decor shopping, and cute clothes and accessories.
Check out this luncheon area. It was just the cutest place, a true diner feel! I can just see all the ladies coming in here to chit-chat and have lunch.
Lots of great looking things to look at and admire.
Tablescapes and accessories.
For the rooster lovers.
Vera Bradley wall of purses.
More purses.
Butterflies
And around the square were several shops and antiques stores that were delightful to browse in. A fun way to spend a few hours.
Eye candy galore.
This shop had my particular favorite thing, bunnies and birds.
I had to keep my wishlist in check.
Antiques on the sidewalk.
And this was fun….I spotted my IDENTICAL piecrust table in an antiques store. You can see it was selling for $195, which I thought was a pretty good price. Not as good as my $75 yardsale price, but good nonetheless. It was in very good condition too. 
Lots of pretties and collectibles.
There were many shops to browse and I loved the small-town feel of Dade City.
Live orchids in one shop.
This was my very favorite shop in Dade City, called Old City Market, it was a treasure trove of fun things. The shop owner is also a decorator and the store is chock-full of wonderful accessories and furniture. Many things are new, with a vintage feel and she is really an artist with the accessorizing.
Walking in the front door.
Curio cabinet with seashells, which of course I loved.
More shells and lamps.
These shells were such a pretty color.
Vintagey light fixtures.
Quilts
Pillows and linens
Lots of large-scaled beautiful things.
The old buildings on the square are a perfect backdrop for these shops.
One area was for kids things.
I loved this wall with the letters and how pretty it all looked with the worn brick backdrop.
More shells displayed in a cake stand.
And this is the only thing I bought that day. The sweet little natural birdie and birdsnest (they were only $5 for both, so a good price) came from the shop that had all the bunnies and the candles from the last shop, my favorite.
Those pictures were KILLING me! lol I wonder how far Dade City is from Orlando. I’ll be down there mother’s day weekend…I may have to drag my mom and few sisters out with me!
I so love the places you go! I especially loved the little bird in the last picture….precious!
Happy that you had such a good time AND happy that you share with us. Always love to “see” things through your eyes.
(())
Hi Rhoda…This looks like the perfect place to spend a couple days, exploring! I’d love to visit!
I’m looking forward to more photos and stories, from your week in FL!
Pat
Welcome home!
It was wonderful seeing all of these pictures of Dade City. I haven’t been there since I was a young child. They have created a charming place.
I’ll be back to see more.
Rhodie, I so enjoyed this! When you called while on your drive to say, ” Hey, guess where I’m going right now”, I was hoping I had not talked up Dade City too much and that you’d enjoy it as much as I did when my parents lived in the area. Glad you had fun. It looks like it’s still a pleasant place for antiquin’ and browsin’. I too have always been charmed by the moss hanging from all the Live Oaks. I also think that you found the exact little dining spot I remembered so well.
You are a wonderful photographer! While I was looking at the pictures and text, I felt like I was along side you, only thing was I couldn’t buy anything…Darn!!!! So glad you had a nice time, thanks so much for sharing with us! Donna Lynn
wow… just beautiful! Happy that you had such a good time! and thanks for sharing beauty.
The house in the roses is having a dessert carnival… come and participate. It promises to be FANTASTIC!!!
cielo
Oh how wonderful Rhoda! I bet you felt like you died and went to Heaven will all those goodies!
Loved looking at all the seashells…as I have a ton of them and I am always looking for display ideas…thanks for sharing your trip!
Hugs,
Robin
Thanks for the Tour Rhoda. I feel like I was right along with you for a visit to Dade City 🙂
Blessings,
Sher
Wow! I loved your pictures. It makes you want to go…. really bad…. and it’s a long way from Missouri…
That wall of Vera Bradley purses is amazing. Loved the bunny things too.Adore the pinecone nest – what a cute idea!
I’m sure it’s good to be home and back to your regular routine. No matter how good a time I have when we’re away – I’m always happy to sleep in my own bed!
Manuela
Dade City looks absolutely fabulous! So many beautiful things!
Thanks for sharing such wonderful pictures.
Hugs,
Donna
I love to travel with you, Rhoda …you could have a show “on the road with Rhoda…you don’t miss a thing! Thanks for taking us along!
You were down in my neck of the woods!!! I moved to TN from Ft. Meade, FL (which is about 30 mins. south of Lakeland). I too love Dade City. If you ever get back to that area you need to check out Bartow (also south of Lakeland), every year they have a “Bloomin’ Festival” where they close the streets to downtown and all the shops plus artists set up shop. I can’t remember exactly when it is but I believe it’s in the summer. It was so nice to see the your pics of Dade City – I do miss shopping there, sniff, sniff. Can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us!!
Love it! It reminds me of my hometown–Newnan. If you ever get south of atlanta, you should check out all the little shops on the old square in Newnan. you would like it there.
Wonderful pictures Rhoda! I loved each one – I’m so glad you had fun exploring in Dade City – AND that you enjoyed the jazz festival… I’m lovin’ the music here too! Can’t wait till we have our shopping adventure! Miss you!
xo,
Kim
Hi Rhoda 🙂
Thank you for the houses wishes 😉
Dade city looks like the kind of place I could get lost in. Just beautiful and the shops look so cute! I love what you brought home 🙂 I can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures.
Have a great night!
hugs,
rue 🙂
loved visiting there with you…those looked like my kinda places. Haven’t done any shopping in B’ham yet, but I’ll have time later.
Oh what FUN! Dear Rhoda, thank you so much for bringing us along on your travels. I can see that you must have been in hog heaven! Love the little birdie and nest you got…
xoxo,
Mary