Go Junking at Junktiques!

Just when you think junking couldn’t get any better, someone opens a store that says, “Stop and go junking here” written all over it. That’s exactly what you’re going to say to yourself when you pull up to the historic brick two story where owner, Kim Martin houses her store called Junktiques. Even the old Ford pickup parked around the corner has Junktiques on it, with the great line explaining to those who don’t know what great junk is: her tailgate reads “Junktiques, refurbished Antiques, revived Junk & more.”

Kim could not have selected a better name to attract all of us who are addicted to antiques and collectibles or as many call it, our junk. That’s ok, because when you walk inside Junktiques, you’re going to be so glad you did, as it is major cozy and nostalgic. There are wonderful old beveled glass windows hanging and some have been repurposed or are now home to a seasonal wreaths to hang outdoors. There are iron bed frames, wood and metal stools, tobacco baskets, metal garden art – you name it from entrance and throughout, and it just gets better with every room and nook.

One vendor has made perfect use of the small unique kitchen by filling it with antiques such as wood tables, old pine chests, pottery, glass, aprons, tablecloths, whimsical blue glass and stained glass art pieces, as well as pitchers, jars, and yard statues.

Just around the corner staged in another room, you’ll love great metal décor, a fine inlaid antique desk, screen doors, beveled mirrors and vintage clothing. Down the hall, you’ll find perfect vignettes in what were once closets, with lovely and interesting treasures waiting for a new home. A couple of vendors specialty is finding primitives and farm pieces like saddles and farm tools. Another collects fire fighting equipment and helmets, clothing and gear. Another has an eye for mid-century modern, and there’s a room shared by several ladies who love mugs, shaving mugs, albums, salt & pepper shakers, and china tea sets. One more has ladies sharing items that have been repurposed with paint offering a shabby style look with touches of pink in vintage clothing, hats, glassware, and linens.

You’re going to enjoy meeting Kim. and will quite often have the pleasure of meeting  vendors there restocking and rearranging their booths as the treasures fly out the door at Junktiques.

On Oct. 14, Kim and her vendors will be celebrating her first anniversary at Junktiques located at 115 East Madison Ave. in Athens, Tenn. They want you to come and do your regular junking at Junktiques, and they will be running sales and the fun will begin. Historic downtown Athens will be holding their annual Pumpkintown Festival that Saturday, so that you can stroll along Madison Avenue and other streets celebrating fall gatherings at Pumpkintown. Junktiques is located in the block just north of the court house on the left of the one way street/Madison Avenue. You will be able to park in lots and walk and enjoy the event, as well as visit Junktiques and take home a few treasures. I’ve seen many customers buying their favorite finds in Junktiques, and the vendors bring new ‘old’ stuff almost daily, keeping an amazing variety of antiques and collectibles waiting for you to take home. Be sure to tell your friends about Junktiques, and they’ll appreciate letting them know you saw their ad in The Busy Bee Trader.

By Maxine Jones, Ocoee, Tennessee