Strolling past an old-fashion bathtub filled with water and floating candles, I walked down the pebble stone path to the pond filled with fish. Candles surrounded it and lights hung from the trees. Live music added to the ambiance making me feel like I could hang out in this courtyard all night. My mother-in-law approached me with her favorite garden display and asked me if she should buy it. I was reminded that I wasn’t in a dream garden, but in the backyard of antique store in the Glasstown Arts District in Millville, NJ. All their decorations were for sale.
Our entire evening was a pleasant as the trip to the antique store. We visited the Glasstown Arts District on the third Friday of the month which is an event that runs all year long in effort to revitalize the town. It attracts visitors from all over. Most stores are open until later in the evening (around 10:00) and musical acts are sprinkled throughout the six blocks where the event takes place. I am pretty sure we heard at least six performers and I have a feeling we missed a few others.
One of my favorites parts of the evening was strolling through the numerous art galleries filled with artwork from local artists. Many of them displayed oil paintings, watercolors, ceramics, handmade jewelry and more. I actually felt like I knew what I was looking at as I stood under the lights that illuminated the artwork, munching on grapes and cheese, while analyzing the piece from different angles. I still regret not purchasing that unique, handcrafted ceramic bowl topped with handmade wicker. It looked like half bowl and half basket.
The stores were fun to visit too because some of them were so unique. Many of the gift shops were built in old-style homes whose rooms seemed to never end. Old fashion hardwood floors, creaky stairs, and winding banisters added to the charm of the place. I think I spent just as much time looking at the architecture as I did looking at the stores’ wares.
Then there was the little village at the end of the street. Stores were built in,what looked to me, like large sheds. All lined up in a row, they made a small village. Concrete paths were painted to look like cobblestones and beautiful gardens filled with wild flowers and lawn ornaments connected the shops. It was quite cute there.
Dinner was a treat as a well. We ate at Winfields, named as a tribute to Mr. Frank Winfield Woolworth, owner of the famous five-and-dime stores. The building the restaurant occupies was formerly a Woolworth store. Although housed in a 100-year old building, the restaurant was modern with well-maintained hard wood floors and fancy seating. We actually had to eat at the upscale bar because they didn’t have any available reservations until 9:30. It was only 6:30 when we got there. I’d highly recommend calling before you go! I am glad we choose to stay and eat at the bar though, because the food was excellent. Homemade bread, pasta in creamy vodka sauce with crumbled Italian bacon and a fresh salad to go with it. Mmm mmm mmm……
There’s plenty of other, more casual, dining options from the Victorian tea room, to the pizza shop, one of many pubs, or the coffee house with live music.
And don’t be concerned about safety. All streets were well lit and each corner had at last one or two police officers keeping an eye on things.
Be sure to visit the Glasstown Arts District in Millville on the Third Friday of the month or during one of many events. Check their website for more information. It can be found at: http://www.glasstownartsdistrict.com Enjoy!
