Off the Beaten Path
Today Brett had to teach a course. Yes, I know, it’s Sunday, but he was teaching reservist so you have to catch them when you can. But since he was going to be gone most of the day, I took advantage of it to spend time with our daughter, Alexa. We took off for a place I have only been once, but knew that they had some great antique stores.
The town is called Urbanna, Virginia. When we drive to the plantation up route 17, we pass a sign inviting us to visit Historic Urbanna. (You had me at Historic) It is a short drive off route 17 to this very small town that was named after Queen Anne of England. Urbanna means City of Anne. Their biggest event is an Annual Oyster Festival that is held the first weekend of November. There is a small harbor with lots of boats. The main part of town has to two main streets that create the impression of Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show. Quiet and slow paced, this would be a great stop over to do some antique shopping in their many small stores.
When we were here last, about three weeks or so ago, I came across two cups I wanted, but didn’t buy. Today, I found one of them still available. Score! Not only did I get the cup with the three small feet, but I came across a beautiful Victorian cup that is now one of my favorites!
The feet on that cup is just too cute!
They really are! I had to go back to get it before someone took it.
It was meant to be! That’s what I say when I go back for something and it is still there 🙂
I believe that too. Just like this plantation. It was just meant to be.
🙂
love it – the name! the houses, and oh the china! more please
Thank you! We enjoyed seeing the old homes and finding the great pieces. More to come!
Are too cute. Sorry for the sloppy grammar!
😉
beautiful houses and i love the cups. i have the middle set
Thank you!
Love the Architecture and tea cups. 😉
Thank you! I loved the two last houses. They were such a surprise around the corner kind of places.
Love that last cup and saucer! Don’t remember if you ever mentioned the plan for these great antiques–just display or are you actually going to serve out of them?
I was really surprised when I found that one. It was like this weekend was meant to be all Victorian. We are going to use them for afternoon tea parties at the plantation. 🙂
I want to come to Virginia and collect tea cups even though I don’t have a plantation. Love the pictures!
Thank you! It has been great fun in doing it. I have added all the pictures to the Belle Grove Facebook page so you can see them all at once!
I love your growing collection. I don’t know what its like in the States, but here (UK) these are ten-a-penny in all the flea markets and second hand shops. Lots of people collect whole sets for use at their weddings or other celebrations because they are so cheap! But they are so lovely its worth all the trawling through shops and markets.
I wish I could come to the UK to search for some to add to my collection. Forgive me but do you know what the ten-a-penny is in US dollars?
Ha! Sorry, must be a UK expression. It just means really cheap and lots of them! My friend runs a flea market and we pick up things like that for what would be less than a dollar each. Most are 1950s repros of Victorian patterns for that price, but they look the part. Even the real deal (late 19th/early 20th century) is usually quite cheap.
I would love to come over still and just find a few to go with our collection! That would be so cool!
Urbanna is a pretty little town. Glad the cup was still there…waiting for you!
It was really small! But really nice. Such a quiet little town. I was too! I just wish the yellow was still there too. 🙁
Old houses are just charming!
They are, aren’t they? Just thing what stories they could tell.
Yes they have so much more to offer than any new houses! It is just so nice to take a walk around them.
I would do anything for those vintage cups and saucers! What do you want me to do! Ha ha! So absolutely beautiful. Never seen one with the three feet. Great find!
Thank you! I don’t know if I can let you have them, but you can come to the plantation when we open and enjoy an afternoon tea using them!
I wouldn’t part with them ever if I owned them. If I ever visit, I’ll remind you of your offer. Thank you, you are sweet. 🙂
Yep, we were in Urbanna too recently. I love those weekend wanderings. The boats were incredible, but the lighting was poor by the time we found the docks. My husband went back later and took some great pictures.
The boats were such a surprise when we arrived. I didn’t expect to see them there. A very nice surprise!