Me and my main squeeze Doug like to go on alternative dates, sure dinner and a movie is fun but sometimes we like to be a little more adventurous! This weekend we decided to head down to The Original Farmers Market and check out one of my favorite kitschy stores! As soon as we arrived the feeling of that 1950's flair was present.

The first thing we we decided to do was grab a bite to eat and we had our work cutout for us when it came to making a decision. With over 100 restaurants with food from all over the world it was definitely like the UN of dinning! In the end we both ended up getting some delicious pizza and salad for only $8.00 plus free parking validation!

Deano's Gourmet Pizza and most of the other restaurants in the area are all set up like a 1950's counter bar-stools and everything! Now that our bellies were full I decided it was time to show Doug my absolute favorite store there The Shine Gallery.

The Shine Gallery owned by Bernie Shine was originally an online store but they opened up a location in 2007 at The Original Farmers Market! They sell mostly knickknacks and cute little kitschy items from the 1960's and back all of their items are real and in great condition. So its great if you love vintage novelties!

The store is almost like a museum of perfectly preserved memorabilia. From vintage postcards of pinup girls, to gag gift like mousetrap gum everything allows you to peek into the past. I also spotted hidden in the corner some beautiful Bakelite jewelry ON SALE so I had to pick up at least one bangle! I chose a little blue hinged number. Eventually after "Ooing" and "Ahhing" over everything we hit the back of the store and picked up another cool item to purchase, a mystery bag for only $4.00 full of unknown goodies! 

Finally after our perfect date we headed home for dinner and to check out what was inside our secret mystery bag! Inside we found a postcard, a water gun, a magnet pin, an old advertisement for a long gone Popsicle company a noisemaker and an American flag pin! Check them out below!

So the next time you're looking for somewhere new and original to take a date stop by The Original Farmers Market and check out the Shine Gallery!

XOXO Ashleeta