Today was such a gorgeous spring-like day, temps in the 60’s, abundant sunshine, signs of earth’s awakening everywhere. I journeyed to Arkansas to visit Greg’s dad. We chatted and enjoyed a late lunch together and Greg and I did a little laundry for Dad Moore while we visited. As we left, the day just called to us, and we headed east, no real destination in mind, no schedule, no appointments to take us back to Joplin yet.
As we drove the winding road, approaching Bentonville, AR, Greg suggested I google antique and junk shops, to see what was nearby. We both enjoy browsing through these treasure troves. It’s a type of scavenger hunt, where you don’t know what the item is that you are searching for, until it catches your eye and your attention. I located a number of such stores in the area. Yet the one that pulled me toward it was called, interestingly, True Treasures, located at 10770 Hwy 72 W, Bentonville.
In a few moments, thanks to my phone’s GPS, we had arrived. I was intrigued immediately, just with what I could see grouped in the yard and on the porch of the inviting structure. As I opened the front door, I noticed the hours of operation. Saturday the shop closed at 5:00. The time was 5:05. I’ve worked in retail. I know how it felt when a customer walked in just as I was closing up. I hurried in to ask if they were indeed closing. The sales clerk VERY, VERY graciously invited us in to look. I had already seen enough, from my peek through the door, that I couldn’t resist that invitation!
We moved quickly through True Treasures, exclaiming over interesting finds. The displays were so artfully and creatively arranged and there was a bit of everything there, from painted furniture, old doors and windows, and vintage linens, to collections of buttons, Scrabble tiles, and wooden blocks. Even the public restroom was adorable with items for sale sharing space with the toilet and sink.
Loved this big bowl of loose buttons!
True Treasures is the type of space that makes me smile, and that I normally would linger in for quite some time. Today, I didn’t linger. I was very conscious of keeping the sweet woman who invited us in, late. We will come back and visit another time. The merchandise changes daily, and I have no doubt I can find new treasures every time I stop by. Tonight, I spied almost immediately what I wanted to purchase on this trip. A pair of black and turquoise stools caught my eye. They are perfect for the island in my kitchen and loaded easily into the back seat of my car.
What a beautiful store, aptly named, designed to delight and inspire. I’m so glad we stopped. And so grateful for the kindness of the young woman inside. It was the perfect adventure for this beautiful day. I’ll be back!
