The Vintage Station

Thanks to a tip from my friend Erica Thrasher, The Vintage Station in Bessemer, Alabama is one of my new favorite places to hunt for treasures.

I have to be honest. I thought about being selfish and greedy by making sure the spread of Erica's information stopped with me, but I couldn't do it. There is more than enough wonderful to go around.

Located in a historic train station built in 1904, the Vintage Station is an amateur picker's dream come true. Hundreds of antique doors line one wall and barn wood of every type is stacked to the walls waiting for the artisans working hard in the room next door to repurpose wood into farmhouse tables, headboards, chairs, etc.. Take your vision and your time with you because you'll find something you want created from this gold mine.

But salvaged wood isn't all there is to plunder. Antique furniture lines the walls and the tables (and floors!) of unique collectables guarantee hours of eclectic adventure. On my first visit, I walked out with a vintage Lone Ranger chalk figurine, a beautiful lead window salvaged from an old home and a custom made farmhouse table on order. I can't wait to go back and this time I'm taking gloves, a snack and lots of imagination. Chances are really good, I'll leave with tons of something wonderful. Check out some of the pictures I grabbed on my last visit.

The owner Brad is as nice of a guy as you'll ever hope to meet who really seemed concerned that I was happy with his work. He's refreshingly client-focused and I found it easy to communicate exactly what I wanted. Here's some pictures of the table he built for me using repurposed wood.

Before...

After...

The Vintage Station is located at #2 18th Street North in Bessemer.  HAVE FUN!

(If Brad offers you a tour...take it!)