A gem, truly. I was so thrilled the first time I stumbled across Cheshire Cat Antiques that I came back the next day for a second tour around its sweet wares. I'm actually getting nervous reporting this fantastic place because I don't want to give up my secret. Everything here is mine! The shop keepers are so darn friendly though, I am compelled to rustle up as much business for them as my little review can muster. If you would like an in depth idea of why this place is fantastic, read on. If you don't have the time, just go there already! If you like going to antique stores/estate sales and the like - you'll probably really like this place. It's well worth the visit.
This shop had everything I look for in a must-visit antique shop:
Varied, loved inventory? Check. On my first trip, I was surprised to find not only the classic west Texas fare (cowboy boots, cool rusty iron ware, turquoise jewelry galore, antique saddle once belonging to a swarthy named cowboy) but also a slew of awesome things that I would have not expected: a box of mixed silverware where I found a fork and spoon with my first initial engraved on the handle (an auspicious omen!), an impressive collection of minerals (whack-your-own geodes, peacock pyrite, beautiful locally mined jewelry-quality agate), lots of antique cast iron pieces.
Reasonable prices? Check! So many times I go to an antique store and everything is priced out the wazoo for no apparent reason and I've left disheartened and empty handed. The Cheshire Cat has inventory for every budget. Whether you have $1 or $10,000 to drop, you bet you can find not only something beautiful and awesome to take home but I bet you'd also get a great background story to go with it because..
Extremely knowledgeable, forthcoming, and KIND operators? CHECK! The folks I met at the Cheshire Cat were extremely nice and were happy to answer all of my inane questions with gusto! Russ, the manager, was able to give me local geological history and some tips on breaking open my newly acquired geodes. His rapport with the local youth who came by was a wealth of knowledge by proxy (err.. eavesdropping. Sorry!) on the local events. He also gave some excellent recommendations for stops on my walking tour of Alpine which was very helpful since it was my first visit in town.
I love antique shops and the Cheshire Cat and its manager Russ were a lovely surprise. I had such a great time chatting and perusing through their wares. My fork and spoon polished up ~beautifully~ (I know, but the *patina*, whatever.. I don't plan to be on Antiques Roadshow with my fork and spoon), I am so excited to smash my geodes open, and I definitely know where to visit next time I'm in Alpine. read more