Venturing into the realm of antique shopping often leads to unexpected discoveries, and my recent trip to Lawrence, Massachusetts, was no exception. To be honest, Lawrence wasn’t initially on my must-visit list, colored by some less-than-charming past encounters. However, the promise of an expansive antique mall, nestled within an old mill building, was enough to pique my curiosity. The Canal Street Antique Mall presented itself as an intriguing enigma – would it be a treasure trove or just another dusty collection of forgotten items? The thrill of the unknown was undeniably part of the appeal.
Navigating the labyrinthine layout of the historic mill building to find the entrance was the first mini-adventure. Once inside, the initial impression was a delightful chaos reminiscent of classic Maine junk shops. Wandering deeper into the mall, the eclecticism truly unfolded. And then, there they were: the clowns. A whole cabinet filled with them, staring out with painted smiles, accompanied by unsettling portraits that spilled into the surrounding space. For someone who appreciates a touch of the macabre, even this doll enthusiast found the sheer volume of clowns unnerving, yet fascinating.
Beyond the peculiar clown display, Canal Street Antique Mall revealed itself as a diverse emporium. The inventory seamlessly blended genuine antiques with vintage finds, rustic country crafts, and a staggering assortment of utterly random objects. You could easily lose yourself for hours, sifting through the eclectic mix. My own successful dig resulted in a Janis Joplin vinyl record for a mere $12 – a score that instantly brightened my day. While I had hoped to find some unique Christmas gifts, my family’s tastes, unfortunately, lean towards the conventional, and nothing quite fit the bill.
The exploration continued across the parking lot, leading to another floor of antique wonders, this time with a distinctly different character. Upstairs, the ambiance shifted towards more refined tastes, showcasing elegant furniture and architectural salvage pieces. A vast room filled with salvaged doors ignited the imagination – each one hinting at untold stories and hidden passages. Which door might lead to a secret garden? Which one conceals a whimsical rabbit hole? The possibilities were endless. Adding to the nostalgic charm, I stumbled upon a genuine Superman trap – a vintage phone booth, complete with its original phone, priced at $900. It was a delightful flashback to simpler times.
Despite a slightly wayward GPS experience that detoured me through Boston unnecessarily, the trip to Canal Street Antique Mall was undeniably worthwhile. For anyone with a penchant for antiques, vintage treasures, or simply the thrill of the hunt, this Lawrence gem is a must-visit. It’s an ideal destination for finding unique gifts, or perhaps, just a special something for yourself. While my memory card mysteriously vanished (perhaps it became an offering to the antique gods), thankfully, a few phone snapshots captured some of the mall’s quirky essence.
Display case filled with vintage clown dolls at Canal Street Antique Mall
Selection of vintage and antique items at Canal Street Antique Mall
Collection of framed portraits and art pieces within Canal Street Antique Mall
Variety of vintage furniture and decor items showcased at the antique mall
Assortment of antique goods and collectibles inside Canal Street Antique Mall
Display of old doors and architectural salvage for sale at Canal Street Antique Mall
Vintage rotary phone inside a classic phone booth offered at Canal Street Antique Mall
Numerous vintage chairs and furniture pieces presented at Canal Street Antique Mall
Close-up of antique and vintage collectibles available at the Lawrence antique mall
Variety of vintage glassware and decorative items on display in the antique shop
Selection of antique lamps and lighting fixtures for sale at Canal Street Antique Mall
Exterior view of the mill building housing Canal Street Antique Mall
Another perspective of the historic mill building that hosts the antique mall
Display of vintage holiday decorations and collectibles at Canal Street Antique Mall
Showcase of antique furniture and home goods within the antique mall
