On the Road with Contributing Editor Elizabeth Young: Shadeland Shoppes Antique Mall Indianapolis, IN

On a recent jaunt to Indianapolis, my husband and I discovered the
Shadeland Shoppes Antique Mall on the east side of town.  Originally opened
in 1982, it is recognized as the oldest antique mall in the area.  Bonnie
Kinser purchased it in March 2008 and has worked hard to bring it back up to
par. Over 40 dealers are represented.

Ellie, a dealer at the mall, says, "It's just gotten better."  She has
been a dealer at the mall since 1987.  "We are creative people.  We do
this because we like to decorate.  We don't buy furniture by the room, we
buy it by the piece.  Antique dealers like what we do, we like our
merchandise.  It's not just about the money."

The mall is over 13,400 sq ft., well lit and packed full of a wide array of
antiques and collectibles.  It contains an eclectic mix of old and
new.  Shoppers will find furniture, glassware, toys, books, jewelry,
military items and more.  They also offer a variety of collectibles
that would appeal to men such as model cards, trains, Civil War items, fossils,
coins and sports memorabilia.  Shadeland Shoppes accepts credit cards and
offers layaway and gift certificates. 

Molly the cat sits at the desk where she can maintain her position as
"resident manager".  She arrived 3 1/2 years ago with her kittens and never
left.  Her picture is sketched on the mall's business card.  Customers
look forward to seeing Molly when they visit and often bring her treats and
toys.

If you arrive at lunch time be sure to check out Jimmy D's snack bar
located at the front of the mall.  They opened 3 years ago and offer
homemade chicken salad, hot dogs, ice cream and more.  The
crew whips up their goodies at an original soda fountain purchased from a
drug store that closed many years ago.  Ice cream tables and chairs are
plentiful in the dining area. 

In March 2009, Consignment Chix opened a consignment shop within the
antique mall.  Women's designer clothing as well as fun jewelry and
accessories add yet another reason to shop here.

Location:  3444 N. Shadeland Ave, Indianapolis,
IN  46226  (Located conveniently between I-70 and I-465

               
 just 7 miles from the IN State Fairgrounds)

 

Phone:  (317) 546-2402 or toll free (866)
461-0276

 

Hours:  Open daily 10:00-5:30, Sunday
11:00-5:00

 

Website:  www.shadelandshoppes.net

Elizabeth Young
is a wife and cat mom who spends many an hour hunting for vintage
goodies at her favorite  thrift stores, antique shops and monthly flea
markets!  A collector of vintage toys, holiday decor and general store
items, many of the found treasures end up on display in her Victorian
home.  She also looks for vintage ephemera, fun supplies and kitschy
decor for her Etsy shop Grandmother's Attic !  When not doing this, she works two part time jobs, wearing different hats at each!