Usually, my buddy Bonnie and I celebrate our birthdays with a little visit to a favorite antique shop and LUNCH or a day trip to a nearby town to search out antique shops and have LUNCH. However, this year, we decided we could both use a little longer get-away when my birthday rolled around recently.
The inspiration for our trip came from Pat of BACK PORCH MUSINGS! A fellow Missourian with the most wonderful and informative blog, Pat had posted about a new restaurant and home decor shop opening in Troy, Missouri. She wrote that her friends Lori and Greg were the owners and their businesses were located in a building within the historic district of the town. The restaurant, THE ODDFELLOWS CAFE, is housed in what was a bakery at one time and the home shop, ALL ABOUT HOME, is where a bank used to be. The space above the businesses was once the home of the Troy Oddfellows Lodge.
Bonnie, who loves to read blogs as much as I do, read Pat's post and mentioned to me that her husband was born near Troy. She had been there several times some years ago to visit his relatives AND. . . . . . wouldn't it be fun to take a trip East on I-70, for our get-away, and include Troy in that journey!!
Sooooo----last Friday, we loaded up the car and headed East.
Today, I will focus on our visit to Troy----specifically, the restaurant and home store of Lori and Greg's.
When we found the downtown business district, we realized something BIG was happening, as they had the streets blocked off! We wound around and found a parking spot a couple of blocks away and ran into the nicest couple! They explained the event was a vintage car show. They gave us directions to the Oddfellows Cafe and also some ideas of antique shops to hit in the areas we planned on visiting.
It didn't take us long to locate the building we had driven quite a distance to find.
The details of so many old buildings are just exquisite---such as that seen on Lori and Jim's building. I am so glad people continue to breathe life into those structures by maintaining business operations or converting them into places to live. In our area (Kansas City, MO) the old downtown area is now a sea of lofts, created from wonderful old buildings that once were the homes of many a business.
Brace yourselves Lori and Greg. The photo crazy gals are about to open the door to your restaurant and attached shop. We have driven three-hundred plus miles and we are ready to eat and shop! Our reflection says it all!
OHHHHHH---we are ready to try the lunch offerings!
Pat's photos were so much better than mine, but I have to share a bit of the lovely decor! The chandeliers were all different and they were hanging from a tin ceiling.
Black frames graced the exposed brick walls.
A framed book from the 1800's.
I believe it was handwritten minutes from a Lodge meeting. Greg, correct me if I'm wrong. I was pretty overwhelmed by your place and I now know I didn't look closely enough at this treasure.
Old hats adorned the wall, too.
They used wonderful vintage pieces within the dining area!
Oh, and I loved the old silver used for each place setting.
My yummy salad. . . . . . . . .
and the delicious chicken salad croissant---with fresh fruit! So perfect.
Bonnie and I split desserts. On the left was a cherry crepe and on the right was the best bread pudding I have ever tasted.
We polished off our lunch and stepped into the shop.
I mentioned in my last post that THE STONE RABBIT wanted to come on the road trip, too, and I told him I thought he should stay home.
Well. . . . . . . . .Bonnie MADE me bring him.
He fell in LOVE with Lori and Greg's shop, All About Home!
Here he is---still a little tired from his ride, but enjoying his visit to the shop!
In fact, he really liked this pumpkin head guy! You can even see a bit of the car show action through the window.
AND speaking of car show. . . . . . . . . guess who was a judge at the show! Jim, Pat's husband!!!
Greg knew how we found out about their business and told me I might see Jim before we left! Well, it so happened we DID have the pleasure of meeting him. He was very gracious and very busy!! Those folks needed him to get back outside and do his judging job! It was so great to meet him---an extra special part of our visit!
The shop, attached to the restaurant, is just beautiful. Lori has it filled to the brim with wonderful home and gift decor. Fall is showing up in the displays!
I love how they use lots of vintage pieces to show off their wares. It just gives an interesting and comfy feel to the store.
They used old glass-paned doors to create a little divider. You can see more of the vintage mixed with the new!
I can't believe I got away without a copy of this! So fun.
A terrific Halloween candelabra---with prisms, no less!
Bonnie is checking out a cute Halloween plate.
A table full of Halloween items.
A beautiful vignette on top of a lovely old buffet which had been painted white.
These old hammered aluminum trays adorn a wall in the - - - - - - -ladies restroom!
This sweet dresser is in a corner of the restroom as well!
It was dreadfully hot on the day of our visit, so Lori's use of lovely silver letters to spell out this message was very appropriate! The A/C felt terrific inside the shop!
Of course, a group shot was in order before we left. From left to right are Bonnie, Lori, Greg, me and THE STONE RABBIT.
Greg really was happy to see us--I know he was!! I think maybe holding a concrete bunny for several photo shots was not his way of spending a busy Saturday! He was a good sport and we appreciated his thoughtfulness in taking the time to share lots and lots of history about the building.
I promise, Greg,the next time we come to visit you and Lori, you will NOT have to hold a heavy bunny---Bonnie already said she'd do it! :-)
Bonnie and I bagged a bunch of goodies at Lori and Greg's home store!
It was worth every minute "on the road" to visit this fine location and meet such wonderful business owners! They were so hospitable and just down right fun!
On my next post, I'll share some of the wonderful sights of the old Oddfellows Hall---which is above both of their businesses. Greg gave us a wonderful tour and I know you will find it interesting, too!
Greg's niece, Sara, was in charge of carrying the very heavy STONE RABBIT the two blocks back to where our car was parked! Needless to say, THE STONE RABBIT was quite thrilled with the attention---I think he might have been blushing just a little. Sara was so sweet and just one more extra special part of our visit!
DANA
And they say I'M funny???? That stone rabbit has me beat, sweet chickee!!! Hah.
Smoochies,
Connie
Posted by: Connie | August 05, 2008 at 01:48 PM
It looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to spend an afternoon in a store like that! My husband wonders when I read your blog what the chuckling is...and today squealing! BTW...what is IN the bag?
Posted by: ceekay | August 05, 2008 at 02:00 PM
That looks like it was a delightful trip. The store looks heavenly and I think I could browse forever in there. Y'all do the greatest things, and I am so glad the Stone Rabbit got to go along on the trip. :)
Oh yea what Ceekay said....what IS in the bag???? Is that for another post??????????
Posted by: Darlene | August 05, 2008 at 02:53 PM
Dana
We are so happy you enjoyed your trip to Troy! You've done a wonderful job writing about your visit.
I'm glad you got to meet Jim. It was so hot, Saturday, I decided to stay home where it was nice and cool. Sure wish I could have met you too!
Lori and Greg are wonderful. I had the sweetest e-mail from Lori, after your visit.
We can't wait to hear what you thought of the Odd Fellows Hall. We love that old building and we're so happy Lori and Greg are "renewing" it.
Pat
Posted by: Pat | August 05, 2008 at 03:12 PM
I loved hearing about your adventure in Troy. We are friends of Jim and Pat's so have been to Troy many times but not to the places you mentioned. I will add them to the bucket list!
JoAnn
Posted by: JoAnn | August 05, 2008 at 04:06 PM
Dana, Welcome home. I can see you had a wonderful trip. Greg's place is awesome. I want to go there.
I love the photos of all the wonderful things for sale. The displays just say, buy me, buy me. I can see you did. Smile!
The old buildings revived for living are great. a wonderful useful solution for buildings needing help. Everyone wins.
I'm glad you are home with your stone rabbit. He must be worn out from all that visiting.
Love ya, Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | August 05, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Hi Dana,
What fun you ladies had - thank you for taking us all along. The restaurant looks so cute (yummy looking croissant) and love the stores too.
That Stone Rabbit sure gets around, you really made me smile when he made his appearance there in the group photo op. The picture of you and Bonnie with your shopping bags is a real keeper.
I do have to share with my husband that you took pictures in the restroom, I did that at our favorite restaurant and he thought I was nuts. Sometimes you just have to, right?
I'm off for a few days now, but glad I checked here before I log off - it was well worth the big smile here.
Happy week - this was darling!
xo~Tracie
Posted by: Tracie~My Petite Maison | August 05, 2008 at 07:11 PM
It looks like you and your friend had a wonderful time celebrating your birthdays! I love the old silver flatware too. I have quite a few of those hammered aluminum trays - it wouldn't have occured to me to hang them in the bathroom! They certainly looked beautiful in that bathroom! Cute post...
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | August 05, 2008 at 11:23 PM
looks like you had alot of fun! i loved the black frames on the brick. what a neat idea!!
Posted by: britt | August 06, 2008 at 05:43 AM
What a great trip.. I would love to have gone shopping with you! The food looks delicious (especially the dessert):)
Posted by: Michelle | August 06, 2008 at 06:17 AM
My dog is looking at me so funny wondering why I am roaring laughing. The stone rabbit got to go after all. I love it! Your photos were great and I enjoyed reading about the restaurant and shop. I had read over at Pat's blog that you had met J. It's amazing that we all feel like one huge group of friends. Have a super great Wednesday. ~ Lynn
Posted by: Lynn @ theVintageNest | August 06, 2008 at 07:33 AM
Hi Dana! I think you picked the perfect thing to do for your birthday! What a great getaway! It is so fun to go to old cities and see what they are transforming into! Such beautiful old buildings! Your lunch looked so yummy and the store was pretty yummy looking too! I bet you found some great treasures! I be The Stone Rabbit was so happy to be able to hop along for the day!
Have a wonderful day!
Kim
Posted by: Kim V | August 06, 2008 at 08:23 AM
So glad you had a great trip!! That cafe is so cute...and the architecture is very beautiful. :)
Posted by: Alexandra | August 06, 2008 at 10:29 AM
This looks like a nice birthday celebration trip Dana! You and Bobnnie always seem to have such a good time together as friends.
Lunch looked delicious and I loved all I could see in that store --I can't believe Halloween things are already on display!
Hugs, Pat
Posted by: Pat | August 06, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Dana, another wonderful post. Thank you for sharing your adventures. It looks like it was fun, fun, fun. So happy you all and stone rabbit enjoyed yourselves.
Posted by: Rechelle | August 06, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Dana, what fun! Thanks for taking us all along through your pictures! And I'm sure the Stone Rabbit appreciates the outing as well!
I just love seeing old buildings get new life in a new way! It's happening all over the Carolinas with the old abandoned textile mills. And when they use vintage treasures to help decorate, it's even more special! It's my favorite way to recycle!
You and your blog sure make me want to take a big road trip. So many fun places to see out your way!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | August 06, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Dana, what fun! Thanks for taking us all along through your pictures! And I'm sure the Stone Rabbit appreciates the outing as well!
I just love seeing old buildings get new life in a new way! It's happening all over the Carolinas with the old abandoned textile mills. And when they use vintage treasures to help decorate, it's even more special! It's my favorite way to recycle!
You and your blog sure make me want to take a big road trip. So many fun places to see out your way!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | August 06, 2008 at 03:03 PM
I want to go. You took The Stone Rabbit, and you didn't take me. I'm going to pout now.
Posted by: Beverly | August 06, 2008 at 04:27 PM
What a lot of fun! It looks just like my sort of place to visit! i will have to remember this for a return trip to MO. We lived near St. Louis for 3 years and how I wish I had known you two and Pat then!
Thank you for taking all of us on this amazing trip! I had such a great time!
And your rabbit looked so handsome! Did he pick up any treasures for himself?
Love,
Sue
Posted by: Sue | August 06, 2008 at 07:21 PM
In answer to your question on my blog, I'm faaaaaast running out of energy, honey pie!! I may not post every day for a while. I have photos on my computer desktop to make a post but to tell ya the truth, I'm beat tonight! I've spent the day moving furniture, pix, grandfather clock, etc. around! I just have soooooo much mental energy that if I could bottle it for weight loss I'd probably weigh 14 pounds!! Thank you for posting, sweets. Gotta to die now.........
Smoochies,
Connie
Posted by: Connie | August 06, 2008 at 08:20 PM
What a great lunch and shopping trip! The bread pudding looks delicious and I love that you brought the Stone Rabbit with you. Thanks for taking us with you through the great photos! Enjoy the rest of the week, Warmly, Cat ^..^
Posted by: Cathy Santarsiero | August 06, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Wow, what a wonderful day, your pictures are all lovely, I adore the vintage items and decor. Really great post :)
Best, Pennie
Posted by: Pennie | August 07, 2008 at 05:17 AM
As a former Missouri resident, I would have loved going to that quaint town with you! (I'm sure I would have loved it even if I HADN'T lived in MO before!)
And the Stone Rabbit got to go too. WOW.
Posted by: Jillian | August 07, 2008 at 06:37 AM
Happy belated Birthday Dana!!
I read that you were in Pat's town on her blog. I loved seeing all the pictures and can't wait to see the rest. The food looked great :)
hugs,
rue
Posted by: rue | August 07, 2008 at 07:17 PM
This post SO reminds me of what I nicknamed my first daughter, who will be 34 in November and is carrying my granddaughter: Punkin Eater. Mama's little punkin eater!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | August 10, 2008 at 05:35 PM