I keep saying that getting out and visiting our advertising shops is one of the best parts of my job—and it’s true! It’s such fun traveling around the state, meeting interesting people and hearing their stories about what might have brought them to a certain location or what led them to the business they are in. No two histories are alike and nearly all antique dealers are willing to share their knowledge.  

Usually my sister Phyllis is my traveling companion but she wasn’t available for this trip so my husband Larry headed north with me to Flagstaff to visit shops plus have a short reprieve from the Valley’s increasing heat. Of course, we had the perfect destination planner at our fingertips—The Antique Register!

Jack’s Antique

Our first stop was at Jack’s Antique, which was opened two years ago by Jack and Vivian Delaporte. They had been setting up their shop the last time I visited and now I felt like I was walking into an inviting art gallery! Wonderful artwork is displayed everywhere along with gorgeous jewelry and small antique art pieces. Each corner offers a new treasure. 

There is a selection of items from nearly every continent—Africa, Oceania, North and South America, Europe and Asia. They have award-winning jewelry by Abraham Begay, pottery by the descendants of Nampeyo and Margaret Tafoya, Navajo rugs by Delia Kanuho, Mazzie Yazzie and Rose Morris, and a painting by Redwing Nez. You will find lithographs from the 1700s, vintage toys, modern art, Tiffany glass, Victorian pieces, Art Nouveau and Art Deco and a large collection of Maxfield Parrish framed art.

Although Vivian claims that Jack is the passion behind the store, she is very knowledgeable about their store, which meets their concept of part fine art gallery and part antique shop. She told us, “We find beauty in the workmanship and expression of imagination in a variety of mediums. The shop is our outlet for the high regard we have for the artisans, designers and manufacturers. Hence, our motto ‘Art Decorates Life’.”

Vivian continued, “Jack and I like to think of our business as the adoption services for antiques needing to find a forever home. We have become the go-to place for unique gifts and we provide a free gift box if the item fits.” 

Jack is very knowledgeable about art and antiques and Vivian has experience with Asian art forms having lived in Hong Kong for five years. The Delaportes are passionate about learning as much as they can about each piece that comes to them using the Internet as well as consulting with their most knowledgeable collectors. They also understand the importance of physically seeing, touching and feeling what they are learning about.

Jack’s Antique is uniquely located inside the Flagstaff Mall, which the Delaportes find offers many benefits including free parking, wheelchair accessibility, a children’s play area, 24/7 security and climate control for a comfortable shopping experience. High ceilings enhance the display of the art. Most of the lighting has been converted to LED to prevent the art pieces from fading plus provide a well-lighted and energy efficient business.

The store is open seven days a week and either Jack or Vivian is there to assist you. Jack works most days because he likes the personal interaction with their customers. Future plans are to host a free appraisal day and expert lecture series and to have receptions for the artists they buy from.

Flagstaff Mall is at 4650 N Highway 89 and Jack’s Antique is in Suite G014. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on the shop and its current offerings, visit www.jacksantique.com. You can also Like or Follow the shop on Facebook, email jack@jacksantique.com or call 928-526-0696.

Flagstaff Antiques

Our next stop was Flagstaff Antiques where we found a line of customers waiting to check out or be helped by owner Eric Stetson on this busy Sunday. Eric, fellow owner Charlie Myers, and dealer Pat Unsicker have a combined 50 years of experience in antiques and collectibles. There are four additional dealers so the shop has much to offer. 

While waiting to chat with Eric, I looked around the shop and found many interesting items. I liked the license plates from Arizona and other states and some plates are cut into individual letters and number for customers wanting to create personal signs. There is always an interesting selection of books on display for research or reading pleasure.

Eric said, “We feature real antiques and cool old stuff with some of the best dealers in Flagstaff. Come in and say hi and look around!” He continued, “Over the years, we have become more and more diverse and adept at finding the things that make our customers happy. Our goal is simply to be the friendliest and most interesting store in Flagstaff!” 

Charlie and Eric had been business partners many years earlier and always loved the hunt for unique things. In 2014, they felt the time was right to open their own shop and found a great location in Sherwood Forest, a small shopping center located on Milton Road. 

Eric is well known for his extensive selection of books on the West, Southwest, Native Americans, firearms and more. Charlie has an outstanding collection of vintage advertising, highway signs and license plates.

Specialties include: framed art, antique and contemporary furniture, Native American jewelry, baskets, pottery, rugs and Kachinas as well as country antiques, primitives and an eclectic mix of smalls and collectibles.

The store has a front outdoor courtyard area used to display rustic yard art and furniture.

Flagstaff Antiques is a fun shop to visit and they receive many comments that their prices are reasonably priced. Charlie commented, “We are customer oriented and make sure the shop is well lighted, clean and organized. We also know that everyone is looking for a deal so we try to make our customers leave with smiles on their faces.” 

The shop is in the hub of activity—neighboring shops include a clothing exchange store, a comic store and six restaurants. There are also nearly fifteen other restaurants within a quarter mile.

Located at 1431 S. Milton Road, Flagstaff’s main drag, Flagstaff Antiques is easy to find. I-17 spills into Milton Road and it is easy to reach from I-40, too. Being located just a few blocks from Northern Arizona University and other central locations is ideal for students, visiting parents, tourists, traveling antique dealers and collectors of all kinds. The entrance is just south of McDonalds, behind Hickory’s Barbeque.

Flagstaff Antiques is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, visit www.flagstaffantiques.net, email esbks@infomagic.net or mtairman@infomagic.net or call 928-779-2500.

Victorian Moon 

Before our next stop, we headed to downtown Flagstaff for a leisurely lunch after which I walked to Victorian Moon Antiques and Enchantments located on San Francisco Street in the heart of downtown Flagstaff. 

A sign told me to ‘Follow the Cat’ down a most interesting hallway where I found a delightful shop tucked away that is filled with Victorian treasures and a whole lot more. Owner Sharon Lynne was away for family time and I was welcomed by her assistant Libby. 

I learned that the black cat is the shop’s mascot, Cinderella, and is the inspiration for the logo on Sharon’s business card, website and in her ad. Victorian Moon Antiques and Enchantments had been Sharon’s dream for many years. 

Victorian Moon is a wonderful mix of antique, vintage and boutique and each display is creatively set to accentuate the charm and style of a bygone era. The shop offers beautiful fine china, sconces, silver, linens and lace, romantic vintage attire and finery, gorgeous jewelry and accessories and one of a kind millinery on a variety of hats. There are also farmhouse kitchen items, utensils, one of a kind light fixtures and handcrafted lampshades. 

You will find a delightful Apothecary with an array of herbs and spices, essential oils, incense resins and candles. Victorian Moon produces its own line of body and bath products using essential oils, herbs and gemstones for specific blends and they also encourage custom blends. Just let them know what you need and they will make a custom blend just for you! A variety of herbs are available in sample packs as well as jars for larger orders. 

Local artist’s paintings, photography and handicrafts are on display with new items arriving weekly.

This shop is absolutely charming and even made me feel that I had been pampered! I found a dusting powder called Tea Rose with a fragrance that I just love so, of course, it went home with me. 

Victorian Moon is located at 13 N. San Francisco St in Suite 103 (down the hall) and was easy to find with its Victorian style sign out front. You can Follow the Cat down the hall and find your treasure Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more, visit www.victorianmoon.com, Like or Follow Victoria Moon Antiques on Facebook or call 928-863-8311.

As Larry and I drove home, we talked about the day and that Phyllis would have enjoyed the shops as well. She and I will have to plan another trip to Flagstaff in the near future.

Plan your own day or weekend trip to Flagstaff soon. Shop owners are happy to recommend lodging, restaurants or local sites to visit while you are in their area. Take your copy of The Antique Register with you as you travel and be sure to tell the shop owners that we sent you their way.