Last weekend, Andrew and I decided to take a long overdue day trip. We really haven't visited cities like we did when we lived in Alabama. I’ve lived in the northeast for almost two years now, but haven’t done much exploring. We got a slow start on Saturday, but we were on our way to Pittsburgh with the dogs in tow by 11am.

We didn’t have too much planned out as the weather forecast was inconsistent. Instead, we made the two-hour drive into the city with the general plan being shopping or other indoor activities if it was raining, and breweries and outdoor activities if it was sunny. We got a mix of both, which made for a well-rounded trip. Traveling and exploring with dogs is a bit trickier than when we were on our own, but the more we do it, the easier it gets for us and them.

Our first stop was unsurprising: Goodwill. The weather was cold and rainy and it was an easy location that put us right near downtown in case the weather improved while I was inside. Sure enough, the sun came out as I was perusing the store and we headed to what was supposed to be a scenic park with great views of the city.

In a ~hilarious in hindsight~ turn of events, our navigation took us to the middle of the Fort Pitt Bridge before declaring that we’d arrived at our location. The second navigation app we used took us to a parking lot with little dots telling us to cross the river to get to our destination. Experiencing equal parts frustration and amusement, we looked up pet-friendly breweries and wound up at Allegheny City Brewing instead. While Andrew enjoyed some local beer and the dogs enjoyed sniffing new smells, I wandered off with my camera to explore the block.

While I was out and about, Andrew was looking up dog parks so that our little hellhounds could go off-leash and get some energy out. We got to South Side Dog Park and had the entire place to ourselves. It was the perfect opportunity to take more photos with both my E-M5 and my digicam of the week, the D-595Z (there’ll be a dedicated post for this camera next week).

After the dog park, we decided on another thrift store, this time a Salvation Army that was in the South Side Flats area. The entire neighborhood was bustling and so, so colorful. I wanted nothing more than to get out and just walk around. Just driving through was so fun and we'll have to properly explore it next time we're in the city. In the meantime, here are some of my favorite thrift finds from the trip:

This old Wilson Leather hip pack is exactly what I've been looking for. I ended up using it all weekend and I absolutely LOVE it. Best $1.99 I've spent in a while.

I fell in love with this box as soon as I saw it, but the mirror is what really sealed the deal.

I found these at the first Goodwill I visited and had to force myself not to immediately change out of my Docs and into these-- they're just so comfortable!

Our penultimate stop of the trip was Necromancer Brewing. The rain and gloomy weather were back so while Andrew had his dinner inside the brewery, I opted for the Shenanigans across the street for no reason other than the Shenanigans/pistol whip scene in Super Troopers.

Mac: Hey, Farva! What's the name of that restaurant you like with all the goofy shit on the walls and the mozzarella sticks?

Farva: You mean Shenanigans? You're talking about Shenanigans, right?

I didn’t have the mozzarella sticks, but I did get their buffalo wings and fries to go and was pretty pleased with my dinner of choice for the night.

With my dinner in tow, we made our final stop of the trip: Blue Slide Park. Officially Frick Park, we’d always wanted to visit it because of Mac Miller. We’re both fans and wanted to spend some time there. The park itself is large and beautiful and in a beautiful neighborhood. After eating and looking around for the blue slide for a few minutes, we eventually climbed up a hill and found it. The rain stopped and the sun peeked through the clouds— shining bright red right at the top of the slide when we got there. The handlebars are covered in stickers and tributes, and we found carvings and writing on the wooden fences behind the park. I stayed behind even after Andrew took the dogs back to the car. I took some photos, but I mostly wanted to take a few minutes and just exist there. It was a quiet evening with only a ball game happening somewhere beyond the hill I was on. Standing in the middle of an empty playground, a big blue slide carved into the side of the hill, and distant cheering just felt right. I slowly made my way back to our car as the last of the sunset disappeared and we began the drive back home.

The weather kept us from doing many of our original ideas for this trip, but it was still a success. While we don’t have the freedom we once did with our dogs in tow, I actually preferred doing more than just shopping and visiting breweries. We drove around a lot, visited a few parks, and were able to focus more on doing and seeing things. I hope to take more day trips and explore more nearby cities soon. This area is still largely unexplored by us and that needs to change!

x

During our week-long stay in Alabama, I had the absolute pleasure of going antiquing a few times. While I'm an avid thrift shopper, I never pay much attention to antique stores. I really have no good reason, as they're right up my alley. Nevertheless, I had a great time and found some really neat pieces! It's also been quite a while since I've shared a thrift haul, so I think a post like this is long overdue!

The first stop we made was by total happenstance. Andrew's mom, grandmother, little sister, and I had such a fun time driving down random Alabama backroads until we came across a town they recognized. Conveniently enough, a small antique shop that they'd been to once before was right around the corner. So, of course, we had to go in! I found such great finds here, and it's what really changed my perception of antique shops.

Sammy's Antiques -- Wilsonville, Alabama

As I've mentioned before, I collect vintage Dooney & Bourke All Weather Leather bags, and I was thrilled to find this one in a style and color that I don't yet have! I held my breath as I checked the price tag and let out a massive sigh of relief when the price turned out to be reasonable.

I'm an absolute sucker for stuffed animals, bonus points if they're old and/or handmade. The cashier working that day actually made the two cats a long time ago. I love old, handmade things, but especially those that have a story. It makes them that much more special to me.

I also picked up a pendant of a gnome standing by his little mushroom house. It really made me smile, and I think the cashier was a bit confused as to why I'd want it. He hangs out on the corkboard right above my desk where I get to appreciate him every day!

Andrew's nana insisted on getting me this mug for my recent graduation and I couldn't argue. It's feeding my coffee mug addiction and I'm not mad at all!

Sweet Pickins' Antique Mall -- Childersburg, Alabama

A couple of days later we went out to a couple more antique shops. While this day didn't feel as fruitful as the first, I found one of my favorite items on this outing. Our first stop at Sweet Pickins' didn't yield much, but I did find this bird wall hook which I'm excited to hang.

The Brass Bear Antiques -- Hoover, Alabama

Our second stop of the day was the one I was most looking forward to. I'd only been to the Brass Bear once before, and I couldn't wait to go back. It's a massive indoor antique mall and thoroughly combing through it could easily be a full day's affair, but we only had an hour or two. I first found a lovely crocheted pillow and some old horseshoes for just a couple of dollars each. There was an adorable booth with quite a few books, and I found a copy of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, which has been on my TBR. Finally, I found the most precious stuffed rabbit which I believe to be very old. I became instantly attached despite trying and failing to explore other booths. He's extremely firm and seems to be stuffed with real cotton. I named him Rupert, and he rode with me in the front seat the entire 14-hour car ride back to Pennsylvania. 

Chelsea Antique Mall -- Chelsea, Alabama

On our last day in Alabama, I made a quick stop at one last antique mall where I picked up several pieces of costume jewelry, the coolest brass wall clip, and the antique postcards pictured above with the horseshoes. 

There were certainly many more pieces that I would have loved to lug home with us, but storage was limited. Now that I'm more familiar with antique malls, I can't wait to explore more in my area! I hope you guys like the return to this format-- let me know if you want more posts like this! 

Enjoy some of the other interesting items I saw during our various antiquing trips.