WLYS 2010

Peggy and I left home at 7:45 a.m. headed north to Gadsden, Alabama. It took us about 50 minutes to get to our exit and then had to follow a few extra markers to the official start of the World's Longest Yard Sale. There was an actual really big sign marking the beginning. I was driving or I would have taken a picture.

The road through Gadsden is two-lane and narrow and also handles local traffic, although I bet not many locals were out unless they were shopping. The route follows the Lookout Mountain Parkway all the way to Chattanooga, Tennessee. This was helpful as there are Parkway signs along the way.



At our first stop, I found this little fella. Anybody know anything about him? He has a mark below his tail. I do love him.

cute little duck figurine = $1.00

An insert in this book giving tips on how to rid your garden of squirrels caught my eye.

I've been looking for some simple spreaders to use with dips and the like. I think these had been hotel or restaurant ware.

gardening tip book = $0.50
trio of cheese spreaders = $0.25

I have been accumulating small shelves and brackets for possible use on the big blue wall. This one has a nice shape.

gold plastic shelf = $1.00

Apparently I started a collection of state souvenir plates on this trip. I believe I am starting with southern states.

The Arkansas plate is the most pristine of the bunch.

The Mississippi plate has something wrong with the glaze, but for the price, I couldn't pass it up. I can always replace it when I find a better one, hopefully at the thrift store. Being a native, I will definitely want to upgrade at some point.

Arkansas plate = $1.00
Mississippi plate = $0.80
Louisiana plate = $3.00
Alabama plate = $3.00

I found it odd that Biloxi showed up on the Louisiana plate.
I believe Biloxi has always been in Mississippi and Ship Island just off the Mississippi coast.

We did learn earlier in the day that any Alabama plate with the motto "The Cotton State" must have been made prior to 1963. That is the year that Texas commandeered the phrase and Alabama became the "Heart of Dixie."

The flaw in this plate seems to be that when the transfers were screen-printed, the colors were printed out of order and the black didn't end up on top as it should have been. I currently live in the "Pittsburgh of the South."

Doesn't matter though.
I think these little quirks add to their charm.

I've seen these from time to time at antique malls and thrift stores.
The price was right on this one. It's now in my fridge with tea in it.

Tang pitcher = $2.00

Another rustic shelf. I had been considering painting the 3-tiered shelf this color. I like the way the green looks against the blue.

lime green shelf = $3.45

I have always loved the look of these shelves. Gwen says these were shop class projects. This one's a bit rough and needs some TLC, but I had to get it.

crescent moon shelf = $10.00

Total spent = $22.15

We made it up to Mentone, Alabama, where folks seemed to be wrapping it up for the day even though there was still daylight. We decided to forge ahead into Georgia just to see what that part of the route had to offer. Not much it seems. So, after awhile, we were just looking for civilization again and the quickest way back to I-59.

Following the directions from the newspaper, we turned onto 189 and spotted this restaurant in the middle of nowhere. Cars filled the parking lot and folks waiting for tables sat outside sipping their BYOB wine. We decided to give it a try.

After a yummy meal, we found a quick route down the mountain to the highway and made it home just before 11:30 p.m. It was a really fun day.

Comments

Heather said…
Oooh. . . .I have this dream that someday I too will hit the WLYS! Awesome finds - I'm impressed!
Mama Pea said…
That looks like it was a lot of fun!
Unknown said…
State plates are awesome! I have a friend who uses them as her regular dinner wear and their so much fun when your serving up a big breakfast to your guests.
Lisa A said…
I LOVE that idea of using them every day. Guess that means I'll have to collect a few more!
You got some neat stuff. I tried to get my sisters to do the sale with me, but they weren't interested. And it was so hot, I didn't go either.
Gerda O'Leary said…
next year alert me to when it takes place.
Gerda
Lilbuttah said…
Looks Like a great bargain on the crescent moon shelf, I saw one on Ebay with only one stair and they were asking for $40.00. Yours is much nicer, good eye!!