It has been said, “All roads lead to Arcadia.”
Located near the center of the Sunshine State, it’s a short drive from almost anywhere in Florida. And for antique lovers, the ride is well worth it.
Arcadia is now considered one of the fastest growing old towns with 33 shops selling everything from primitive to one of a kind. On the fourth Saturday of each month, the Arcadia Antique Society sponsors a huge Antique Fair, where genuine antiques of all kinds are sold. On the second Saturday of each month, the Main Street Association holds the Arcadia Market Day from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Food, crafts, antiques, “everything” are always available at this event. And as if this is not enough, now the new sale “Extravaganza” has been held on the last Saturday of the month for five weeks. Fine and ancient arts are displayed in hundreds of booths.
The revival of the city’s historic district is said to have begun in 1992 when Maddy’s Antiques opened its doors on W. Oak. Road. According to owner Maddy Flo Rife, it was not long before the pop shops stayed. Soon a failing city was transformed into a lively, attractive, and friendly community.
“For years,” he says, “Arcadia had a negative image. But now, thanks to all the antique shops, our town has a positive pulse.” Flo is from an “old family.” His grandfather owned an antique shop and collected carnival glass at a young age. Now the daughter is involved in business and is teaching her granddaughter the joys of antiquity. His enlarged shop is now on W. Oak Street, where many antique shops are located in Arcadia. It is therefore easy to walk from one store to another.
Special flowers are primitive and game items. It also has an old “Parlor Putter” like the one in the scene from the movie. He estimates the price to be around $4,000 but says it is not for sale at this time. He says about sixty percent of his business comes from dealers, but he estimates that roughly 10,000 people visit his store every year from January to March, which is considered the height of Florida’s “shearing season.” He says he only sells “real antiques” and is proud when customers comment on old floors furniture and then opened his own shop in 1996. Today he buys most of his things at auctions. and garage sales.
“It seems to me that a lot of things have come into the world,” he admits with a smile, proving the adage that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
Marc Washicheck of Cherry Hill Antiques says items change from day to day. You never know what will sell.” Originally from Wisconsin, he started selling at home parties and now sells a lot. also traders.
“I get about two to three hundred emails a month asking about Arcadia,” he said. And I get more phone calls than our local Chamber of Commerce.” He is proud that Florida Monthly Magazine voted “Arcadia the best city around He says Arcadia is “at the crossroads of Florida,” and it’s important to get that message out. Unlike most other shop owners, Marc says he sells most of his merchandise in the summer months, mostly to business. In the winter months, he admits, tourists mostly browse or small only buy things.
Libby Roller of the store agrees, saying, “I sell silver linen like that.” His shop specializes in military items and antique equipment. He started selling in flea markets until he got his chance to open his shop in Arcadia late last year.
“I love this town,” he said. “It’s worth the drive here.” Although she now lives in Ft. Myers plans to move to Arcadia as soon as possible. I just love all the old Victorian-homes”>Victorian-homes”>Victorians I have here. It’s a really special place.”
What makes Arcadia unique, besides the charm of the best shops, is the aesthetic appeal of the town with more than 370 homes and businesses in the National Register of Historic Places. The medieval architecture remained almost unchanged for nearly a hundred years. And if you craving one of the best homemade chocolate peanut pies in the state, head over to Curriculum Café which has been in business since in 1929. The town also has four golf courses nearby with great sailing and fishing in Pace. The river
Home of the nation’s oldest continuous home run rodeo, the town has retained its western flavor. Located in DeSoto County, divided by State Route 70 and US 17, mid-state between Sarasota and Fort Pierce, Arcadia is truly the center of the world for any antique lover.
For more information on the Saturday Fourth Antique Fair, call 863-494-2500. For market days on the second Saturday of the event and show Extravaganza call 863-491-1004. General information about the town of Arcadia can be obtained by calling the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce at 863-494-4033.
