Small Town Shopping- The Series
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
If you are new here, this series is inspired by the absurdly charming tiny town of Berlin Maryland. If you are not new here and tired of hearing me talk about the same adorable little town, then I am sorry. You better expect more to come.
I was recently in a discussion about this series and how I want to go about this. I was met with extreme positivity, even realizing that while these little shops are so cute, they can also be a lesson to people that it's ok to stop at the boutiques you see rather than returning to an old haunt like TJ Maxx. Exploring small towns through their shops feels like uncovering hidden treasures and ancient archives. This time around, I mapped out some of my favorite places, a little like a treasure hunt with each spot a gem just waiting to be found.
History Behind the Magic
While the town itself wasn't established as a town until 1868, it was part of the Burleigh Plantation property in 1677. The plantation actually increased traction and was able to develop more publicly due to livery stables and coach stops that were on the property. The Main road was also the connector between the Asiteague Natives and the Pocomoke Tribe, then later became the main route for travelers going North or South in Colonial times. In 1765, the first all boys boarding school was established called Buckingham Academy and is still up and standing today.
The first railroad in town came in 1870 which sparked major agriculture life and created the need to build more rest stops for travelers on their way to Ocean City. While Berlin sadly suffered three fires- 1895, 1902, and 1904, there is still two centuries worth of architecture that lasted and can still be seen today. You can find Victorian, Federal, and 20th Century architecture all wrapped into one tiny town.
The most recent and well loved parts of the towns history was being featured in Runaway Bride (1994) and Tuck Everlasting (2001).
Treasure Trove of Finds: Blazer Thrift Store and The Treasure Chest Antique Shop
There's no place like Berlin to find the most authentic and well-loved antiques. Last time I was there, my favorite antique store called The Treasure Chest Antiques on Pitt Street was selling a WORKING light blue rotator phone and its own telephone table both from the 50s. Sadly, neither of these items fit into my carry-on...
The Treasure Chest Antiques is by far the most overwhelming yet organized antique store I've been in. The store goes deep into the back of the space, separated by different booths of vendors selling whatever they found. There, you can find an entire section of very old vinyls, cassette tapes, and even CDs, the most amazing lunch box purse which I didn't even know existed til then, mass collections of antique furniture in all shapes and sizes, old postcards that could date back to 1920s (at least from what I could find last time, but have no doubts it goes further), and even samari swords and Beanie Babies. The list goes on and on. Of course, not everything is antique- there's still some more eclectic booths, and obviously the register is up to date. This store is one of a kind and easily a place to spend hours whether reading sweet post cards or figuring out how and why metal lunch box purses aren't more popular today!
Speaking of vintage, let's get into the REAL goods. I'm talking CLOTHES. Blazer has become one of my favorite thrifting haunts. Not only is it on the cutest street, but the owner Lisa Moyer, is the sweetest and most talkative woman! She has figured out the art of curating a beautiful selection of vintage pieces, all with the ideas that less is more and quality makes quantity. Each piece she finds is "laundered, repaired and presented in the best possible light" (Voyage Baltimore). Not only does she have amazing taste and helpful stying tips, but she is a zero waste thrift store- i.e. no bags or tags, plus recycling clothing to give it another life full of love. She leads her tiny little store with love and positivity, including with her customers. Each piece someone tries on, she snaps a photograph for her social media to share some of the awesome finds she has and show all the cool people that know to stop by. Some of my favorite pieces came from Blazer, and I can't wait til I am able to stop in again. This is a MUST SEE AND LINGER!
Shopping means energy which means needing caffeine. Just across the street is 2nd Wave Coffee. A very quaint and cozy coffee chop nestled between the antiques and famous Mandala Pie shop. While you're waiting for your coffee, maybe go check out the pies and grab a delicious apple pie for the best dinner dessert.
Making our way back to the main road with that warm coffee in hand, you will pass the world's cutest dentist office or a boutique selling items out of the old bank that still has the same structure
It's even cooler if you stop into the OLD Atlantic Hotel that you might even recognize from Runaway Bride! It smells exactly as you would assume- antique mixed with some history. The first time I went in, I felt many emotions, one of which included a slight tinge of unease due to freaky thought that I was being watched by ghosts from years past. All the same, it's worth exploring all the nooks and crannies that you can if you are not a guest there.
A Museum with a Twist
No true treasure hunt is complete without a mystery. The Mermaid and Ghost Museum are happy little stumble-upon spots. The Mermaid museum, located next to the Atlantic Hotel, is filled with nautical themed mermaid memorabilia. The owner of the museum even included the history about where and why mermaids became such popular folklore, as well as creating an experience that was both fun and intriguing for all ages.
The Ghost Museum follows this same idea, except it's filled with local ghost stories and spooky objects that give me the chills. This space also includes history and stories of what other cultures think about the ghosts that roam the night, and adds artistic photo ops along the way.
These museums are a reminder that small towns hold so many stories, real or fake, just like a big city. Something about the quaintness of it all makes these stories feel more even more charming and real.
Sweet Rewards: Raynes Reef and Island Creamery
After some shopping, it is time for a snack break. There's no better place to duck into than Raynes Reef, the diner that has withstood the test of time. Raynes serves all the classic comfort foods and an outstanding malt milkshake made in the coolest original milkshake machine. This taste of the past is priceless!
If you're not stuffed yet, Island Creamery is located at the top of Main Street in a loud purple building. It's as if a shotgun house had an ice cream shop with a crazy amount of flavors to try. This spot is more special for the company I was with and not just the history of the town, but is definitely worth a visit. This is one of Miles' favorite childhood stops, and he feels very nostalgic in the fact that nothing had changed.
Treasure Trove Worthy Finds: House Home Decor and Honey Water Candles
This little spot, tucked just off Main Street, is a place I would love to move into. The home decor that fills the space consists entirely of antiques and repurposed items. The shop owner offers classes on how to carefully repaint old furniture without stripping away its character. His office resembles a cozy bungalow, overlooking all his pieces and customers.
Honey Water Candles is located just across the way, almost as if the furniture store is the main house and the candle shop is the greenhouse. With the windows
wide open, the delightful scents waft outside, inviting passersby in. Though quaint, the shop offers a variety of items—from candles to tea towels and an assortment of trinkets.
Literary and Local Treasures: Greyhound Books and Taylor Bank
For book lovers, Greyhound Books is a quiet, indie alternative haven filled with carefully curated titles. I discovered a few local authors, including the shop owner herself, along with some rather niche titles that I may not have found if it weren't for Greyhound. The shop also showcases several pieces of art by local artists, with my favorite being the depiction of horses on Assateague Beach.
The truest treasure of them all is Taylor Bank. It isn't just a financial institution; its historic building adds to the town's charm and serves as a reminder of Berlin's beautiful and rich heritage. If it weren't for Taylor Bank opening in 1890, the town might not have gained as much of a foothold and become the lovely little place we know today.
X Marks the Spot
I have to hand it to Berlin and the people there that make it feel like such a home. While every city has its ups and downs, I am very happy to know and experience all of Berlin’s ups. I am also excited to share that I have convinced the rest of my family to join me in Berlin in October and, of course, will happily update everyone after the trip.
Sneak peak... this trip includes Halloween AND a Bed and Breakfast that is famous for being 100% gluten free!
Wherever you end up here, whether it's any of these specific spots or not, there is always something new to discover and a friendly face to welcome you in :)
Thank you, Thompson family, for welcoming me into your hometown and letting me obsess over it like a madwoman.
See you next time!
Sophie ✿
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