I recently read an article about how antique shopping is a great date for couples. The idea is that strolling through aisles of unique items and knickknacks leads to conversations. Sure, antique stores have lots of interesting trinkets, and I could see how trying to figure out how some of the old tools, appliances, and items were used could be fun. But Hubby, on the other hand … let’s just say he was less than enthusiastic about the idea. But being the good sport and desperately wanting to get out of the house, he agreed to give it a try.

I started looking around for a place that might be fun to check out. That is when I came across the Facebook page for Trader Maes Furniture & Decor Market in Apopka. 100 little shops all inside two warehouses, filled with not only antiques but upscale and refurbished furniture, decor, bath and body products, gifts, jewelry, clothing, and more! This place was featured on “Good Day Orlando” and voted as a favorite place to shop by Orlando Magazine, and after visiting it ourselves, we can see why. And yes, I said WE because, much to Hubby’s surprise, he enjoyed it! And we ended up buying a new dining room set, too, but I will get to that part in a bit.

I’m not quite sure how we have lived here for four years and haven’t heard of this little gem as they have been in business since 2013. The idea behind the place is that Trader Maes is a market built on creativity and uniqueness. They invite different artists and vendors in and allow them the freedom to decorate and provide their own shops that represent who they are. The result is an upscale, flea-market-type venue with a lively personality where you will never visit the same place twice.

As many of you know, I have been a bit overly cautious about where we have been going for our date outings. Our daughter has asthma, so we lean toward places that are more open and less trafficked. While Trader Maes is considered an indoor venue, it really has more of an outdoor feel as both sides of the warehouse doors are wide open. There are industrial fans circulating air throughout to keep things cool, and everyone we saw there had masks on. Signs are posted throughout the marketplace asking that only one family at a time enter each vignette and reminding all to practice social distancing. I felt completely safe there and was able to relax and enjoy the couple of hours we spent exploring.

Hubby enjoyed the free snacks they offered and looking at the antiques that reminded him of his youth. We have been together for almost 25 years now, and it wasn’t until he saw the old vintage bowl filled with wax fruit that I heard the story about how he took a bite out of one when he was a kid. It was charming and endearing watching his face come alive as he reminisced about his grandmother’s house and the childhood days he spent there.

I loved watching him look through the old leather messenger and overnight bags. This was something I never knew he would enjoy, and I quickly made a mental note for a possible gift in the future. We laughed at how one person’s trash could be another person’s treasure. He indulged my need to look at all the farmhouse decor and anything buffalo plaid. We made our way through each stall, easily seeing many items that could fit into our home that we really didn’t need. And then, we saw it! An adorable, distressed, whitewashed, counter-height dining room table set with a dark top. It was perfect except for the fabric on the chairs. We had been looking for a set to replace our old one for a while, and this charming find was not only the perfect size and style but was very reasonably priced. But that fabric.

Seeing how much I loved it and figuring it was worth a shot to ask, Hubby found someone who worked there and asked if it would be possible to have the chairs reupholstered. They called the vendor, and sure enough, they said it was possible and would be done for only a $50 fee. Where could I ever get four chairs reupholstered for that? So, we bought it! A week later, our beautiful table and chairs with buffalo plaid seats were brought to our home and assembled (a service they also provide for an extra fee, and yes, they delivered it here to Lake Nona!). We will be going back again sometime soon for sure!

If you are looking for some fun new items to decorate your home or just a unique place to spend a few hours, put on your shopping shoes and head over to Trader Maes Furniture & Decor Market, located at 2001 Rock Springs Rd., Apopka 32712. They are open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They post pictures of some of their unique items that are for sale each week on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TraderMaes/.