EAST WILCO CULTURE CLUB
H Roelitdraoys Tinsel trees and Shiny Brite ornaments light up the season in East Wilco’s vintage shops
In a world of fast fashion and disposable furniture, shoppers – especially Generation Z – are looking for unique gifts this season of giving.
Eastern Williamson County has become a destination for vintage, retro and antique shops, each shining like a mercury-glass ornament.
Younger shoppers scour racks looking for quality clothing from a different millennium. From wool sweaters and the iconic worn-in Levis to band T-shirts sourced from actual concerts, Gen Z gobbles up these treasures.
Others might be crazed with sleek lines and quality craftsmanship from the Space Age, reminiscent of the far-out styles of “The Jetsons” cartoon. Mid-century modern collectors scan shops for starburst mirrors and teak consoles to complete their throwback vibe.
Some shoppers yearn for nostalgia as the year draws to a close. Classic Christmas decorations continue to command top dollar, such as lighted ceramic trees, Empire Blow Molds for their yards and Shiny Brite glass ornaments.
Whether it is an item to make your space cozy and bright or a highly coveted vintage find for a loved one, source it locally.
Several area shops curate collectibles so customers can give these treasures a new life.
HUTTO ANTIQUE MALL
With a new neon sign lighting the way, 25-year-old Kiowa Madrid thought Hutto needed a place for unique finds. Just south of Chandler Road, the Hutto Antique Mall opened its doors in August.
After working for Vintique Mall in Taylor, Madrid set out to share her love of vintage and retro finds. The Hutto Antique Mall features 13 vendors from across the area, including Austin.
“We’re all about finding one-of-a-kind treasures with character and history. We carry a wide range of items, from vintage furniture and décor to retro memorabilia, clothing, glassware, art, unique collectibles and even a few more modern boutiquestyle items,” said owner Madrid.
On any given day, shoppers drop in for a dose of nostalgia, especially those on the hunt for 1980s fashion finds. Vintage jewelry is another draw at the Hutto Antique Mall.
“For the holiday season, we’re excited to offer a selection of vintage holiday decorations, such as ornaments, festive tableware, cookie jars and nostalgic seasonal décor,” Madrid said.
WHERE AND WHEN: Located at 3333 CR 119, No. 107, Hutto. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Monday.
VINTIQUE COLLECTIVE INDOWNTOWNTAYLOR
Throwing open its doors in April, Vintique Collective is a sister location to Vintique Mall. Owner Luisa Hincapie gave the 124-year-old building new life as a destination for curated antiques.
Many of its vendors landed in Taylor when the Austin Antique Mall closed after 40 years in May. Vintique Collective offers 25 curated vendors across two floors, located next to Louis Mueller Barbecue.
Wares include older merchandise and fine jewelry.
“Repurposing gives these objects a new life, helps preserve history and reduces waste,” Hincapie said. “Plus, vintage pieces carry stories and nostalgia that modern items often lack. They’re unique, timeless and can grow in value, making them even more special.”
WHERE AND WHEN: 204 W. Second St., Taylor. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.
VINTIQUE MALL ON TAYLOR’S MAIN STREET/TEXAS 95 NORTH
As a destination for antiques and vintage items since 2019, the Vintique Mall is home to 50 vendors, each with their own niche. From old vinyl records and mid-century furniture to home accessories and Depression-era glass, it’s one of the addresses that attracts vintage hounds from across Central Texas.
Vintique Mall pulls out yesteryear’s glittery baubles and tempting tinsel. It offers an extensive collection of holiday collectibles for inside the home and out.
“At Vintique Mall, it’s great to see those Christmas trends thriving. The vintage Empire Blow Molds, ceramic-lighted trees, aluminum trees with color wheels and Shiny Brite ornaments in original packaging really evoke a classic holiday charm,” said co-owner Hincapie.
For those with a turntable, a classic Christmas album is the way to ring in the season. The Vintique Mall is home to vintage vinyl, too.
“Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra are the perfect soundtrack for creating that warm and nostalgic Christmas atmosphere. Those timeless tunes instantly bring the holiday spirit to life, and having them on vinyl just makes it even more special,” Hincapie added.
WHERE AND WHEN: 2121 N. Main St., Taylor (Texas 95 North). Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
CURIOMRVOSABOOKSAND MOREINDOWNTOWNTAYLOR
For lovers of the written word, Curio Mrvosa Books and More sells new and gently used books along with vintage finds in downtown Taylor.
After moving south on Main Street to a larger space earlier in the year, owners Alyse Mervosh and Alex Cuero continue to offer a collection of fiction and nonfiction books to satisfy their customers’ curiosity and interests.
“We stock many vintage cookbooks, from classics like Better Homes and Gardens and Betty Crocker to obscure finds that make thoughtful gifts,” Mervosh said. “Vintage children’s books are a fun, nostalgic gift and a great way to share stories across generations. Vintage art books are beautiful gifts that can serve as inspiration, eye candy or decor.”
WHERE AND WHEN: 114 N. Main St., Taylor. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
KINCL HOUSE OF ANTIQUES IN DOWNTOWNTAYLOR
Filled with antique furniture, KINCL House of Antiques has been a fixture in Taylor for years.
From armoires to sideboards to étagères (shelves), this is the destination for antique furniture in eastern Williamson County.
WHERE AND WHEN: 200 W. Second St., Taylor. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
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