Treasure Hunting at the Alameda Antique Fair – August 2025

Treasure hunting isn’t always about what you bring home—it’s about what you almost miss. This month’s trip to the Alameda Antique Fair proved that hidden gems really are hiding in plain sight.

There’s something magical about the Alameda Antique Fair. Maybe it’s the sea air, or the way the light hits a chippy piece of furniture just right. Or maybe it’s just the thrill of the hunt—never knowing if you’ll leave with a 200-year-old painting or a pair of 50-pound lions (yes, really).

This month, I arrived bright and early with a short wish list: Frozen Charlottes, creepy portraits, framed art, and maybe—if the antique gods were smiling—a Santos doll. While I didn’t find everything I was hoping for, I did come home with a few treasures… and a sore back.

The Lions I Didn’t Know I Needed

Let’s start with the big ones—literally. I spotted these two cement lions and immediately fell in love. They weren’t on my list, but they were definitely coming home with me. Each one weighs about 50 pounds and has the perfect stoic expression.

I plan to paint them matte black and antique the finish just a bit so they blend more naturally into our back garden. Right now, they’re bright white and a little too clean for my taste—but just imagine them slightly weathered and flanking my firepit. Regal and moody. Just how I like it.

Still on the Hunt for That Creepy Portrait

I came close—really close—to bringing home a portrait that checked almost all of my boxes: somber expression, dramatic ruff, mysterious energy. But the frame wasn’t quite right, and in truth, I think I was trying to talk myself into liking it more than I did. So I passed.

I’m holding out for one that gives me goosebumps in the best way. Preferably with a stare that follows you across the room. If you’ve got a lead on one, please let me know!

Art That Made the Cut

Even though I passed on the portrait, I didn’t come home empty-handed in the art department. I picked up three framed vintage pieces—two that I’ll hang as a set in the family room, and a third called Hide and Seek that’s just the right amount of eerie for the guest room. All three for $40 total!

Where Did All the European Vendors Go?

One thing I’ve noticed lately is that the fair feels… different. There used to be an abundance of European antiques, but over the past year, those vendors have become harder to find. In their place? Vintage clothing sellers—and lots of them.

Thrifting is clearly having a major moment with teens (love that for them!), and the average age of attendees has definitely dropped. While that’s great for fashion, it means a little more digging is required for those of us who decorate with old books, tarnished silver, and architectural salvage.

If you’re local and missing the old-world charm too, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Bay Area sources for European antiques right here. They’re well worth a visit when the fair leaves you wanting more.

Spotted & Admired (and Nearly Missed!)

Even though I didn’t buy everything, there was still plenty to swoon over. Some pieces stood out immediately… but others required a little extra attention to notice. (Hint: that’s your sneak peek for an upcoming post I’m working on—How to Spot a Hidden Gem in a Pile of Junk. Stay tuned!)

A freshly stocked booth full of soft vintage grain sacks, many with beautiful blue and red stripes. Tempting, but I restrained myself.

A gorgeous mix of demijohns and apothecary bottles in rich greens, smoky ambers, and clear glass—perfect for shelf styling.

This box looked like just a jumble of old doll parts at first—and it mostly was. But tucked in the corner, nearly hidden? One tiny, true Frozen Charlotte. Proof that sometimes, you really have to look closely.

A beautiful cast iron urn paired with a faux moss topiary and a decorative crown. So textural and fun for garden styling!

An unexpected collection of mini andiron busts clipped to a rusty bottle rack—such quirky personality in every piece. I own one and use it as a doorstop.

This grand French-style house stopped me in my tracks. So detailed and stately. Just look at those windows! I inquired about it and it was part of a movie set from France. The original owner had 17! She parted with 16 and this was the only one remaining.

A chic little lineup of carved walking sticks, each more unique than the last. I especially loved the ones with ivory handles. You might already know that I have an antique cane collection, but my bucket is full so for me, my collection is complete.

Now here’s a real hidden gem moment. At first glance, I wasn’t even sure this was a vendor spot. A lone truck parked against a fence, boxes and furniture scattered around. But when I looked again—there it was. A stunning, chippy Italian desk with gorgeous lines and carved floral detailing. Yes, the paint was in rough shape, but the bones? Beautiful.

Cement garden urns with just the right amount of patina, plus a sweet little statue of a girl holding a bunny.

A table full of timeworn wooden dough bowls in all shapes and sizes—so many styling possibilities!

Final Thoughts

I may not have come home with a Santos doll or the perfectly haunted portrait (yet), but this trip was a reminder that sometimes the real joy of antique shopping isn’t just about what you buy—it’s what you see.

Whether it’s a tiny Frozen Charlotte hiding in a box of broken limbs or an Italian desk leaning against a truck, the best pieces are often the ones others overlook. And that’s exactly the kind of story I love to bring home.

Until next time,

P.S. Want to get better at spotting antique treasures others miss? Keep an eye out for my upcoming post: How to Spot a Hidden Gem in a Pile of Junk.