First road trip of 2026! I tooled along I-55 from St. Louis toward the Indiana Dunes National Park region. flying solo. Although not unusual, that could be one reason the featured mannequin busts jumped out at me – interesting companions are always welcome along the journey, n’est-ce pas? But more to the point, what is it about vintage heads like these that makes them so intriguing? The intensity of those eyes that rarely look directly at you and often swim in vivid colors of eye shadow? Their pouty or haughty or decidedly sealed lips? The exaggerated tilt of the head, as if there’s something in the distance only they can appreciate? I dunno, but they’re fabulous! Out of my price range, sadly, so no mysterious sidekicks picked up along the way. If I had discovered them back in the day … I’d have an interesting collection now because —
Weirdly, I have a stash of various antique dress forms that I use to display my assemblage jewelry during pop-up and other short-term vintage markets. The women pose prominently along a wall of my studio, and I have been known to mutter things to the gallery when I’m frustrated or looking for lost treasure among the mess. After studying a few of these antique head displays (for hats? Jewelry? Scarves?), I had an amusing moment of virtually matching them up with the various body forms lurking in my studio. When (if!) I get better at photo manipulation I’ll post some funky images—ha. (AI! I know!)
Encountered these mannequins and other quirky pieces while cruising up I-55 through Illinois. This is a common route for me, and I have my fave antique detours — although I realize there are more I have yet to explore. The fact is, I always run out of time. (If only they were open til 8 pm!) So, what should be about a five-hour trip takes me ALL DAY. I’m lucky if I arrive before sunset after leaving by 9 am. Yes, I could leave sooner but it takes a little over to get to the first stop — this gives me time to stop for a coffee and then arrive as the shops open. Not complaining!! These are longgg but fun trips. If you follow the antiques trail, you’ll be looking for exits 33 (Chirping Frog), 60 (Lighthouse Antique Mall) & 82 (Hilda’s Antique Mall & Tammi’s Treasures).
Route Insight:
When driving to Chicago or Indiana, I do most of my vintage picking between St. Louis and Springfield, Ill., because there’s such a nice long stretch of antique malls in that short span. Always looking for other worthy stops! Ideas?
Detours:
Lighthouse Antique Mall
The Chirping Frog Antique Mall
I’m really enjoying your sojourns and browsings! I don’t get to antique stores much anymore–I kinda live in one in…
very nice trip indeed!
Love this blog! Need more!
Hey Steve,Thanks for your interest! Always fun to have a passenger aboard for the adventure. I’ve antiqued in Seattle quite…