Hi There!
Would you care to come with me on a quick trip back in time? Not literally, of course, but I promise you'll still enjoy the virtual ride. Over the weekend, my family and I visited the historic area of Catlin Court, located in downtown Glendale, and I thought you might like to read all about it.
The area dates back to the early years of the 20th century and was named after the planner's wife's family. Most of the houses are charming little bungalows that have been converted to antique stores, restaurants or private businesses. With so much new construction taking place in the greater Phoenix area, it's amazing to see how neighborhoods used to look, and it's a lot different from the cookie cutter homes of today.
It's still warm out, so we didn't walk around the entire area, but we did visit a few of the shops. I have to say that I was so impressed with my kids' overall good behavior! And, they actually found it interesting to look at the antiques and walk through the old homes.
This little cottage is known as the Country Maiden, and it houses a wonderful collection of primitives and rustic decor. They also sell Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint. I was tempted to buy some, but I was holding out for something else.
This is a view of several houses on one street. Don't you just love the white picket fence?
This stately looking home is now a restaurant called the Spicery. They serve lunch and an afternoon tea!
Our final stop was to the Blue House Boutique. It's filled with all sorts of handmade goodies, and I could have spent a long time in this cute store!
The upstairs is filled with items from the Grungy Galz. Don't you just love all the shabby chic elements? My daughters fell in love with the table and pink leaf bowls, and I was swooning over the lace-trimmed sheets on the sofa.
My teens loved the no wake zone sign, but I don't think they need any encouragement in that area! Many of the items in the store have been painted with chalk paint, and the Blue House is one of the few places in the Phoenix area to sell Annie Sloan products.
They also offer workshops and craft nights. To mark the occasion and make up for the fact that my little boy spilled water over the floor, I made my first Annie Sloan purchase, and I can't wait to try it! Oh, and the owner was not only friendly and helpful, but she was also very gracious about the spilled water!
If you're in the Phoenix area, take time to visit Catlin Court one day. There's a front porch festival scheduled for October 18th, and the area is especially beautiful during the holidays, when it's all lit up for Glendale Glitters.
Thanks for taking a little trip back in time with me. I hope you enjoyed the tour. Have a wonderful day!
Dee 🙂
Dee M says
I just loved your work, and so did my girls! Can't wait to go back and visit again! 🙂
Grungy Galz says
Yay!! I'm so glad you liked my junk ;0) Thanks for sharing this with your readers, you have such a cute blog! I will be stoppin' back in soon!
Dee M says
I'm so glad to hear you liked the article, Deb. I just loved your store, and I can't wait to visit again! 🙂
Deb Prokopek says
Thank you for sharing the love Meatloaf & Melodrama! Love the name BTW!! Blue House is my passion so it thrills me that you enjoyed yourself while you visited. Come back soon (& tell me who you are) 🙂
Dee M says
Thanks so much for including the link and recipe, Marigene. I can't wait to try them. 🙂
Dee M says
Virtual tours are the best! Flying is way too expensive for our family, so I love seeing where other people go. 🙂
Leslie says
I love virtual tours like this. I can't make it every where as I am terrified of flying and only have 2 weeks vacation a year, haha. I don't know which one I love more - the green or blue house! Happy Saturday!
Marigene says
When I lived in Phoenix, this was one of my favorite shopping areas. The Spicery has the best ever rolls...the recipe was in the newspaper about 25 years ago and I clipped it...they are the only rolls this old gal ever makes! http://mimi-inthemiddleofnowhere.blogspot.com/2011/12/rolls-rolls-rolls.html
Dee M says
I completely agree! One of my kids even asked why the homes were all different, because they've never seen that. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
nannykim says
I had no idea there were homes like this in that area. I love the old style homes---they are more homey and inviting than many of today's homes.
Dee M says
We had a pretty good time. It's great to meet you! 🙂
Dee M says
They are adorable, and they will probably be decked out for fall by then! Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
Sandra and Hennie Cronje says
What a wonderful visit.
Thanks for sharing.
Many blessings from South Africa
Mila Myk says
These houses are so cute! And front porch festival? That sounds really awesome!
xx
Mila
[email protected]
Dee M says
Aren't they cute?! I have no idea what I'm making yet, but I can't wait to try the paint! :)'
Crochet Hooks says
those stores look awesome! Who would know just by looking they were such fun stores in those houses! What are you going to make? 🙂