Cedar/Shields

A couple of weeks ago, Michelle and I headed out to Cedar and Shields. The intention was to pick one corner and strip mall it up. The problem, however, was that we could not pick just one. We wanted to eat fine food at the bowling alley on the southwest corner. But the thrift stores were on the northeast. And, of course, a visit to Foster’s Freeze, across the street, was necessary. We spent hours that Saturday afternoon shopping, eating, driving for four minutes and then doing it all over again. In other words…good times.

First stop: Cedar Lanes bowling alley. We did not bowl. But took in the aforementioned "fine food." I think I speak for both of us when I say it felt very strange to be in a bowling alley simply for the food. The meal was not great, but the sign is fantastic.

Next up was Fallas Discount Store. Neither Michelle or I had been to this mecca of discount goods before. Despite the amazing discounts (six pairs of fuzzy socks for $3, anyone?) I'm not sure if we'll ever go again. Without a doubt, my favorite item in the store was the Boom Boom Jeans.

Discovering that more than half of the thrift stores in the area had closed, was the major disappointment of the day. I was especially bummed to find out that the Hinds Hospice location was shut down. They always had boxes upon boxes of great records for $1.

The best part of a thrift store, without a doubt, is the randomness. You absolutely never know what you’re going to find. In this particular one (AMVETS) I found three jack-o-lanterns stuffed in a plastic bag, a blue/white wig on the floor and a bag full of old, multi-colored Easter eggs. I will never understand the person that packages the merchandise and says...this bag needs not one, not two, but three pumpkins. Below are some of my favorites finds.

a sad monster cookie jar

or the perfect outfit for your favorite Hawaiian-vacationing toddler

The Cedar/Shields area is certainly not upscale, but it has a definite mystique to it. On one corner there are beautiful, vintage signs that have been left completely untouched and there for your instagram-ing pleasure. Yet right across Cedar is a newly built, same-as-the-others Rite Aid. The whole are seems a little confused, but that is what's sort of great about it.

Pooped after a day of eating and exploring, we decided to eat some more. If you've never been to the Foster's Freeze at Cedar and Shields, you have to try it. The jukebox is free and has the top hits from the 60s and 70s - that alone should get you there.

A few things I learned:

• Bowl at Cedar Lanes, don't eat there
• Eat at Chan's Cedar Chinese Food, it smelled amazing
• Stop by Harry's Attic thrift store, they have great jewelry
• Always finish the day off with a swirled cone

And, lastly, just because.