By Elissa Friday
DRIVING along the Bellarine Highway, I decided to stop in and explore the Amazing Mill Markets.
Amazing is a good description because it’s huge and full to the brim with vintage clothes, furniture, antiques and more.
I walked in, stood still, looked around and thought: “I could easily spend the whole day in here, what fun!”
Then came the unexpected homely aroma of baking in the air, which prompted me to scan the market to figure out where it was coming from.
Soon I discovered, slightly hidden toward the back of the market, a cosy but modern-looking café with a beautiful glass display cabinet of cakes and savouries. Yum yum!
At that point, I knew I would become a regular frequenter of this place – there was no reason to leave with all these necessities under the one roof.
Feeling in the spirit of Christmas, I began spotting items that would make really cool gifts, like a set of six vintage goblets all in different colours and priced at just $65 for the set. They would certainly be an alternative to the usual wine or champagne glasses.
It might sound a bit pricey until you realise they aren’t made any more, so they’re pretty rare nowadays.
Stylish red purple and blue candle-holders caught my eye for just $20 each. Maybe they could be used as individual ice buckets for those mini bottles of champagne, which would be super cute.
I had the same thoughts about a retro apple ice bucket, priced at $65. It was adorable and would look great on the table at Christmas, or make an unusual gift.
Then I stumbled across a gift for myself, as you do. The red snakeskin print ‘80s-style dress, made in Australia, was a must-have at just $15.
Elastin in the fabric made it extremely comfortable and allows room to accommodate a generous Christmas dinner. It was perfect for a vintage Christmas-style look.
Handbags galore caught my eye, too. I found a gorgeous classic black Glomesh bag that would work with most outfits for just $25, and then came across a red one for $15.
Quite happily wandering around, I spotted skateboards for only $20 each. What a bargain as a great gift for kids and or adults to keep them fit and occupied after all the presents are opened on Christmas Day!
I could have spent the whole day browsing – there was just so much to look at.
My advice: just re-fuel in the café then get back on the exciting hunt for goodies in The Amazing Mill Markets.
Have fun.
