Just as we did over Memorial Day, we spent the long Labor Day weekend at my parents’ beach house near Bethany Beach, Delaware. The trip was full of family time, good food, and a few unexpected finds. We love sharing vacation roundups—what we saw, what we bought—and this weekend delivered, including two sizable purchases we’d been hunting for.
Our mini adventure actually began in Maryland. Specifically, at a curious place we’ve passed many times on the way to the shore:
The Ole Sale Barn in Denton, MD. We’d always been intrigued by it, and this trip finally lined up—thanks to weather, holiday timing, and a cooperative baby nap schedule—so we stopped in. We were greeted by a mix of quirky and fun items, which set the tone for the rest of the visit.
Among the oddities was an oversized metal chicken that had apparently been sold by the time we returned. Clara, our toddler, was captivated by the many lawn jockeys on the lot; perhaps she felt triumphant being taller than most of them. It was almost a game of Where’s Waldo trying to spot her among the displays.
There were also interesting pieces that sparked ideas. We spotted what looked like patio table tops or heavy grate covers that could become striking wall art if mounted properly. I was especially taken with a set of white-and-gold sign letters wired to light up. Each letter was priced at $20, and I regretted not taking a chance on one that could have been flipped into a meaningful numeral for us.
Inside the barn the scene was more chaotic but still full of potential. A trio of overlapping mirrors stood out; in person they read as something that would look great painted a soft charcoal or gray. The photos failed to capture how the mirrors softened when envisioned with a fresh finish. One curious detail we didn’t notice until later was a kitschy plastic mermaid bust reflected in the glass—definitely a mer-ghost moment.
We left the Ole Sale Barn empty-handed but entertained and inspired. Sometimes the value is in the ideas and the “next time” list, even if you leave without a purchase.
Another must-stop for us in Bethany is Beach Plum Antiques, a wildly packed shop of beachy finds and thrifted treasures. Don’t be fooled by the word “antiques”; it’s part vintage, part thrift store, and always worth digging through. On this visit we saw familiar coastal objects like glass fishing buoys and more unique pieces such as a ship’s throttle that would have been incredible in a nautical-inspired space—if only it hadn’t been pricey.
Beyond shopping, we took a brief detour to visit family friends who had just completed an above-garage addition. The new second story added two bedrooms and a bathroom, and their custom stair design made a subtle yet striking impact. The stairs read open and industrial with light-colored wood and thin wire balustrades so the entry still felt airy and allowed the eye to travel down the hallway into the living area.
They cleverly resolved a tile shortfall at the front entry by designing a mosaic inset made entirely of new tiles. This allowed them to reserve the larger leftover tiles for a neat border, so the whole composition looked deliberate rather than patched together. In the upstairs bathroom they solved another challenge by having the contractor cut the larger bathroom tiles into smaller squares for the shower floor—an elegant, cohesive solution that kept the palette unified and uncluttered.
We did come home with something, thanks to a yard sale sign spotted on a morning drive. A pair of solid wood nightstands from the 1950s or 60s caught our eye. They were sturdy, dovetailed, and exactly the right height with drawers—perfect replacements for the makeshift tables we’d been using for months. The seller agreed to $11 each after a little friendly negotiating over cash. We worried about fitting them in our cramped car but managed to squeeze one into the trunk and one into the back seat. At that price, it felt like a happy score.
My sister, who has a bigger car, returned to the same sale and brought home a matching dresser for $30, so between us we ended up owning pieces of the same mid-century bedroom set. It’s funny that we each claimed part of the set for different future uses; she’s not sure where hers will live yet, so we’re secretly hopeful it might migrate back my way someday.
Of course Clara got her beach time—sand, shallow waves, and the simple joy of a sunny day. The water was cool and the shoreline busier than usual after recent storms, but she was thrilled to dig and play with her cousins. We wrapped up the weekend with sandy smiles, seagull-watching, and the kind of family moments that make these little getaways worthwhile.
Is there anything better than a sunny day on the beach with family? Maybe finding $11 nightstands at a yard sale. Either way, the break was refreshing—just enough to recharge before getting back to DIY projects at home.
Psst—We announced this week’s giveaway winners. Check the original post to see if you’re one of them.