Pleasant Valley Quilting, Laurie Carter photoShopping in Armstrong is a one-of-a-kind experience. No big boxes here. This historic town centre hosts a collection of unusual shops selling everything from kitchen kitsch to cheesecake-lookalike soap. Buy a horse bridle and a retro frock, find a treasure from the past and ask the tarot cards to reveal the future. Venture a little way out of town and discover even more classic collectibles.
The Armstrong General Store is a must browse even for shop-o-phobics. Don't miss the tack room. Think of the conversation starter a salt lick or horseshoe and nails would make as a coffee table souvenir.
Folk art fans drop by Pleasant Valley Quilting. No need to be a needlework artist to enjoy the brilliant colours of the kaleidoscope fabric collection.
Sip a cappuccino and check out the retro rags and kitchen kitsch at Frugal Frocks, then meet the resident cat, browse the collection and indulge in a tarot reading at Shamrock Books.
Personal Indulgence
Peer in the window of Latherup Canada and expect to enter a candy shop - except for the scent. No mistaking the luxurious aroma of premium soaps and body care products handmade fresh daily onsite.
Armstrong Antiques
It makes sense that antique and collectible sellers should cluster around the country towns of Armstrong and neighbouring Enderby (14km/9mi north). Shop for a host of old time goodies like vintage tobacco tins, classic retail signs and furniture at Allen's Antiques in downtown Armstrong.
A short distance out in the countryside, Country Home Antiques specializes in vintage furniture imported from Scandinavia. This excellent shop is open by appointment only. Collectors of glassware, china and jewelry stop by Frankie's Nook on Highway 97.
Enderby Antiques
Continue north on Highway 97 to the neighbouring town of Enderby for more antiquing. Cobwebs Antiques & Gifts is a quality shop in a whimsically-painted country cottage. Along with furniture, glassware and kitchen goods, this is the spot to find vintage linens.
Jerry's Antiques & Things is a large store with a monster inventory. Plan on spending some time here. If you're not in the market for period collectibles, think of it as a walk through a pop art museum.
Marie Claire's Antiques, further north on the highway is another good source for collectors of china and glassware.
Stop by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Visitor Centre at 3550 Bridge St for a North Okanagan Antique Tour Guide and information on local shopping.
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