Tales, Trails, & Transformation: A Spring Check-In from the Georgia Treasure Trail

Whewโ€”April and May came in HOT.
And while I didnโ€™t get to explore entire cities on the Treasure Trails like I hoped, the beauty of this season has been in the mini stops, the unexpected detours, and the big โ€œahaโ€ moments that are shaping both me and Empty Table Interiorsโ„ข in real-time.

This journey isn't just about vintage. Itโ€™s about vision. Itโ€™s about showing up for yourself, taking the scenic route, and finding inspiration in every cornerโ€”even when the GPS of life says rerouting.

๐Ÿ“Roswell: Restoration, Revelation & a Real Good Meal

I kicked off a recent stop in Roswell, Georgia where I took an Antique Metal Restoration class with the incredibly talented John Hinkel of Unique Dรฉcor at Painted Tree Boutique. Before class, I made a pit stop at Canton Street Socialโ€”because every good trail starts with a great meal.

Let me tell you, the Mango Margarita hit the spot, and the KFC sandwich? Crunchy, flavorful, unforgettable. Shoutout to Will, my waiter, who recommended I swing by Red Baronโ€™s Antiques. That shop? Pure treasure trove. Full of bold pieces at various price pointsโ€”ideal for styling short-term rentals or capturing eye-catching content for set design. Talk about inspo overload.

After browsing through Painted Treeโ€™s unique shopsโ€”packed with everything from handmade goods to upcycled home dรฉcorโ€”it was time to dig in. The restoration class reminded me just how much beauty lives in the layers. From tarnish to transformation, I left reminded that my work is just as much about revival as it is about resale.

๐ŸŽฌ Creating, Connecting, and Catching the Bigger Vision

In the spirit of expansion, I attended Space to Create at Cinelease Three Ring Studios, where I connected with other creatives to explore potential collaborations. Empty Table Interiors isnโ€™t just a brandโ€”itโ€™s a movement. And I'm building something designed to serve makers, flippers, set decorators, and dreamers who need spaces (and stories) that speak.

Then came a heart-led detourโ€”celebrating the grand opening of J. Tompkins Studio in Atlanta. Founded by the radiant Jenny Tompkins, the studio is a multi-line rep agency that makes luxury, performance, and sustainability accessible for designers across the spectrum. Her studio is like she isโ€”intentional, elevated, and welcoming. I left deeply inspired and fueled to keep going.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Nostalgia, Chinoiserie & Community at Ponce City Market

Next up: the grand opening of Nostalgia โ€“ The Vintque Market inside Citizen Supply at Ponce City Market. This Knoxville-based vintage gem has landed in Atlanta, and I was all the way here for it. A whole section dedicated to Chinoiserie (you know thatโ€™s my love language). I had a lovely convo with the owner, and letโ€™s just say: weโ€™ll be back. Thatโ€™s family now.

๐Ÿงญ What This Season Taught Me

This leg of the Treasure Trails reminded me of something big: transformation doesnโ€™t always happen in the spotlight. It happens on quiet trails, in back booths, between sips of coffee and sparkly conversations with strangers.

Every stopโ€”whether it's a bite, a booth, or a businessโ€”reminds me of the power of staying open. Open to new techniques, new people, and most importantly, new versions of myself.

๐Ÿ” Your Turn: Keep Following the Trail

Want more behind-the-scenes of my sourcing trips, styling ideas, and ways to turn your love of vintage into a business?
๐Ÿ“ฒ Subscribe to the blog at www.EmptyTableInteriors.com
๐Ÿ“น Catch the latest reels and mini-vlogs on Instagram: @EmptyTableInteriors
๐Ÿ“ฉ Letโ€™s collaborate or book a styling service โ€” head to my services page to get started.

Picture collage of Treasure Trails Travels in April/May
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Treasure Trails โ€“ Vintage Shopping in Monroe, Georgia โ€“ The Antiques Capital of Georgia