The Sisties Take Main!

Our love for Gloucester thrifting began at the Main St. Salvation Army (may it Rest in Peace) with the acquisition of what became known as The Padres Shirt (because it was, in fact, a Padres shirt). While the Padres shirt has survived, alas the Salvation Army did not. However, the spirit of thrifting flourishes on Main St. Along with wonderful restaurants, coffee shops, jewelry stores, local bars and Mark Adrian shoes, Main St. boasts a collection of thrift & consignment stores for which the Sisties have developed quite the addiction.

We headed over there on a beautiful Saturday morning, parked our car on the Fiesta grounds (free parking as long as Fiesta isn’t in town) and headed up to our first stop: Mystery Train Records. Mystery Train has been in Gloucester for at least a decade and has an impressive collection of music (vinyl mostly, but also CDs), as well as movies, old magazines and vintage concert posters. Records range from about $3 - $12, and they carry everything from jazz to country to Motown to children’s.

Next up is Bananas. Bananas has been around for over 30 years and is one of our most favorite places in Gloucester. Whether you’re looking for a feather boa, pencil skirt or a floppy felt hat, Banana’s has it. Do plan on spending at least 45 minutes browsing the eclectic goods. Don’t bring your ice coffee inside!

Then comes our new discovery, Bodin Historic Photo. Don’t be misled by the snooze-inducing name of this store! Its proprietor, Fredrik D. Bodin, carries an assortment of artwork from Gloucester artists (as well as “In Cod We Trust” T-shirts. Hilarious.) He is also a wealth of thrifty foody tips. For example - did you know that at Mike’s Place (8 Railroad Ave.) pasta dishes are only $4 Monday-Wednesday? We didn’t either… but stop in Bodin Historic Photo and learn even more - along with purchasing a piece of $3 pottery!

Next up is Dogtown Books. Named after the storied area of Gloucester once inhabited by town outcasts, this is one of the best bookstores on the North Shore. Owner Bob Richie carries just about everything, from local literature to children’s books; autographed titles, antique first editions and regular old books are also available. It’s best to leave your coffee outside here, too. Also, respect the books by not talking on your cell phone or stomping around on the creaky floorboards.

Then we have the Dress Code. This place wins our thrifting Most Improved award. When it was located across the street from its current location it was rife with Hawaiian print shirts and grandma shoes. Now that it’s in its “new” location it is the height of fashion! While it carries mostly beautiful women’s clothing, you can also find linens, bags, belts, dishes and the occasional corduroy backgammon set.

Last up is Pearl’s, a well-stocked consignment shop. A lot of refurnished antiques as well as quirky dishware (Caroline received a green “Surrey With A Fringe On Top” drinking glass from here), vintage aprons, jewelry and Twin Lights soda shirts. The stock is always changing, so stop in often!

Well, that’s our day on Main. Stay tuned for in-depth reports of each of the above-mentioned stores. Happy Thrifting!