My Barbie doll and Barbie Dream House are long gone. I think I passed them down to a younger cousin. This past week, some friends from college mentioned their collections of Barbie and Ken dolls, which led me to ponder, “If I wanted to find a Barbie like my favorite one from childhood, where in Reno might I go?”
Virginia Street Antique Mall, 1251 S. Virginia St. in Midtown Reno, is Northern Nevada’s largest antique mall. I had peeked in the windows after a recent trip to the Ace Hardware next-door. It looked like a cool place and now I had added incentive to check it out.
This is a big, clean and attractive store, with a huge variety of antiques and collectibles. I did indeed spot a few Barbie dolls, although they were much newer than the Blonde Bouffant Barbie that I preferred or the Brunette Ponytail Barbie that was my sister’s favorite.
I imagine, however, that new items are coming into Virginia Street Antique Mall all the time, as there are displays from 60 or more dealers.
Though I’m not an antiquer or collector, I still got a kick out of Virginia Street Antique Mall. I saw so many quaint items that conjured up memories of older relatives’ homes, or the homes of my childhood friends.
Most items here are not really grouped by category, so if you are searching for something in particular, you might have to take your time — or ask an employee for help.
For instance, here we have Laurel & Hardy along with a shriveled old woman in a leopard sarong. Is this supposed to be Wilma Flintstone as a senior citizen?
At Virginia Street Antique Mall, you can also find an old Victrola, quirky kitchen fixtures and gadgets, classic restaurant fixtures, vintage jewelry, hats and clothing … and photographs of Really Old People.
And this wouldn’t be Nevada without some old slot machines — and lots of other gaming memorabilia.
Serious collectors should consider a trip to Virginia Street Antique Mall. It’s an entertaining place to just browse, too.
For more information about Virginia Street Antique Mall, call (775) 324-4141 or visit
BONUS TRAVEL TIPS! In the Chicago area, the Western suburbs of Naperville and Geneva, Illinois are prime destinations for those who love antiques and collectibles. Near Seattle, the historic town of Snohomish, Washington is the place to go for antiques galore.
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