Have you been looking for a wringer washing machine, an old wrought-iron baby bed,or maybe a life-size metal cutout of a Sasquatch?
If not then what about an antique Duncan Phyfe sofa, an oak dresser, a horse mask, acollection of rolling pins or a parking meter?
Those are just a few of the antiques and oddities to befound atPickers Paradise, 1316 N. Broad St.,Tazewell.
The antique/junk store is owned by Jennifer and Doug Seals with Jennifer being the primary store attendant. She said she's been in thebusiness for more than 14years, the last four at this location.
"We offer really eclectic stuff. You never know what you are going to find in here and no matter how many times you walk through you will see something different," she said.
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When they moved to this location, aformer grocery store turned Western wear apparel shop, it was her husband who chose the businessname. She would have preferred something a little more catchy.
"If it was up to me, it would have beennamed Oompa Loompa's Emporium, Weirdos Welcome," shesaid.
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Jennifer has aboistrous personality with alevel of excitement that fills the two-story building as she points out the shop'sextensive inventory.
"If you don't enjoy what you are doing, you shouldn't be doing it. Life is too short not to have fun," she said.
Her husband refers to heras the "Golden Goose," she says, and to himself as the "Silver Buzzard."
"We have great help, but he says when we aren't here, the personality isn't here. When the Golden Goose is not on her nest, you never know what she might be into," she said jokingly.
Jennifer feels a kinship to the items that she offers and often names her favorites. A wooden dog sign that hangs from the exterior of her building is named Harold. A3 1/2-foot metal goat iscalled Frankfurter, a 7-foot-tall metal ostrichnamed Jill, and apink mannequin head dubbedLola.
Her most treasured piece, now sold but oneshestill laments over, wasMonica, alife-sized mannequin lamp.
"The most difficult item that I have ever had to sell so far would probably be Monica.I bought her during the 127 Yard Sale (a 690-mile sale across six states) and I was so excited to get her. I had her made into a lamp and was going to keep her forever. I sat her right up here (she points towardthe front door) and Hippie G, who works for us, put flowers all around her. My husband said it was the tackiest thing he had ever seen and that shewas to be sold. But I said no. It was a horrible debate and I lost it. Ihad to sell her. I was devastated, but it went to a young girl who is an amazing artist and who was really intrigued by Monica," she said.
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Shedelights in finding the unusual but acknowledges that in addition to antiques and oddities the business offers reproduction farmhouse decor and other popular items that have a highturnover.
"It's important to have the best of both worlds, and we put forth an effort to bring it all here," she said, adding the assurance that if she sells a reproduction she makes sure the buyer understands that it's not an original.
"That's something that I take pride in. I will never lie to a customer about a reproduction. If I think they are under the impression that it's not a reproduction, I will tell them the truth. I don't want that on my conscience," she said.
In addition to her named pieces, customers can find doll parts (think heads, arms, etc.) old taxidermy pieces, marbles —"everybody loses them," she said—an antique Weaver organ, a military uniform, vintage toys, clothing and cast-iron products, just to name a few.
When entering the building guests are likely tobe met by Lady Divine, Jennifer's rescue cat. She said guests are welcome to bring their own animals into the store (leashed, please). Shehas a jar on her front counter where customers can donate money tothe Claiborne County Humane Society and a sign over the cash register that reads, "Caution: Disorganized Area (Surely a sign of genius).
"When we first moved in, I tried to be organized. I thought organization was the key to this place, but I found out that organization is not the key to this place," she said showcasing her whimsical smile.
She said no one from the History Channel's "American Pickers" TV show has visited the shop and that she isn't completely sold on the show's premise of finding so manyunusualantiques, anyway.
"Let's be honest. It's a reality TV show. How many Indian motorcycles do you really think someone canfind in a forgottengarage?" she questioned.
To visit Pickers Paradisethe quickest and most scenic route from Knoxville is to drive northeast onHighway 33. The store is approximately one hour away and not easily missed. If Harold the dog sign doesn't catch your attention, the life-size Sasquatch or 5-foot pink flamingo should.
Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12:30-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information visithttps://www.facebook.com/Pickersp37825/
