Home » Business & Finance » Online Shopping » Art, Antique, Collectible, and Memorabilia Deals- NOT in Brevard

Art, Antique, Collectible, and Memorabilia Deals- NOT in Brevard

© Reginald Vickers

My dad told me a joke today. He does that once a year. He said a man went to Heaven and St. Peter was showing him around. He said they came upon people who were chained up. The newcomer asked St. Peter why they were chained. St. Peter said, Oh, they're from Western North Carolina. If we unchain them, they will go back. You see they think WNC is heaven.

OK, the joke may not be funny (that's why he only tells them once a year) but it sure is true. I have lived a number of places in the world, but have found home here in Brevard, NC. It is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It's also a nice quaint little Mayberry kind of town. The people here are the greatest. Everyone is so nice. Even the schools are good. The downtown area is bustling with business just like it was in the 50's. This place is almost perfect.

You notice I said, "almost". Once it was perfect. That was until a few years ago when US News and World Report gave their list of the top places to retire. I didn't know so many people read that magazine, much less believed every word it said. It was like, one day our town just came into the 20th century (that was in 1990) and got rid of the last horse and buggy, and the next day, it was bumper to bumper traffic.

The majority of these retires are great people. But with new money coming in, the cost of living goes up, making it difficult to survive (that is unless you came here with your IRA, 401K, and Swiss Bank Account).

Not only does the cost of living increase but so does the price of antiques. I think Brevard has become the antiuqe capital of the world. There are more antiques shops in Brevard than there are restaurants. But don't expect to come to Western North Carolina to find bargain antiques. They've all been bought from the farmers and are now being resold at much higher prices. Instead, check out these art, antique, collectible, and memorabilia sites. Here, you will find fair prices for good items. If you are looking for something specific, many sites offer a place to post what you are looking for. I have found items at online auctions for half the price of those in my local antique shop.