The Weekend Adventures of Renniger's (of Mount Dora), Chapter Two
Renniger’s Market of Mount Dora is such a giant place, such a giant experience, that I’m splitting my writing into three different chapters. One will cover the flea market section, the second will cover the antique market, and the third will be about the space in between the two main buildings and what its future might be. If you want to avoid reading thousands of words, just know that this area has my highest recommendation and deserves multiple visits from all Floridians.
Also with the constant stream of events, yard sales, and new vendors, each experience will always be unique in its own special way, whether you go by yourself or with friends/family. Just remember to show up early, carry plenty of cash, and have plenty of space in your car for when and if you decide to make the purchases. If you want to dig deeper into my personal thoughts related to Renniger’s, read on.
Chapter Two: Renniger’s Antique Market
I have this ongoing idea for a bistro that would have Medieval-esque JRPG vibes, where the ambiance of the place would resemble that of a Middle Ages inn or a place to relax and recover from the giant adventure awaiting the heroes outside. No idea if I would ever be able to achieve opening such a spot, but I do know that if I ever need to decorate such a space, I’m renting a truck, finding a driver, and making my way here to this exact market to make all the necessary purchases to create such a unique vibe.
This place is definitely more a curiosity as opposed to being a spot to make purchases, because it doesn’t quite have the variety, randomness, and itemized range of the nearby flea market. The focus here is more the antiquated items, the classic furniture, classic art, historical pieces, and other collectables that is older than what you want to believe (nothing makes you feel old like seeing 1990s unopened hot wheels being sold at the antique market). There’s even World War 2 relics and currency belonging to countries no longer in existence. Don’t let that deter you however, because the sheer quantity is nonetheless impressive to the max.
The antique market also just has a great charming personality overall, as the vendors are all very hospitable, and there’s still plenty to see even if you aren’t in the market to buy, even if you aren’t in the market to collect old wooden furniture and beautiful 1800s Dutch landscape paintings. Just like the behemoth of a flea market next door, it will also take you hours to explore everything and see what the place has to offer----indoors and outdoors.
Beyond the air-conditioned halls are plenty of small buildings scattered on the outskirts of the space, and out there its more of a mix between the classic, the historic, and the newer, mostly related to furniture and decorating your home. The vibes, spacing, presentation, and offerings vary greatly, it’s a little more akin to the flea market, but it still skews towards older antiques. Just like the inside, plenty to see, lots of surprises, and forgotten relics that you just won’t find out on the modern-day world. There’s even a small hidden toy museum if you search hard enough.
If there is any complaint that you could possibly levy into this area is that the kids might be a bit bored and there isn’t as much for them to do to pass the time while parents and grandparents explore history and the passage of time in the shape of dozens of antique stalls. The solution is actually related to the next chapter of this giant article about Renniger’s, but it would be beneficial to everyone involved to offer more for the youngsters or teenagers being taken on the journey who might otherwise not be as excited to see the antiques.
Either way though, if you have even the slightest interest in antiques, visiting the antique shops in Renniger’s is an absolute must, regardless of budget and living space available.