Meeting an American Picker

Back in October 2023, Frank & I went to Nashville, Tennessee for some Phish shows at Bridgestone Arena. We had our days free, so we had time for activities such as the Ryman Auditorium tour, and The National Museum of African American Music. One thing Frank wanted to do was visit Antique Archaeology, the storefront of the History Channel show American Pickers. They are based in Iowa, but had set up another location (which unfortunately, has since closed). He loves the show and wanted to see the store in person. At first, I told him it was probably just a tourist trap, and there wouldn't be much worth seeing. But eventually he convinced me to go, along with our friend Scott, who was also in town for Phish.

We walked there from our hotel (it didn't look like such a long way on the map), and found Marathon Village, a former mill and automobile factory that had been converted into charming retail spaces. We enjoyed browsing through all the shops, and saved Antique Archaeology for last. When we arrived, it initially seemed like I was right. They sold more show logo merchandise (mugs, t-shirts, etc.), than actual antiques, but Frank enjoyed seeing many display pieces that had been featured on the show. At one point Scott, who had never watched American Pickers says to me, "Is that guy over there from the show? People are crowding around him." I looked and, sure enough, it was Mike Wolfe, one of the stars of American Pickers!

Soon, Frank had his opportunity to meet Mike and tell him about his own childhood accompanying his father to yard sales and flea markets in search of antiques and treasures. It ended up being the highlight of his trip. Afterwards, Frank sent Mike an email with photos of some of the items they had talked about. And, as he frequently reminds me, if I'd talked him out of going, it never would have happened.

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