Cheri Antozak, owner of Prairieside Suites Luxury B&B in Grandville, is a professional interior designer who likes to incorporate vintage and contemporary in the decor of her inn’s nine guest suites. Above, the French Riviera Suite.

There’s something about antiquing! Perhaps it’s the thrill of the unknown? You never know what you might find. Once, I went out looking for a creamer and came back with a cool vintage coat with a fir collar… and a one-of-a-kind handmade vintage ring!

Some folks know exactly what they’re looking for. But most of the time, it’s about discovering the unexpected and coming home with something you never dreamed you wanted but now are tickled to own. It’s about memories and pretty shapes. Somehow, when you blow the dust off and look closely, that little gem of a find talks to you and nurtures your soul. Crazy I know. Many antique-rs remain mystified — and many husbands still mutter those famous words, “Where are you gonna’ put that?”

I can’t help but reminisce when I’m antiquing. You know….. these are just like the glasses we drank out of when we were kids. Grandma had these and we sold them at a garage sale for a quarter and now they’re here for $10 each! We’ve all been there.

What I do know is here at Prairieside Suites Luxury Bed and Breakfast, we have lots of guests who enjoy antiquing in Grandville and Grand Rapids. They often share their “finds” around the breakfast table in the morning. Those of you who have seen my china cabinet and the collection of antiques in my dining room know I’ve been collecting cut crystal for years.

On our website, I list some of my favorite haunts in and around Grandville and the Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area