Frank & Bessie's Attic

Frank & Bessie's Attic is a very nice antique store with quality merchandise.FBA isn't very big. But it's packed with high quality, unique merchandise at very reasonable prices (see photos). Everything is clean, organized, and displayed nicely. Don't forget to checkout the 2nd floor balcony area. There are more goodies up there.I'd say that around 25% of the store is merchandise that wouldn't be considered an antique. I usually don't like this stuff but FBA does a good job. There are a few vendor areas with reproduction signs, bird houses, hand-made signs, and that sort of thing. But there's also a giant wall of high quality specialty cooking oils and vinegars in front - very cool.There's some amazing functional art on the front desk. There are instruments (and a pipe sculpture) converted into functional lamp art. I usually don't like this stuff. (I've seen other shops where someone shoves a light bulb on something old and tries to sell it.) But this artist, Charlie Fiss, is crazy talented -- amazing stuff! In particular, there was an awesome violin lamp with color changing LEDs (with a remote), a USB charger in the base, and a blue tooth speaker hidden in the violin so you can play music. The pipe sculpture lamp was pretty darn cool too. It had all kinds of doo-dads, knobs, switches, an old fuse, a digital readout, and an analog clock. Charlie - you rock! As a final note, the owner is really nice. My wife and I really enjoyed talking to her. Ironically, this building was built by her grandparents, and she has their photo proudly hanging by the front entry door.Unfortunately, it sounds like the city wants to buy this building so they can demolish everything and "develop" the land. Really? Do they need some junky condos or a crappy strip mall near the river? Yuck! I hope this never happens.Stop by if you're in the neighborhood.-Daddy Maxx Retro