Maryland Vintage Shopping Hot Spot – JoRetro!

2021 UPDATE: JoRetro moved since we first discovered it, to an even more convenient location in downtown Havre deGrace. The shop is HUGE and awesome and amazing! AND as of March 2021 Jo is opening up an Air BnB above the store - look for details on that on and photos of the shop on the JoRetro FB page:  https://www.facebook.com/JoRetroVintageMarket/

ORIGINAL 2017 POST:

Ever walk into a space and want to just move in, immediately? That's how it was when we first entered JoRetro in Havre de Grace MD.

So cheery! So clean! So bright, so colorful! It was a bit of a sugar-spike to the system, but seriously, this place is a Mod Betty dream.

Authentic and affordable vintage from the 50's, 60's and 70's is what this big bright 2 story shop specializes in. Housewares, records, vintage clothing, collectibles, games, furniture, jewelry and more.

Owner Jolene has collecting in her genes, a background in interior design and a friendly demeanor - all of which are represented in the store. We follow each other on Instagram  and Facebook  and I was so excited to finally visit the shop in person - nothing beats that.

Jo says she designed the shop keeping in mind all of the things she had run into during her years of vintage shopping and thrifting. And boy does she do it right!

Vintage housewares and kitchen collectible are displayed by "family" and the displays change with the season to show how timeless and useful these items can be.

Why there's even a DOOR on the dressing room, and a mirror (not a curtained off corner).

Vintage clothing is organized by size and color, and everything is laundered before being offered for sale.

As you'll quickly note, Pyrex plays a big part in the inventory here at Jo Retro, and every piece looks factory new. Jo is picky about what she offers for sale, and while she may accept worn pieces as part of a lot, those don't make it to the showroom floor.

Instead (and I think this is awesomeness in itself) she has partnered with jewelry designer Juliet Ames (aka The Broken Plate)  to create pendants, bracelets and other accoutrements made with pieces displaying the well known dish patterns.

Pyrex is also the motivation for a twice-yearly Vintage Festival started at the shop, where vintage dealers and fans from all over flock to historic Havre de Grace to shop and swap and show off their collections. Not only Pyrex but all sorts of vintage wares are welcome at this fun event! Follow JoRetro on Facebook to learn the dates of the festival (hint, Spring 2017 is Saturday April 29)

HDG also has a number of antique and vintage shops open year round, and during the festival some offering discounts, so it's a great time to visit this beautiful little village just a hop off of busy 95.

Heck, any time is a good time to visit!

If you're like me you'll have a hard time deciding what treasures you want to come home with - because you'll want them all. But you'll also know that this place is a keeper, and a must stop any time you're heading through Maryland.