Trinkets & Treasures Trail

Trinkets & Treasure Trail

Edgewood’s Trinkets & Treasures Trail offers fun-filled adventure to treasure seekers seeking unique and quirky finds.

Shining a spotlight on the region’s growing one-of-a-kind shopping experiences, Greater East Mountain Chamber has created the Trinkets & Treasures Trail© to help visitors and residents discover the fun of searching for treasure in the area’s many quirky and distinct shops.

Keystone for the trail is Church Street Market, with its 20+ tiny shops, funky country vibe, and inviting atmosphere. The collection of individually-operated shops is ever-changing, so it’s always a fun stop. You’ll find everything from antiques, hand-crafted finds, and services like custom-blend herbs and handmade hats. The business has quickly become a destination for professional antique hunters and region-wide treasure trackers. The market also hosts regular special events, especially at holiday times throughout the year.

Opened in Moriarty, is The Whole Kit ‘N’ Caboodle with their numerous spaces, each curated by a different member with an eye for variety. The Whole Kit N Caboodle owners, Sandy and Rainie, plan to bring Tea Parties as well as art and crafting classes to this location very soon.

Located at Wildlife West Nature Park, a 27-year mainstay of the community, is a little gift shop that supports the New Mexico Wildlife Association (helping the rescued animals at the park). It features local art, animal-related items, and kid-friendly items. If you have time, enjoy the beauty of the park and its inhabitants — all are rescued, non-releasable native wildlife. Special events, like Chuckwagon BBQ Shows, Kite Festival, and Music & Arts Festivals, are fun favorites here throughout the summer months.

CLICK FOR: TRINKETS & TREAURES TRAIL ROUTE MAP

GETTING HERE: Coming from Albuquerque, travel east on Route 66 or I-40 just 20 easy and scenic minutes to our East Mountain community. You will want to exit I-40 at Sedillo Hill and travel east into Edgewood on NM 333 (Old Route 66).

GETTING HERE: Coming from Santa Rosa, NM, travel west on I-40 to exit 194 in Moriarty, then take the first available right to travel west on NM 333 (Old Route 66).

You’ll be amazed at the number of shops and unexpected spots to find treasures out here. Many local artists and creative souls turn everyday items into works of art for your home and your yard. A variety of food options are all nearby too, so take your time and enjoy the region! (restaurants can be found here, search ‘food’)

Moriarty Portion — While in Moriarty, check out Schwebach Farm – they offer the freshest produce and more at their Farm Stand. Just a bit further south on Hwy 41 is Bethel Community Storehouse with tons of clothing, home goods, and home furnishings.  Along the Moriarty stretch of Route 66, between Moriarty and Edgewood, is The Whole Kit ‘N’ Caboodle with is wide variety of items from furniture, antiques, and rustic items to handmade doilies and classic china.

After exploring the Edgewood or Moriarty portions, you can take Historic Route 66 about 6 miles to reach the next portion of the trail. From Edgewood, head EAST to Moriarty. Coming from Moriarty, head WEST to Edgewood.

Edgewood Portion — Along the Edgewood stretch of Old Route 66, treasure hunters will find four very different kinds of shops. Find unexpected décor items at Furniture Connection (from Route 66, take a tiny detour onto Linnie Court) and be sure to ask for Carol, you’ll know her right away by her ever-cheerful smile! Traveling eastward, don’t miss Old Mill Edgewood (on Rt 66, roughly across from Post Office) with it’s array of country life items including clothing. Just east of NM 344, Hug-A-Horse Thrift Shop offers trekkers everything from clothing, furniture and housewares, to saddles and riding gear. This shop supports the work of local horse rescue non-profit Walkin N Circles Ranch.

The Trinkets & Treasures Trail© continues north on NM 344 with a stop at Trails West (at North Frontage Rd — look for the adjacent Dairy Queen). Trails West is a third generation-owned and operated gift and curios shop filled with Native American and New Mexico treasures from jewelry to crystals, clothing and gift items. Follow the North Frontage Rd across NM 344 heading west for a half mile and turn in at Wildlife West Nature Park — the Gift Shop is just beyond the parking lot, by the front gate.

Return to NM 344 and head north about a mile to Edgewood Center North (344 at Dinkle Rd), where shoppers find the large Salvation Army Family Store filled with everything from toys, clothes, equipment, and furnishings, to — quite possibly, even the kitchen sink. They run monthly discount days too, so look for signage as you enter. De La Luna Gift Boutique, in the same center, includes gift items as well as beautiful art, photography, and handmade paper writing journals. In the same shopping center, Quilters need to stop in to Busy Bee Quilts to find materials and expertise to support fabric artistry,

Now, as you head back toward Route 66, don’t forget to turn east at Church Street to experience the ever-growing Church Street Market! While there, check out From the Ashes Apothocary & Ex Libris Books for medicinal herbs, CBD oil, and tinctures, plus an eclectic selection of books, and stop if to Landon Farm’s Honey Hut for a great variety of New Mexico and specialty honey products.

Whether you’re looking for something specific or just a fun way to spend a day, the Trinkets & Treasures Trail© offers a trip into relaxation you just can’t get while shopping in Albuquerque, and its different every time. So, enjoy your pleasure trip on the green side of the Sandias — who knows what treasures you will find!

By Linda Burke, Greater Edgewood Area Chamber