A Vintage Pyrex Shop in Havre de Grace That Made the Whole Country Take Notice
A Mixing Bowl Can Make You Cry
When Jolene Forrester opens the door at JoRetro, she's not just unlocking a shop. She's opening a place where someone is likely to tear up over a mixing bowl. It happens more than you'd think. A customer spots a Pyrex pattern their grandmother used, and suddenly they're not just shopping; they're remembering Sunday dinners and kitchen smells and someone they loved. That's the moment Jolene says reminds her why she does this.
JoRetro is a vintage and retro lifestyle shop in downtown Havre de Grace, specializing in Vintage Pyrex, retro housewares, nostalgic candy, gourmet treats, and gifts that, as Jolene puts it, "make people smile." Walking in feels like a treasure hunt with a strong dose of nostalgia, a carefully curated mix of authentic vintage pieces alongside new products with that same retro sensibility. Jolene calls it a lifestyle shop, and that description fits better than any other.
A Small Shop with National Reach
What might surprise you is the reach. This little shop in a small waterfront city has become a genuine national destination for Pyrex collectors. Twice a year, JoRetro hosts Pyrex & Vintage Fest in downtown Havre de Grace, and collectors travel from across the country to attend. It's grown into one of the largest events of its kind on the East Coast, and Jolene's expertise has earned national recognition. Country Living recently tapped her as their go-to source for a feature on the most valuable vintage Pyrex pieces collectors can own. Which raises the obvious question: why Havre de Grace? Jolene's answer is straightforward. "I fell in love with it and made a conscious decision to focus on it." That kind of clarity tends to produce remarkable things.
Homegrown and Community-Driven
Jolene grew up here and opened JoRetro downtown intentionally. She serves on the Havre de Grace Tourism Advisory Board and helps lead the Downtown Merchants group because she genuinely believes small businesses are stronger when they work together. Running the shop alongside her son Luke makes the whole endeavor even more personal. "I'm most proud that we've built something that supports both our family and our community," she says. Over the years, JoRetro has donated thousands of dollars back to local organizations through its events.
10th Anniversary Pyrex & Vintage Fest
This April marks a milestone: the 10th anniversary of Pyrex & Vintage Fest, taking place April 25th on the newly renovated downtown streets. The anniversary edition will feature live music, commemorative designs, and more vintage vendors than any previous year. If you've never been, this is the one to catch.
Plan Your Visit to JoRetro
First-time visitors should ask for the map of town. Jolene and her team love helping people find their way around and will point you toward the Lighthouse, the Promenade, the local museums, and Bomboys Candy. If Pyrex is your thing, ask to see the rarest pieces on display. JoRetro's exclusive merchandise is also available in the shop, online at JoRetro.com, and wholesale through Faire.
JoRetro is located at 137 N. Washington St., Havre de Grace, MD 21078. Open seven days a week, 10 AM to 6 PM. Call (301) 980-4881 or visit JoRetro.com for more information. Find them on the ShopHDG directory and keep an eye on JoRetro.com for event updates, especially the 10th anniversary Pyrex & Vintage Fest on April 25th.
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