Ditch the more famous (overcrowded) destinations for these under-the-radar locales.
Whether you're looking for a mid-century favorite or an 18th-century rarity, shop like a professional antiques buyer and head off the beaten path. Smaller towns tend to offer far better deals than big cities — not to mention much more charm, too. There's a sweet spot in every state, so mark your calendars for a weekend treasure hunting adventure.
This tiny town of just under 10,000 boasts a major antiques impresario: David Tims. Tims owns three giant showrooms in Pell City with a huge array of all things old. There are so many pieces on display that Tims found it impossible to price everything — so expect to haggle with the master himself.
The antiques scene in Alaska centers around the state's three cities: Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. So, we consider the less populous of the three (Juneau) as Alaska's small town antiques destination. You'll find a handful of charming general-store-type shops, including Urban Eskimo, which sprinkles higher-end new items into the mix.
Nestled in the very scenic Verde Valley, Old Town Cottonwood has an eclectic secondhand scene. Larry's Antiques & Things is just one of the many shops worth a visit, with more than two acres of treasures.
Most well-known for its spas, Eureka Springs also has plenty in the way of antiques. One noteworthy spot is Castle Antiques, located near the scenic Inspiration Point.
Located in Northern California Wine Country, the quaint town of Healdsburg offers a delightful way to take a break from tastings. The famous Jimtown Store, shown above, combines everything from wine to coffee to, yes, antiques, under one charming roof. Mill Street Antiques is another can't-miss stop.
Nicknamed the "Silver Queen of the Rockies," Georgetown is filled with all of the sights that make a daytripper's heart skip a beat: galleries, cafes, fine restaurants, and lovely antique shops.
The "Antiques Capital of Connecticut" is home to some of the most exquisite, well-edited shops in the region. It's also one of Martha Stewart's favorite places to find great pieces, so really, how could you go wrong?
A visit to this seashore town could allow you some antique shopping in two states — there's a ferry that takes you to adorable Cape May, New Jersey. If you're staying put, definitely check out Lewes Mercantile Antiques, which puts over 30 dealers under one roof.
Palm trees and huge oaks draped in Spanish moss create an enchanting setting in this tiny North-Central Florida town, which is the self-proclaimed antiques capital of the Sunshine State.
The past is present in this lovely Georgia town, which has over 70 historical sights (including the church Jackie Kennedy attended following President Kennedy's death). As you can expect from such a place steeped in history, there are antiques shops galore. Locals highly recommend the Toscoga Marketplace, which has multiple stories to explore (and to tell, we'd imagine).
Finding antiques can be a little tricky in paradise, but the picture-perfect town of Kailua offers plenty. We recommend spending a few hours at Ali'l Antiques (which is comprised of two stores, Ali'l Antiques I and II), which is nearly overflowing with treasures.
Pocatello's downtown and surrounding area is home to over a dozen antique stores and four thrift shops. Make sure to visit Vain & Vintage, where you'll find an eclectic array of clothing, home goods, and furniture.
This old-fashioned town brings on the charm. You'll want to stay in one of the many B&B's, because just one day wouldn't be enough to cover the over 16 antique shops in the area. One must-see? The Galena Antiques Mall, which boasts over 55 dealers.
Centerville is just one of the stops along Indiana's "Antique Alley." While you're there, be sure to visit American House Antiques, a multi-dealer shop housed in a hotel building that dates back to 1886.
Designated Iowa's "Antiques City" (back in 1987), Walnut counts 15 antique shops for a population of only about 900. Here, there might be more pieces of Pyrex than people.
Though it's technically the sixth largest city in Kansas, downtown Lawrence has such a quaint feel that it had to be included in this list. No visit is complete without a stop to the Antique Mall on Mass Street, where you can spend an entire day wandering among the treasures.
You simply can't go wrong with a town named "Georgetown" (see our Colorado pick for further proof). Though it's a bit more populous than other spots on this list, the historic district of Georgetown feels like its own small town. The top antique pick has to be the Georgetown Antique Mall, which occupies two buildings.
Nicknamed "America's Antique City," Ponchatoula also has the distinction of being the "Strawberry Capital of the World." No visit is complete without a stop by CJ's Antiques, a 15,000-square-foot shop packed with antiques and collectibles.
Whether you'd like to sleep where you shop at The Marston House (a B&B/antique store) or power through a day amidst 16,000 square feet of antiques at Wiscasset Village Antiques, this town proves there's more to Maine than lobster.
Though it's located 10 minutes away from the antiques mecca of Frederick (home to 200 dealers), New Market actually enjoys the distinction of being the "Antiques Capital of Maryland." Though you'll find a handful of dealers, it's about quality rather than quantity. Fleshman's Antiques, for example, has a stunning array of pristine period wood furniture.
Shade-Loving Perennials That Can Flourish Anywhere
The Sun-Loving Plants Every Garden Needs
The Psychological Reason You Love Antiques
8 “Tacky” Things Designers NEVER Have in Kitchens
