These Are the 15 Antiquing Capitals of America

Summertime road trips aren’t complete without a visit to the local Antique Row. Whether it’s Civil War relics or Amish handcrafts you're after, here's a list of the cities and regions with the best antiquing in the nation. All you have to do is pull over and start hunting.

By Andréana Lefton | Published Jul 09, 2019 05:19 PM

Lancaster and Bucks County, Pennsylvania

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Lancaster and Bucks County Antique Shops

One place that tops almost every antiques expert’s list is Adamstown, Pennsylvania. And with more than 300 shops and co-ops dealing beautiful collectibles in this Amish-influenced region, it’s easy to see why.

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Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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Portsmouth, New Hampshire Antique Shops

Starting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, wend your way to Concord along Route 4, New England's famous Antique Alley. You'll find more than 500 antiques shops filled with early American furniture, vintage clothing, folk art, memorabilia, and more.

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Hudson, New York

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Hudson, New York Antiques

As the first city chartered by the newly independent United States after the Revolution, Hudson, New York, boasts a historic pedigree, and has the goods to prove it. The Hudson Antiques & Art Dealers Association comprises more than 60 members, and the restored city center is a delightful backdrop for seeking out early American furniture as well as midcentury modern gems.

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Wiscasset, Maine

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Wiscasset, Maine Antique Shops

Wiscasset is recommended by Fodor’s travel guide as well as Yelp reviewers for its ideal blend of local charm and high-quality finds. If you are on the hunt for Americana, from early weaponry to books and paintings, Wiscasset is a treasure trove.

Related: The Best Flea Markets in Every State

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Galena, Illinois

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Galena, Illinois Antique Shops

The home of our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant, much of Galena, Illinois, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With the town's storied past, you’ll find plenty to pique your interest, including the Antique Mall and boutiques like Peace of the Past.

Flickr via tomcio77

Wayne County, Indiana

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Wayne County, Indiana Antique Shops

Indiana is known for flat farmland, but it is also home to one of the most extensive “antique alleys” in the country. Check out the Wayne County website for a comprehensive list of the dozens of shops located along two different trails that both begin in the town of Richmond.

Flickr via mobilene

Boston and Brimfield, Massachusetts

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Boston and Brimfield, Massachusetts Antique Shops

It’s not surprising that a wealth of antiques can be found in Boston, one of our nation’s oldest, most historic cities. Don't make the mistake of limiting your browsing to the city center, though. Be sure to check out Brimfield, an hour and a half away, which is home to a number of antiques stores as well as America’s oldest outdoor flea market, which is held on select days in May, July, and September.

istockphoto.com

Charleston, South Carolina

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Charleston, South Carolina Antique Shops

For Southern elegance and gracious antiquing, head to King Street in Charleston, South Carolina, which specializes in high-end boutiques that carry vintage furnishings, decorative accents, and fine china. Don’t miss out on heritage establishments, such as George C. Birlant & Co., founded in 1922.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

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New Orleans, Louisiana Antique Shops

New Orleans’s connection to the past and rich cultural heritage are key to the city’s magic. You'll find antique wares in the famed French Quarter as well as the Lower Garden District and Uptown.

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West Palm Beach, Florida

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West Palm Beach, Florida Antique Shops

West Palm Beach is a destination for snowbirds—and serious antiquers. The city’s Antique Row has more than 40 shops displaying goods from the 17th through 20th centuries, and ranks high on “best of ” lists, including those compiled by Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and The New York Times.

istockphoto.com

Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Santa Fe, New Mexico Antique Shops

Combine Santa Fe’s artistic flair with a passion for history, and you end up with some of the best antiques shops in the country. Browse more than 250 galleries for 18th- and 19th-century furniture, Native American arts and crafts, and fine paintings and maps.

istockphoto.com

Sonoma County, California

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Sonoma County, California Antique Shops

California has deep roots, and one of the best places to dig down into them is Sonoma County. Known as a collector’s paradise, Sonoma’s five main towns offer an eclectic mix of shops where you can find everything from Civil War relics to 1970s bell bottoms.

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Walnut, Iowa

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Walnut Iowa Antique Shops

If you are planning a Midwest road trip this fall, make a pit stop in Walnut, Iowa. On September 21 and 22, this charming town will host the Walnut Antique Fall Festival, showcasing local stoneware, art pottery, antiques, collectibles, and upcycled wares.

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New York City

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New York City Antique Shops

You can treasure hunt to your heart's content in the city that never sleeps. Whether you’re searching for 1960s doorknobs or Danish Modern armchairs, New York City has a fresh take on antiques.

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Austin, Texas

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Austin, Texas Antique Shops

Dive into Austin’s vintage scene to find European-influenced decor, including Spanish chandeliers and painted French armoires. USA Today ranked the top antiques stores in Austin, or you can check out the city’s Vintage Around Town Guide, which lists 29 one-of-a-kind boutiques.

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Get Out On the Antique Trail!

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best cities for antiquing

These are the spots to check out to find the best hidden treasures. 

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