The Best Towns For Antique Shopping In Every Southern State

Treasure awaits in these Southern towns.

In the South, heirloom treasures, from skillets to vases, are filled with history. Whether they're gifted from one family member to the next or waiting to be discovered at an antique shop one town over, every object seems to have a story.

It's no wonder that Southern states harbor some of the best antique shops in the country. Vintage stores and large-scale markets attract folks from all over the United States. Whether you're an avid collector of heirloom pieces or simply enjoy the hunt for a few oddities, plan a vacation or weekend around antiquing in the South. Even if you're just driving through, consider making a pit stop—you never know what treasures await.

Alabama: Birmingham

Birmingham is a haven for vintage lovers. Architectural Heritage is an excellent place to start your search for salvaged pieces or statement furniture. Shops like Hanna Antiques and the 68,000-square-foot Angel's Antique and Flea Mall are ideal for browsing home decor items. The city is a remarkable destination, filled with Southern cuisine, museums, and history, so you can go antiquing and immerse yourself in all the city offers.

Arkansas: Rogers

Tucked into the Ozark region of Arkansas, Rogers is an easygoing town that lends itself to leisurely perusing antiques. With more than 100 dealers, Homestead Antiques has been a Rogers staple for more than 20 years and has vendors specializing in everything from fishing gear and tools to delicate glassware. If you're searching for a combination of genuine antiques and fun retro items, head to Somewhere in Time Antique Mall.

Delaware: Lewes

With its historic buildings and a WWII museum, Lewes is ideal for history buffs on the hunt for antiques. Its main street is dotted with restaurants, locally-owned boutiques, and antique shops. Stop by The Vintage Underground if you love spinning retro tunes or enjoy wearing vintage clothing. For collectible items, head downtown to Lewes Merchantile Antiques or Heritage Antiques Market on the outskirts of town.

Florida: Mount Dora

When it comes to antique shopping, Mount Dora is bustling with activity. Not only are there stores, such as the 60+ vendor Village Antique Mall, but Renninger's Florida Twin Markets is a destination in its own right. On the weekends, you'll find indoor stalls bursting with great finds coupled with outdoor vendors selling their wares. Additionally, Renninger's hosts periodic events, such as summer yard sale weekends, and more focused times, such as the Florida Military Collectors Show. The town is only 40 minutes from Orlando—a perfect day trip–but if you genuinely love antiques, planning a trip around Mount Dora is best.

Georgia: Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge, Georgia, is known for its numerous antique boutiques. Blue Ridge Antiques has preloved and locally handcrafted items, and Design Refined focuses on upscale consignment furniture and decor. Staying at the eight-room Blue Ridge Inn is a must while you're in the area. There you can purchase vintage items in the front foyer or peek through the enclosed cabinet of curiosities.

Kentucky: Lexington

Lexington's history shines through multiple antique shops in and around the city. For funky and retro finds, peruse Lexington Peddler's Mall, and be sure to keep up with Scout Antiques & Modern's social media pages as they regularly post fresh stock. The Ugly Duckling Antiques prides itself on showcasing a worldwide collection of goods. Bonus: They also rent U-Hauls if you happen upon lots of unique treasures.

Louisiana: Denham Springs

This Louisiana town has a thriving vintage scene. Take advantage of the opportunity to shop at Theatre Antiques, located in a former movie house. Heritage House Antiques has something for everyone, including records, vintage clothing, and an eclectic collection of wall art. For a weekend overflowing with antiques, plan your visit around one of Denham Springs' festivals, when over 150 vendors sell vintage items, handicrafts, and Southern cuisine.

Maryland: Frederick

Frederick, Maryland, has a vast history and walkable downtown. Emporium Antiques is located downtown and boasts over 130 sellers who bring in new items regularly. Although Chartreuse and Co. is only open one weekend a month, its themed events and ever-changing stock draw crowds. Those who love Mid-Century Modern pieces should plan to stop by Vintage MC to select the perfect item. From elegant Danish furniture to outdoor plant stands, the shop features pieces with clean lines and striking details.

Mississippi: Ocean Springs

Relax by the water before heading downtown to hunt for a gem in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Located just five miles from downtown Biloxi, the quaint, tree-lined main street brims with antique and vintage stores. The largest antique market, Finders Keepers Marketplace, has over 75 vendors, but if you're searching for the perfect vintage clothing piece, select something from Buddyrow's curated collection. Although it's 30 miles away, a stop at Alice Moseley Folk Art & Antique Museum, where you can peruse vintage furniture and works of art, is an excellent addition to your itinerary.

North Carolina: Fayetteville

Fayetteville, North Carolina, boasts more than 15 antiques stores, including Lodestone Art and Antiques, where a black labrador greets you—unless he's napping, of course. Before you head to town, you can even scope out some of the shopping in advance. Peruse the social media accounts for The Pickin' Coop Antique Mall and Blue Bike Antiques and Gifts. Both shops regularly post updated photos of their goods so you can see what's new before you get there.

Oklahoma: Oklahoma City

This capital city is brimming with retro shopping. Etsy comes to life at retrOKC, where you can view the online storefront before visiting the showroom. There are also several group shops worth visiting, like 23rd Street Antique Mall, Warehouse Antique Mall, and Antique Avenue Market.

South Carolina: Florence

Head off the beaten path for worthy relics in Florence, South Carolina. Palmetto Peddlers is a lovely shop with an eclectic mix of vendors selling everything from secondhand clothing to primitive furniture pieces. Thieves Market is located in a warehouse with treasures inside and out for you to peruse. Finally, when visiting on a weekend, get up early for the Florence Flea Market. It's a large outdoor sale where you never know what types of vendors will show up to offload their wares.

Tennessee: Franklin

The vast majority of antique shops in Franklin, Tennessee, are conveniently located in the downtown historic district. A bevy of Early American furniture awaits shoppers at Winchester Antique Mall. Don't miss Franklin Antique Mall, located in a former ice house. Walton's Antique & Estate Jewelry is the place for preloved, fine jewelry pieces. Whether you're looking for a statement ring or delicate earrings to wear daily, their gemologist-approved accessories are gorgeous.

Texas: Round Top

While Texas' Route 237 in Round Top is lined with antique shops with discoveries abound, the town's notable event is its triannual antiques fair. This bustling market had humble beginnings in 1968 and has grown to attract more than 100,000 shoppers to Round Top, which has only 90 residents. When it's not market season, several shops are still open to peruse. Browse the funky secondhand clothing of Junk Gypsy Company or find rare furniture pieces at Round Top Ranch Antiques.

Virginia: Fredericksburg

"Antiques row" is a riverside shopping haven in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Fredericksburg Antique Mall & Clock Shop is a staple location, but other places, such as Blue Shark Antiques & Collectibles and Becks Antiques & Books—only open on weekend afternoons or by appointment—also offer pleasant shopping experiences.

West Virginia: Lewisburg

In Lewisburg, West Virginia, shopping is the name of the game. Less than 15 minutes from The Greenbrier, the town is home to many women-owned boutiques and is a lovely destination for visitors in search of the unique. Tattered & Worn Antiques is a group mall open seven days a week, and their friendly staff is ready to help in your quest. A curated artsy collection of fine antiques, quality art, and estate jewelry await at The Golden Rabbit. If you can't pass up a charity shop—where the true bargains often lie—make plans to stop at Americana Thrift Store, where you may find a treasure while helping someone in need. The shop is only open for limited hours, but the proceeds help benefit the area's youth, families, and seniors.

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