10 of the Best Cities for Antique Shopping (in Every Part of the U.S.)

If there’s one thing I love doing more than finding great thrift stores, it’s antiquing — and yes, there is a distinct difference between the two. And while I enjoy sifting through charity shops bursting with preloved goods, I pop into antique stores when I want a more curated selection of items. Whether I’m searching for something from my wish list or nothing at all, I rarely come away empty-handed — especially after visiting what I consider to be some of the best cities for antique shopping in the U.S.

Although a list of “bests” might not feel true for everyone, I carefully hand-picked these destinations based on personal experience and fond memories sprinkled with a few towns on my wish list. As a reseller and collector, I’m always on the hunt for new places to go. From the largest antique mall to areas that host large annual markets, here are 10 of the best cities for antique shopping in the country.

If you haven’t visited California’s quaint beach towns, it may be time to plan a Highway 1 road trip. Not only can you wander along the stunning coastline, eat delicious seafood, and enjoy the views, but the antique shops are also ripe for picking — especially in Cayucos. The shops are centrally located on the main strip, so you can fuel up with a blue corn waffle at Hidden Kitchen before spending the day wandering.

Pop into storefronts like Remember When Antique Malls (there are two) and Main Street Antiques to find books, household goods, and vintage clothing. If you crave more, head 20 minutes up the coast to Cambria to shop at one of its fully stocked antique shops.

It’s no secret that Reno is well-known for its casinos, but the city now also has a thriving arts and culture scene, which includes multiple antique stores. Traditional mall-like shops, such as Midtown Antiques and Somewhere in Time, are treasure troves for avid antique hunters, and for a combination of thrift and vintage stop by Bad Apple Vintage and The Melting Pot World Emporium.

There are also plenty of spots for more specific interests. As a book-lover, I enjoyed stopping by Grassroots Books, which has everything from casual beach reads to antiquarian hardbacks. However, my favorite spot was Junkee Clothing Exchange: It’s a fabulous spot to find fun and funky vintage fashions and home goods.

Shopping in Adamstown brings back many childhood memories for me, as my mom and I frequented the area often while she was stocking her antique shop. We would spend weekends scouring the area’s antique malls and perusing (and sometimes setting up at!) the tri-annual antique market in nearby Kutztown.

For the perfect weekend, plan to attend the Renninger’s Antique Extravaganza on Friday. Peruse Shupp’s Grove Antique Market and the local antique malls on Saturday, then head to the Special Sunday market in Adamstown on Sunday. Just wear comfy walking shoes and bring your biggest vehicle to hold all the treasures you’ll find.

I experienced the Brimfield Antique Flea Market Show as a child, and I distinctly remember my mother making plans to visit each field as they opened at various times throughout the day. We came home tired but also with a van full of goods and happy memories. However, even if you aren’t interested in a full-scale shopping spree, longstanding year-round shops have sprung up in the area. The 6,000 square feet of Brimfield Antiques Center hosts 80 dealers, while the nearby town of Sturbridge — just 12 minutes away — has an 80-vendor mall, vintage store, and antique textile shop to peruse. 

Nestled in the Olde English District — the name alone is the epitome of historic, quaint vibes — is the town of Camden, South Carolina, where the antique scene is ripe for the picking. Its self-proclaimed Antique Street has nine shops tucked among places to eat and grab coffee to go. From the 30-dealer Camden Antiques Market to the 20-vendor Menagerie Antiques & Collectibles, the area is filled with bite-size shops, so you won’t get overwhelmed. AAA Pickers is the place to find estate liquidations if you enjoy estate sales.

When considering a trip to Louisville, many plan their time around bourbon tours or the Kentucky Derby. Of course, both are worthy activities, but the city also holds thousands of square feet of shopping for antique-lovers. For example, visitors can wander through 45,000 square feet of furniture, jewelry, and kitschy collectibles at Mellwood Antiques and Interiors or while the day away at Fleur de Flea in nearby Paristown. Its over 150 vendors sell everything from houseplants and books to mid-century goods. Louisville Antique Market is another worthy stop, located in the artsy, hip neighborhood of Nulu.

For an all-in-one antique shopping experience, plan a day (or, better yet, a weekend!) at Factory Antique Mall in Verona, Virginia. This gem proudly claims to be the “largest antique mall in America,” and it’s not an exaggeration. The building is a treasure trove of everything imaginable, from quirky collectibles from the ’70s to primitive furniture.

While in Verona, don’t forget to visit Verona Antiques, a multi-dealer shop with a delightful collection of goods. As a personal recommendation, time your visit during the Fishersville Antique Expo (each spring and fall) and visit nearby Stuarts Draft Antique Mall, a charming 30-dealer antique mall (I’m one of them!).

When craving an urban antiquing experience, head to St. Louis, where casual shoppers and seasoned collectors can explore. Stop into Riverside Antiques for vintage mantels, lighting, and architectural elements to redo your home or find inspiration for a new space. To maximize your time, stop by St. Louis Antique Mall, which has 21,000 square feet of vintage goods.

The streets of Cherokee Antique Row are dotted with restaurants, boutiques, and antique shops, making it perfect for casual shoppers who want to explore at their own pace. If your passion is curating your vinyl collection, pop into Dead Wax Records for inspiration. 

To call Round Top, Texas, a city is a bit of a stretch. With a population of under 100, this town sees thousands of visitors during its spring, fall, and winter antique shows. However, just because you can’t make one of The Original Round Top Antiques Fair dates doesn’t mean this town isn’t worth a stop. In fact, in my quest to find all of the best cities for antique shopping, it is high on my list of places to visit ASAP.

To get a taste of the larger show, visit the 50-dealer Round Top Vintage Market (bonus: It’s air-conditioned), or head to Bootleggers Antiques to pick up a treasure. Just be sure to check the individual shop hours before heading into town.

As the Antiques Capital of the Midwest, Waynesville, Ohio, doesn’t lack haunts — it’s actually been named the most haunted town in Ohio — to get your antique fix. Start by browsing the Waynesville Antique Mall as you search for decor, and then find colorful collectibles at Past Perfect Antiques. Village Salvage is the ideal place to look for vintage hardware for your home, or if you want to outfit your game room with quirky signage or a preloved pinball machine, Touch of Heaven Antiques (only open on weekends) is a sure bet.