Heading up interstate 95 for New England this summer? Antiquing on the way? Then a stop in the capital of the Commonwealth is required! Richmond, Virginia, originally established by Francis West in 1609, was laid out by William Byrd II in 1737. The capital of the Confederacy in 1861 is now, a hip, friendly, modern city that welcomes visitors from around the world. It’s easy to get around, and accommodations can be inexpensive. First stop, the State Capitol  More »

Heading up interstate 95 for New England this summer? Antiquing on the way? Then a stop in the capital of the Commonwealth is required! Richmond, Virginia, originally established by Francis West in 1609, was laid out by William Byrd II in 1737. The capital of the Confederacy in 1861 is now, a hip, friendly, modern city that welcomes visitors from around the world. It’s easy to get around, and accommodations can be inexpensive. First stop, the State Capitol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_State_Capitol) which houses the oldest legislative body in the United States, the Virginia General Assembly, completed in 1788. Recently renovated, tours are free and docents are avid to take you around and proudly point out the fossils in the rotunda, presidential gallery and Houdon’s statue of George Washington. Park free, where the legislators park, around the massive George Washington monument at the 9th street entrance. Go down the hill from Capitol Square to East Cary St and walk the original cobble stone streets of Shockoe Slip (http://www.shockoeslip.org/) and visit Antique Boutique at 1310 East Cary Street, everything from ornate Victorian to retro junk. While you are there, grab a fun lunch from one of the many street vendors, or, enjoy the ambiance and diversion of the Tobacco Company. If you are spending the night, check the rates at the Berkeley or Omni hotels. Now, head west down main street (stop at Kim Antique [804.732.8001] for glassware and decorative antiques) and cut over to Carytown (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carytown,_Richmond,_Virginia) at the southern end of the Museum District (http://www.museumdistrict.org/home.asp). Park for free on the street or in one of the two municipal lots and stroll from the Boulevard to the 3400 block. There are over 200 shops and restaurants. Must visits include Sheppard Street Antiques for garden décor, Bygones and Luxor for vintage clothing, (http://www.carytownrva.com/) and one of the nation's finest cinema treasures, the Byrd Theater (http://byrdtheatre.com/). Like Faberge eggs, Tiffany glass and Andy Warhol? Head four blocks north to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (http://www.vmfa.state.va.us/). State owned and run, this fabulous museum houses one of the world’s finest treasure troves of antiquities (a full sized Caligula!), old master paintings, early American silver and modern art; free parking and free admission. B&Bs nearby are Museum District B&B, Maury Place at Monument and West-Bocock House. Further west at 2004 Staples Mill Rd, you will find the West End Antique Mall (http://westendantiquemall.com/). This is an “antiquers” paradise, 53,000 square feet of jewelry, silver, furniture, art, glassware, books and coins. If your day is ending up here, eat dinner at the Crazy Greek and stay at the Holiday Inn right in front of the mall. It’s time to head north again and on your way out of town, you would be wise to stop at Bellevue Antiques, 4034 MacArthur Ave. Marvel at the turn of the century mansion on way through the Bellevue neighborhood. Check out their selection of toys and advertising, primitives and tobacco ware. From Bellevue it’s a short hop to the antique lighting fixture Mecca of the south, Paul’s Place (http://www.antiques.com/dealers/34076/Paul-s-Place-Antiques) at 1009 Overbrook Rd. Bask in the glow of over 350 chandeliers, lamps, sconces, exterior lights and antique Victorian oil lamps. Stroll through yards and yards of old Richmond, antique iron fencing and, if you are trying to replace missing hardware from your old house, don’t forget to bring a sample so that the friendly staff at Paul’s can fix you up from their extensive antique hardware department. Last stop on your way north is the Antique Village (http://www.antiquevillageva.com/antiques_links.htm) at 10203 Chamberlayne Rd in Mechanicsville. 50 dealers, great prices and a Civil War room will keep make you lose track of time, but 95N is calling you to the land of Maple syrup, cool weather and fresh clams. Be sure to stop back by on your way to Florida this fall.   « Less

Also known as Hunt County, Loudoun was first settled in the early 18th century and is a place painted with rolling hills and charming stone houses. Also associated with this area is horseback riding, and fox hunts, introduced from England in 1748; the tradition continues to this day. Loudoun County is home to 24 antiques stores, a majority of them located in Leesburg, Middleburg, Hamilton, Purcellville, and Lovettsville. In these shops you’ll find items that range from shabby chic to  More »

Also known as Hunt County, Loudoun was first settled in the early 18th century and is a place painted with rolling hills and charming stone houses. Also associated with this area is horseback riding, and fox hunts, introduced from England in 1748; the tradition continues to this day. Loudoun County is home to 24 antiques stores, a majority of them located in Leesburg, Middleburg, Hamilton, Purcellville, and Lovettsville. In these shops you’ll find items that range from shabby chic to period country furnishings, to folk art. Several noteworthy shows take place in Loudoun County as well. In January, there’s a show held in the Leesburg Armory, and in the third weekend in April, there’s a show in the Morven Park Equestrian Center. Cruise a little further along to Virginia’s antique capital, Stratsburg, and you’ll find about 20 malls and shops. En route, Front Royal has about ten shops, while over the border in West Virginia is Harper’s Ferry, containing some antique stores as well. When you want to take a departure from antiquing, other reasons to hit these areas is the varied character of the small towns, the breathtaking countryside, and the majestic Blue Mountains, all ideal for cycling, horseback riding and plenty of hiking.   « Less

These areas are not only filled with politicians and government employees, they’re home to numerous antiquing destinations. In 1946, Alexandria became the country’s third historic district – it retains its 18th century personality to this day. You can find this historic personality in the areas approximately 20 antique shops, several of which have earned a national reputation. Alexandria also puts on two high-profile antique shows, featuring outstanding American, English,  More »

These areas are not only filled with politicians and government employees, they’re home to numerous antiquing destinations. In 1946, Alexandria became the country’s third historic district – it retains its 18th century personality to this day. You can find this historic personality in the areas approximately 20 antique shops, several of which have earned a national reputation. Alexandria also puts on two high-profile antique shows, featuring outstanding American, English, Continental, and Asian furniture of the 17th through the 19th centuries. These shows are known as the Antiques in Alexandria Show, the Historic Alexandria Antiques Show, and the Lee District Antiques Show. The first one takes place in early March, the second, the third weekend in November, the third on the third weekends of February and August. If you move along to Kensington, Maryland, you’ll discover an estimated 80 shops on Howard Avenue East and adjacent streets. These shops sell items ranging from 18th through 20th century American and Continental furnishings, to vintage fountain pens, to political memorabilia. In the nation’s capital, there are rich concentrations of antique shops in Dupont Circle, Georgetown and Adams Morgan. All of these shops represent the city’s early character and contain a lot of gems. D.C., like Alexandria, also hosts a few high-quality antique shows, including the Washington Antiques Show, held in early January, the Historic Indian and World Tribal Arts Show, held in mid-October, and the D.C. Armory on East Capital Street, which is the site to of a show featuring some 150 dealers. This takes place in early December and March. Other shows worth noting are the Stephens-St. Agnes Antiques Show, held in early January, and the Chevy Chase Women’s Club Antiques Show in early September. When you decide to take a break from antiquing, D.C. offers a plethora of rich activities and historic excursions, such as the Smithsonian Institution, the National Gallery of Art, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the National Museum of American History, the Library of Congress and of course – the White House, to name just a few of its many highlight attractions.   « Less

For three hundred years Annapolis has been a maritime center. Chartered by Queen Anne in 1708, Annapolis is known for its elegant homes, sailing culture and vessels, unique charm and the US Naval Academy – an important part of Annapolis’ personality. Also an integral part of Annapolis life, the upscale antique shops, which include stores oriented to decorators. Across the bridge, on the opposite side of Chesapeake Bay, are more multi-dealer shops and malls, which feature  More »

For three hundred years Annapolis has been a maritime center. Chartered by Queen Anne in 1708, Annapolis is known for its elegant homes, sailing culture and vessels, unique charm and the US Naval Academy – an important part of Annapolis’ personality. Also an integral part of Annapolis life, the upscale antique shops, which include stores oriented to decorators. Across the bridge, on the opposite side of Chesapeake Bay, are more multi-dealer shops and malls, which feature everything from Federal period furniture to Colonial Revival items. In mid-January, the Historic Annapolis Foundation holds its annual antiques show – which showcases dealers from around the world displaying fine American, English, and Continental period furniture, as well as decorative accessories. Beyond antiquing, Annapolis has several historic house museums worth visiting including: the William Paca House and Gardens; the Charles Carroll House; the Chase-Lloyd House; and the Hammond-Hardwood House, which exhibits Charles Wilson Peale paintings and John Shaw furniture. Head on over to Edgewater, and you can visit the William Brown House at London Town & Gardens, as well as the Annapolis Maritime Museum and the Naval Academy Museum. Maryland’s Eastern Shore, although more rural and quieter than Annapolis, is also worth visiting, due to its strong ties to the sea and history. Here you’ll discover the charming Carpenter Gothic Church – and if you travel the distance from Annapolis to Cambridge, you’ll discover myriad of antique shops all along the way. Offering everything from great maritime history, culture, a bevy of interesting antique shops, fine dining, festivals and performing arts, Annapolis is an area that pampers the antiquer both physically and visually.   « Less

Lancaster County often appears on the best places in the U.S. to shop for antiques list –and for good reason. With its prosperous farms, German heritage, and tradition of craftsmanship, not only are there many unique objects to be found, there’s plenty of scenery and culture to absorb while you shop as well. Within a 25-mile radius of Lancaster, you’ll find more than 150 antique dealers, simply by driving along country roads and through many of the surrounding towns, which  More »

Lancaster County often appears on the best places in the U.S. to shop for antiques list –and for good reason. With its prosperous farms, German heritage, and tradition of craftsmanship, not only are there many unique objects to be found, there’s plenty of scenery and culture to absorb while you shop as well. Within a 25-mile radius of Lancaster, you’ll find more than 150 antique dealers, simply by driving along country roads and through many of the surrounding towns, which include Adamstown, Ephrata, Stratsburg, Lititz, and Columbia. The stores in these towns run the gamut, from antique malls to flea markets, to auctions to individual shops. Although you will find early 20th century furnishings here, what’s in more abundance is 19th century farmhouse and country art, including Amish folk art. The best time to hit Lancaster is on the weekends. Renningers puts on two large antiques and flea markets events. One takes place in Kutztown, the other in Adamstown. Both events feature anywhere from 250 to 400 dealers. And if that’s not enough antique action for you, another favorite is the weekend Shopps Grove Antique Market, held in late April through October. This event features everything from vintage kitchenware to art glass, to pottery to precious folk art. Other shows include the Mid-Winter Classic, featuring over 500 dealers, and the Lancaster Heritage Antiques Show. In Harrisburg, these two events are also worth exploring, The Mennonite Relief Sale and the Eastern National Antique Show; both take place in April. Lancaster is also home to 29 covered bridges and 3,000 acres of nature preserves. And if trekking through the wild isn’t your cup of tea, museums in Lancaster include the American Museum of Bird-in-Hand, the Rock Ford Plantation, the Lancaster Cultural History Museum, the Amish Farm and House, and President James Buchanan’s Wheatland. There are buggy and sleigh rides, art festivals and of course – the Amish culture, which is fascinating all in itself.   « Less

In between Wilmington and Philadelphia is an area rich in beautiful countryside, fine estates, museums, historical towns and impressive antique shops. An even bigger reason to visit the area, however --is Henry Francis Dupont, his awe-inspiring collection of American period rooms and arts is on display at the Winterthur Museum. This is one of the best places in the nation to see and learn about American antiques; possessing 85,000 objects dating from 1640 to 1860. Once you’ve made your  More »

In between Wilmington and Philadelphia is an area rich in beautiful countryside, fine estates, museums, historical towns and impressive antique shops. An even bigger reason to visit the area, however --is Henry Francis Dupont, his awe-inspiring collection of American period rooms and arts is on display at the Winterthur Museum. This is one of the best places in the nation to see and learn about American antiques; possessing 85,000 objects dating from 1640 to 1860. Once you’ve made your way through the museum, it’ll be time to hit the shops. First stop, the Brandywine Valley in PA, which has more than 60 shops, including antique malls and individual dealers. Here you’ll find everything from formal and informal American and European objects to mid-Century furnishings. In Wilmington, Delaware, there are 15 different stores in the charming Quaker Historic District. The best part about this particular area is that all purchases are tax-free. If antique shows are more your speed, there are three excellent ones in the area: The Brandywine River Museum Art Show in Chadds Ford, PA, Memorial Day weekend, the mid-October Historic Yellow Springs Show in Chester Springs, PA, and the annual Delaware Antiques Show in Wilmington, Delaware, which takes place mid-November. Don’t forget there’s a lot of history in the area – and the best places to turn back those hands of time are in the historic house museums, such as Chadds Ford: the 1714 Barns-Brinton House and John Chadds 1725 Stone House. There’s also George Washington’s Headquarters at Ring House and General Lafayette’s quarters at Gideon Gilpin’s Farmhouse – both located in Brandywine Battlefield Park. Rich history, charm, classic beauty and a vast array of antiques to peruse through make this area an ideal getaway for antique lovers.   « Less

Known as the “city of brotherly love,” Philadelphia is where America’s founding fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Philadelphia is also where you can find antiques galore. The fact that Philadelphia is home to an estimated 100 antique shops, some of the country’s foremost dealers, and the annual Philadelphia Antiques Show, makes Philly a premiere destination for antiquing. The Philadelphia Antiques Show features 60 dealers and  More »

Known as the “city of brotherly love,” Philadelphia is where America’s founding fathers drafted the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Philadelphia is also where you can find antiques galore. The fact that Philadelphia is home to an estimated 100 antique shops, some of the country’s foremost dealers, and the annual Philadelphia Antiques Show, makes Philly a premiere destination for antiquing. The Philadelphia Antiques Show features 60 dealers and draws serious collectors from around the world. At this show you’ll find formal European and American furniture, arts and crafts, quilts, textiles, needlework, silver, Native American arts, Asian arts, and the list of antiques go on. Although the prices are generally high, this show is not to be missed. This show serves as the foundation for three other shows. The first takes place at Philly’s Navy Pier, offering 70 dealers. The second is the Original 23rd Street Armory Antiques Show, and the third is Antiques at the Highland, which takes place at the Highlands Mansion in Fort Washington. If you’d rather antique at your own pace, Philadelphia is home to many shops as well. The City’s Antique Row has many prestigious shops. You’ll also find shops on Third, Walnut, and Chestnut streets on Germantown Avenue. Flea markets are big here too and include the Big T, and the Quaker City Flea Market. Beyond antiquing of course, Philly offers street corner after street corner of American history. From landmarks like Independence Hall to Liberty Bell to Betsy Ross’ House – one could easily step back in time in this marvelous city. Or if you’re not a history buff, Philly offers an impressive roster of fine art museums as well. So as you lose yourself in a time gone by in the streets of Philly, may you feel a twinge of sympathy for those who’d rather be spending a weekend in Philly like you, but aren’t.   « Less

Along the sparkling Delaware River lies the beautiful counties of Bucks County, Pennsylvania and Hunterdon County, New Jersey, both of which offer a rich oasis of antique shops. The epicenter of antiquing in these counties sits directly opposite each other on the Delaware in the towns of New Hope and Lambertville. With a long history in farming and waterpower and transportation, each town has about 40 shops, along with restaurants, Inns and 18th-and 19th-century buildings, making the towns  More »

Along the sparkling Delaware River lies the beautiful counties of Bucks County, Pennsylvania and Hunterdon County, New Jersey, both of which offer a rich oasis of antique shops. The epicenter of antiquing in these counties sits directly opposite each other on the Delaware in the towns of New Hope and Lambertville. With a long history in farming and waterpower and transportation, each town has about 40 shops, along with restaurants, Inns and 18th-and 19th-century buildings, making the towns intimate. In New Hope, there’s a cluster of antique stores on Bridge, Ferry and Main streets. In Lambertville, they are on Union Street and the streets around it. In New Hope, you’ll find a flea market at Rice’s Market. Elsewhere in both counties there are many more quality-shops, as well as antique malls and multi-dealer locations. In these shops you’ll find antiques ranging from formal American and European furniture to Victorian and architectural items. These areas also have a full roster of shows. On the first Saturday, the Heart of Bucks Winter Show Antique Show in Newton, PA draws 45 dealers. In late February, the Heritage Conservancy Annual Antiques Show, held in Jamison, PA features 50 dealers specializing in Americana. The first Sunday in June, the Tinicum County Outdoor Antiques Show features 100 dealers. In June on Father’s Day weekend, and again in mid-October, the Prallsville Mills Antiques Show in Stockton, New Jersey showcases 35 dealers. If you dream of antiquing in an area filled with history museums, manors, festivals, farmer markets, wineries, and microbreweries, spend the weekend cruising through the towns along the Delaware River.   « Less

The place to be, and be seen, the Hamptons extends to Montauk Point, through the towns, Hamptons-East Hampton, Southhampton, Bridgehampton, Hampton Bays, and Westhampton. Charmed with beautiful beaches, quaint villages, freshwater ponds, vineyards, and restaurants serving freshly-caught fish, the Hamptons is also charmed with a delightful array of antique shops. More than 65 shops are located on the South Fork, in 15 villages along the 48-mile stretch of Route 27, from East Moriches to Montauk.  More »

The place to be, and be seen, the Hamptons extends to Montauk Point, through the towns, Hamptons-East Hampton, Southhampton, Bridgehampton, Hampton Bays, and Westhampton. Charmed with beautiful beaches, quaint villages, freshwater ponds, vineyards, and restaurants serving freshly-caught fish, the Hamptons is also charmed with a delightful array of antique shops. More than 65 shops are located on the South Fork, in 15 villages along the 48-mile stretch of Route 27, from East Moriches to Montauk. These shops offer a wide variety of desirable items for all different price points. The Hamptons is also host to a number of revered antique shows. In Easthampton, Mulford Farm has Saturday shows on the last weekend in June and the first weekend in August, and in mid-September. In Bridgehampton, on the first weekend in June is the Garden Antiques Show and Sale, and on the last weekend of June and July, there is the Friday/Saturday Antiques and Design in the Hamptons Show. If you’re looking for bargains over high-priced items, make sure you hit the Weekend flea markets at Elk’s Field in Southampton. There’s a reason New Yorkers escape to the Hamptons in droves every Spring, Summer and Fall – spend a long weekend here antiquing, rejuvenating on the beaches, and relaxing in the vineyards, and you’ll see why.   « Less

Believe it or not, besides being the entertainment, cultural melting pot, and restaurant capital of the world, the Big Apple also offers some of the finest antiques in the world. From bargain items to consignment pieces, to objects recently being sold at Christie’s for 8.5 million, when it comes to antiques, there is no shortage of things to buy in New York City. In Brooklyn and Manhattan there are literally thousands of shops. And because the City is always growing and changing, more  More »

Believe it or not, besides being the entertainment, cultural melting pot, and restaurant capital of the world, the Big Apple also offers some of the finest antiques in the world. From bargain items to consignment pieces, to objects recently being sold at Christie’s for 8.5 million, when it comes to antiques, there is no shortage of things to buy in New York City. In Brooklyn and Manhattan there are literally thousands of shops. And because the City is always growing and changing, more and more are no doubt adding themselves into the mix every day. Another thing you can count on in New York is a diverse mix of antiques. The range of finds here is impressive and vast. Here you’ll find antiques from every genre, century and geographic location. There are also more antique shows than you can shake a stick at, starting with New York Antiques Week, a two-week schedule consisting of shows that serve every price range and fancy. Along with these shows are lecture series and free tours. The big deal show here is the New York Winter Antiques Show, at the Seventh Regiment Armory at Park Avenue and 67th Street. This show starts on the third Thursday in January and runs for 10 days. Here you’ll revel in 75 leading dealers and items from the U.S., Europe, Canada and Asia. It’s a show not to be missed. If you’re interested in Americana, your focus during Antiques Week should be the American Antiques Show, sponsored by the American Folk Art Museum and held at the Time Warner Center. This show brings together 45 of the nation’s finest dealers of American furniture, artifacts, photography and other pieces. And if you’re a collector of ceramic art, make sure you attend the New York Ceramics Fair, held at the National Academy Museum. If shows aren’t your scene, New York City is filled with neighborhoods boasting a diverse range of antique and consignments shops of their own. Consignment shops include those run by Housing Works, in several locations around the city. The City is also home to numerous flea markets, some seasonal, and some held year round. Whether you travel to New York City to take in a Broadway show, a few choice antiques, or both – New York City offers something for everyone.   « Less

Along Route 20 in central New York, the towns of Madison and Bouckville are utopias for avid antique collectors. With their farm-dotted landscapes, and colorful local history, one could easily make a weekend of antiquing in these adorable towns. All easily reachable by car, you’ll find over 50 shops here selling everything from farmhouse finds to painted country furniture to iron, crockery, linens and architectural salvages. The antiques get even more plentiful during the third weekend  More »

Along Route 20 in central New York, the towns of Madison and Bouckville are utopias for avid antique collectors. With their farm-dotted landscapes, and colorful local history, one could easily make a weekend of antiquing in these adorable towns. All easily reachable by car, you’ll find over 50 shops here selling everything from farmhouse finds to painted country furniture to iron, crockery, linens and architectural salvages. The antiques get even more plentiful during the third weekend in August, when over 1,000 dealers from across the U.S. and Canada come to proudly display their wares. This is New York state’s largest outdoor antiques fair. Other shows that happen during this time are also set up along Route 20. On the first weekend in June, there are shows at Bono’s Antique Show Field with 90 dealers, and the East Expo Hayfield with about 35 dealers. In between shows take a walk along the one of the canals or visit one of the numerous museums that populate the area. There’s also horseback riding, berry picking, and historic tours and reenactments. Being home to one of the largest antique shows in the state make Central New York a must-go.   « Less

The history of the Hudson Valley is as vast and rich as the antiques the area possesses. Named after an Englishman who sailed the Atlantic seeking the northwest passage to China, the Hudson Valley, located 30 miles up river from New York City, boasts over 60 shops and streets that recall an earlier time. Historic storefronts are filled with American pieces, English and European furnishings, Asian items, fine art, ceramics and objects dating as far back as the 16th century. The range of antiques  More »

The history of the Hudson Valley is as vast and rich as the antiques the area possesses. Named after an Englishman who sailed the Atlantic seeking the northwest passage to China, the Hudson Valley, located 30 miles up river from New York City, boasts over 60 shops and streets that recall an earlier time. Historic storefronts are filled with American pieces, English and European furnishings, Asian items, fine art, ceramics and objects dating as far back as the 16th century. The range of antiques in this area is extensive and so are the prices. The Hudson River Valley is also the inspiration for many early 19th century landscape painters who collectively became known as the Hudson River School. Towns that comprise the Valley include Hyde, Park, Kingston, Saugerties, Beacon, Poughkeepsie, Red Hook and Chatham. Local auctions worth noting are the Copake Auction and the Hudson Valley’s largest antique shows, which take place in Rhinebeck and include a weekend show on Memorial Day weekend. There are also three shows, all indoors at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on Route 9. These shows feature 200 dealers from New York, Pennsylvania, New England, the Midwest, the South and Canada. At these shows you’ll find French, English, and American furniture, hooked rugs, folk art, paintings, prints, textiles, garden items and more. Other attractions in the area include the Hudson River Maritime Museum and the Stockade Historic District, an area of early Dutch houses, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s home, the Culinary Institute, Sleepy Hollow, Washington Irving’s Cottage in Tarrytown, and the list of places to see, and things to do go on. You can get an inside peak into the lives and art of the Hudson River School painters at local museums as well. And if you’d like to get a good dose of fresh air, outdoor activities abound in the Valley, from hiking to kayaking. Art, antiques, history, nature, the Hudson Valley has it all.   « Less