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

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