Antiquing is an art form. Anyone who has ever found a treasure in what others would consider a pile of junk can attest to the fact that there's nothing quite like the thrill of an antique gold mine. Around the country and even around the world, people enjoy hunting for the lost, the forgotten, and the thrown-away items that history has made an impression on. And if you've ever walked into someone's house and admired their antique chandelier, vintage plate ware, or a stunning work of mid-century artwork, chances are, they found it antiquing.
Contrary to popular belief, the best antiquing doesn't only happen in the south, and it doesn't only happen in the oldest states. While these are great places to start if pickers are looking for something truly vintage and historical, there are plenty of other cities and towns that have charming wares just waiting to be found.
Adamstown, Pennsylvania
It's only fitting to start in the town that's considered to be the antiquing capital of the country. Adamstown is located in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, which is a wonderful experience all on its own, antiquing or no antiquing. Amidst thriving farmlands and set against a picturesque mountain backdrop, there's something magical about sorting through potentially historic finds in this Pennsylvania town.
Antiques Capital USA, as it's known, encourages visitors to navigate more than 5,000 antique dealers, all of whom offer unique items. This is also a great place to search for indoor and outdoor market festivals, at which many dealers bring their most valuable antiques for perusing and purchase.
Charleston, South Carolina
When it comes to states that were settled very early on in America's history, Charleston is one of the first that comes to mind for many people. This great city is dripping with southern charm and it's also dripping with alluring antiques, as only the south can. Not only are its buildings historic but what's inside them will have any antique lover squealing with glee.
There are so many antique shops that it can be overwhelming for anyone to sort through, so the best bet is to start with one and work your way through the city. Many times, social media is a valuable asset when it comes to antiquing because some shops will post their newest finds online to attract anyone who's interested.
Hazel, Kentucky
Hazel is an unbelievably small town with a population that's well under 500 and, to be honest, there are probably more antiques in this town than actual people. This is what makes it such a great small stop, though - it also happens to be the best place for antiquing in the state.
You can find practically anything in this small town, divided among 14 stores all selling the best that history items have to offer. If you're serious about your antiques and are looking for something unique and one of a kind, Hazel is, without a doubt, the first place that you should be starting. Anything from furniture to lamps and everything in between is fair game, and you just might find something that you never would have expected. When a person thinks of that one small town with the priceless antique find, this is the place that should come to mind.
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is home to the Palm Springs Antique District which is the one-stop shop for all things vintage and old. There's so much to see and do in this district alone that it's very possible to plan an entire trip around this one area. From the stores that line the district streets to the Sunny Dunes Antique Mall, this is the place to find some of the most creative West Coast wares.
We're not saying that it's likely you'll find some type of old Hollywood gem but we are saying that you might find something that can't be purchased anywhere else. This is a great starting point for anyone who's into retro and vintage wares, as well, and not just antiques - any number of shops in the surrounding area specializing in selling both. Additionally, the clothing that can be found in the Palm Springs Antique District is unique to the area, and truly exude all of those California vibes that you'd expect from a retro or vintage outfit. Those interested in planning a trip to the area should also pay special attention to the district's calendar because events are planned around antiquing and certain festivals may pop up throughout the year. In short, it's a great place to start.