The 11 Best Towns In Georgia For Antique Shopping

I’ve been an avid antique shopper since I was a child. In my early twenties, I remember the first item I ever negotiated. I was at Lakewood 400 Antique Market in Cumming, Georgia, my hometown, and I had my sights set on a yellow ginger jar lamp. The seller told me it wasn’t for sale. Undeterred, I offered her $30. She countered with $50; we settled on $40. The rush and joy I felt carrying my lamp to my car stuck with me. I’ve been hitting shops, fleas, and markets ever since, jumping out of bed on the weekends, itching to get my hands on deals. I plan road trips around the state with friends (and beyond) solely for antiquing. I have a few towns that I like to visit, but I also asked fellow antiquitarians, a few designers, and some key influencers for their opinions, too. 

Atlanta 

It’s no surprise that Georgia’s capital city is among the top recommendations. Atlanta is an ideal spot for planning a hub and spoke shopping adventure. Lifestyle blogger and online vintage resale shop owner Paige Minear says her favorite spots are in Buckhead and the Westside. “I love Antiques and Beyond, Peachtree Battle Antiques, and Westside Market. Then, grab lunch in town at the food hall at The Works.” Beth Hubrich of Mary and Wilma says a trip to Scott Antique Markets should be on everyone's bucket list. "You can sometimes score some really great deals and find some gems if you are willing to dig a little. I once found a huge black clamshell for $15. While I have seen several lucite clamshells, I have yet to find a black one!" she says. Designer Stacy Pignetti agrees that Atlanta is unmatched, “Foxglove is an expansive store featuring a wide array of antiques and artwork. It’s easy to shop and view all the wonderful pieces, and the staff is knowledgeable and extremely helpful in answering all questions related to their featured items.” She also says Jubin Rugs is a must-stop. “It’s a family-owned business with top-notch service. I love working with them and can count on them every time!” 

Athens

While best known for being home to the University of Georgia, Athens also happens to have some great antiquing. Rachel Melvin, a blogger and former antique booth owner says she cannot get enough of her alma mater’s town. “It’s just outside Atlanta with a lot of city transplants, so you get great taste and quality items like an Atlanta store but with better prices and less shopping competition.” The addition of vintage collegiate items is the icing on the cake. 

Greensboro

Small towns provide the creme de la creme of antique stores, and Ruff Details blogger Cynthia Ruff says she’s particularly fond of this quaint Georgia town in the Lake Oconee area. “I found so many unique and pretty things there for my house, like a gorgeous solid wood gilded plein air frame, hand embroidered table linens, and plenty of nice furniture. Small towns are great for well-priced antiques!” 

Monroe

This small town is known as being the home of seven Georgia governors, but its antique store reputation precedes it. So much so, that soon-to-be Georgia residents sing its praises. Katie Chapman, an antiques lover, says, “I am trying to move to Georgia before the end of this year. When I start furnishing the new home there, Sanders Consignment in Monroe will be one of my first stops. They have an incredible selection at fabulous prices and could not be nicer!” 

Marietta

A self-proclaimed hunter and gatherer, Chelsea Nelson of Bright Girl Market on Etsy says there’s no place quite like her hometown of Marietta. “​​I love stalking the aisles of Queen of Hearts and Marietta Antique Mall. On Marietta Square, I enjoy visiting Park West Vintage and the sprinkles of vintage mixed in at The Marietta Local,” she says. If you’re already hitting shops in Atlanta, Marietta is a quick zip on I-75. 

Decatur

Part of the Atlanta metro area, Decatur is a quirky town with a lot of character, which is why it is a favorite for sister Etsy shop owners of Poore House Vintage, Caroline and Sammi Eubanks. “​​Decatur is one of Atlanta’s best neighborhoods for antiques, especially if you love Midcentury modern furniture,” says Caroline. “I could spend all day in Kudzu Antiques which has a nice mix of vintage decor and clothing and new gifts. Decatur Estate & Wayback Antiques and Motherlode are neighbors, so you don’t have to move your car to pile up all your purchases. And it doesn’t hurt that there are so many incredible bars and restaurants nearby!”

Chamblee

A personal favorite, I find myself in Chamblee just about weekly when I source for my own online store, Grandmillennial Shop. My favorite spot is quite literally called My Favorite Place. I discovered it when I was in my early twenties, and I’ve secured everything from furniture to place settings over the years. I also love tearing through Chamblee Antiques and Interiors. 

Pine Mountain

Resting just at the border of the Alabama and Georgia state lines, Pine Mountain is most popular for its sprawling Callaway Gardens attraction, but for those in the know, the antique shopping can’t be beaten. Colby Lakas, the woman behind Convo Piece Vintage, says she makes regular trips to the small town. She especially loves to frequent The Emporium. “As a treasure hunter myself, I understand how difficult it can be to find similar items from a variety of sources. Seeing how everything comes together in this shop makes me appreciate the hard work in curating collections for people to shop and find their dream piece,” she says. 

Warner Robins

If you’ve ever longed for your house to look like it was completed by a designer, interior designer Maggie Griffin says you’ll need to take a trip to Warner Robbins and the surrounding area. “​​Due to the Air Force base, middle Georgia is ripe ground for antiques,” she says. Big Peach Antique Mall, Yesterdays, Payne Mill, Warner Robins Antique Mall, Treasures on Lumpkin, and Hawkinsville Antique Mall are just a few of her favorite haunts. “Half of my house is from those places!” she jokes. 

Savannah

One of the state’s most stylish cities, Savannah has a reputation for Southern charm and picturesque beauty. Interior designers say it’s also an antiquing honey hole. Amy Lavine of Curry & Company says, “There are so many antique, vintage, and consignment stores that cater to a variety of price points, so there is truly something for everyone. My favorites are Tapley’s and Seventh Heaven, but there are so many more!”

Madison

Madison is the definition of Southern charm. It has one of the state’s largest historic districts, and of course, there are several vintage and antique shops to peruse. Dip in and out of the ones along Main Street before heading over to the expansive Madison Markets which conveniently has a coffee shop right next door for that late afternoon caffeine boost.