The 9 Best Towns In Virginia For Antiquing

Alexandria VA — Photo:
Getty Images/Grace Cary

Southerners tend to enjoy the thrill of the hunt, especially when that means having an eclectic adventure bordering on the sophisticated. It's a bonus if that all can be accomplished while saving money. Such is the case with antiquing throughout the South, but it's especially true when you venture within the borders of Virginia. With its rolling hills, quaint urban streets, and historic towns, it's not surprising that the Old Dominion offers some of the best antiquing.

When you need a getaway—whether for a weekend or the day—wandering through nostalgia-evoking antique shops as you peruse lovely collections can be just the respite the mind needs. Or perhaps you're searching for the perfect tchotchke to add to your bookshelf or are craving a statement piece for your wardrobe. No matter your reason for heading out for vintage wares, Virginia is the place to go.

Here are the 9 best Virginia towns for antiquing that are ripe for your next Saturday drive.

01 of 09

Alexandria

Located just 20 minutes below Washington, D.C., Alexandria has all the benefits of urban life combined with quaint neighborhoods filled with lovely brownstones and walkable streets. It also happens to be a haven for antique shoppers, especially if there's a specific need on the list.

To add vintage barware to your collection, head to The Hour, which has unique glassware, decanters, and shakers. Whether you need to adorn yourself or your dining room, The Antique Guild is ready with its stock of jewelry and silver tableware. For a healthy selection of quality European goods, stop into Van Bommel Antiek Haus or just roam the Old Town area, where you can stumble upon boutiques brimming with fine antiques.

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02 of 09

Altavista

As the town that originated the 100 Mile Yard Sale, it's no wonder that Altavista has excellent antique shopping. Although there is no concentration of shops in one area, Route 29 boasts several worthy vintage stores in Altavista and the neighboring town of Hurt.

Virginia Found Goods is a warehouse fully stocked with everything from architectural salvage to rustic furniture pieces. Across the street is White Barn Vintage, a themed, multi-vendor monthly market with a high turnover of stock. Twice a year, the lawn at the barn hosts dozens of vendors at its Sweet Violet's Vintage Market. Also, visit The Vintage Rose, a lovely shop in a multi-level historic home fronting Highway 29.

03 of 09

Bristol

If you're familiar with Bristol, you may already know that State Street is the dividing line between Virginia and Tennessee. However, it also happens to be dotted with antique stores.

Shop for color-coordinated books or your next blue and white jardiniere at Willow Creek Antiques & Collectables. For a sophisticated furniture, transferware, and vintage art collection, stop by The Boxwood or head to Grand Antiques to shop its 15,000 square feet of vendor spaces. There are also several restaurants and coffeehouses on and near State Street, and Virginians will forgive you if you happen to wander across the street to explore their neighboring state.

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04 of 09

Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a pleasure to visit due to its tasty food scene and a plethora of beautiful shops, including a vast selection of antique stores. For genuinely unique finds, head to Circa, where you'll find everything from interesting furnishings to one-of-a-kind art pieces. Heyday Antiques & Vintage is another fun stop, with 5000 square feet of goods concentrating on Art Deco and MCM finds.

To add cultural flair to your home, stop by Oyster House Antiques, which specializes in traditional antique furniture that the owner hand-selects during trips to China. And if you find yourself near the Downtown Mall area, stop by Low, where you just might spy something vintage to add to your closet.

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05 of 09

Fredericksburg

The city of Fredericksburg has made antiquing relatively easy on its visitors—all you have to do is walk down Caroline Street, and there's a day full of shopping at your fingertips. Don't worry, as there are plenty of restaurants to keep you satiated so you won't have to shop on an empty stomach.

After a quick bite, head to The Fredericksburg Antique Mall & Clock Shop, whose name says everything. Then go further down the street and browse through the antique novels at Becks Antiques & Books, add to your vinyl collection at Blue Shark Antiques, and pick up an upcycled gift from the Shoppes at Caroline Square.

06 of 09

Middleburg

Not only is Middleburg a historic destination, but it also has a lovely collection of vintage shops right in the heart of downtown. For example, Middleburg Antique Emporium is an eclectic, multi-dealer store that caters to diverse tastes. For a more focused experience, Hastening Antiques and Design features 18th and 19th-century French, Italian, and English furniture.

Antiques on Washington Street offers a refined selection of Staffordshire dogs, sporting antiques, and Scottish furniture to accent your home. Although it's not a true antique store, you never know what you'll find for a bargain at Olde Millstones Thrift Shop to take home.

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07 of 09

Richmond

Since Richmond is the capital city, it's no surprise it ranks high on the list of places to go for antiquing in Virginia. As a staple for more than 30 years, West End Antique Mall boasts 250 vendor booths, perfect for finding a quality rug or statement mirror to complete your decor. To outfit your garden, head to Sheppard Street Antiques in Scott's Addition or stop by Capitol Vintage for retro finds.

Those who love fashion should prioritize heading to the famous shopping district of Cary Street, where shops like Bygones Vintage and the nearby Blue Bones Vintage are within walking distance of boutiques and cafes. Also make plans to visit the nearby area of Ashland, where you'll find even more shops.

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08 of 09

Roanoke

If you love a good DIY project, you may have caught the show Salvage Dawgs, which stars the ever-creative duo behind Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke. Their warehouse-style store focuses on architectural salvage, yet there is also a large section full of well-stocked vendor booths. Also of note is Roanoke Antique Mall, an all-on-one-floor spot with ample parking outside and an interesting selection of furniture, collectibles, and vintage items inside.

Those who love thrifting will also find the city a mecca for preloved vintage goods. The next town over, Salem, has a fabulous selection of antiques, with longstanding stores like Charlotte's Web Antique Mall waiting to welcome visitors.

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09 of 09

Verona

Avid antiquers from all over the country flock to Verona, hauling trailers as they try to add to their collections and restock their own shops. Why? Well, the largest antique store, Factory Antique Mall, is in the town. Although there are other shops in the area—Verona Antiques is a lovely multi-vendor mall—you can easily plan a whole day wandering the Factory's 147,000 square feet of goods. There's even a cafe inside if you get hungry (you will.)

Planning your trip during the bi-annual Fishersville Antique Expo is also wise. Then head over to Stuarts Draft Antique Mall, a 30+ dealer store with a delightfully curated selection of vintage things, or to downtown Staunton, where shops like Staunton Antiques Center await.

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