A while back, one of my readers asked me to write about my favorite spots in the Hudson Valley to find antiques. It has taken me awhile, (bet you thought I forgot, Rose) but I think I have been able to compile a list of my favorites. Of course, my absolute favorite markets are in France
I frequent a mix of flea markets, antiques stores and what I would call mish-mash, junk-a-tique barns or second hand shops. You will find a hodge podge of very different things at each place, but I hardly ever leave empty handed.
Flea Markets
These are generally organized events that occur at regularly scheduled times throughout the season. Since our winters are bad here, the season usually runs from April to October. Each market is different in terms of hours and days of the week. Some even charge admission. Click on the links provided for more specific information. Here are my local favorites.
Stormville Flea Market
Elephants Trunk
The Antiques Garage & Annex
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Antique Stores
There are a few stores that I frequent during the off-season, when I can’t go scouring around the markets. These are ones I find reasonably priced and able to score a good deal.
Vintage Studio
Hyde Park Antique Center
Beekman Arms Antique Barn
Attic Memories
The Annex Antique Center
Barn Sales
I often find barn, yard or garage sales listed on Craig’s List or in the local newspapers. These are always great for a nice weekend drive, hopping from place to place to see what treasure you might uncover. I have a few spots that are fixtures in the community that carry second hand stuff. These are not for the faint of heart, or those who are germ-phobes. You have to be comfortable around dust and dirt and getting on your hands and knees to dig through boxes. If you learn how to bargain, you can get amazing deals at these places.
Hoffman Barn
Bottle Shop Antiques
The Barn
Stanz
Auctions
We have two reputable auction houses in my area. Just like E-bay, make sure you come early and check over what you are buying. Set a price in your mind and DO NOT go above it. It is easy to get sucked in, caught up in the hype and loose control. If you do, you may win a piece that you love, but you may end up paying through the nose for it, if you are not careful.
George Cole Auctions
Absolute Auctions
Publications
Two well-known, reputable publications for more information are the Northeast Journal and the New England Antiques Journal.
And finally, there are some towns in my area that have an abundance of antique shops. These cute villages make great day or weekend trips, and have much on offer to do. Cozy B&B’s, great shopping and Zagat rated cafe’s and restaurants. I have provided a link to websites with information on these towns, but if you would like additional information or are thinking about planning a trip to any of these areas, feel free to contact me with questions or advice.
Beacon, NY
Cold Spring, NY
Rhinebeck, NY
New Paltz, NY
Millbrook, NY
Hudson, NY
Great Barrington, MA
In addition to my local haunts, I have 2 antiquing trips planned for the 2008 season. In May I am going to the Queen Mother of all antique fairs in Brimfield, Massachusetts (que choirs of angels). Sometime before fall I will be going to Chicago to visit my lil’ sis and will be attending one or two shows out there. Stay tuned, I will of course give you full reports!!
And speaking of flea markets, the pictures in this post are of new items here in my flea market. Contact me if you are interested in purchasing or want additional information.
Happy Antiquin’ Y’all !!