Our Antiquing Roadtrip North on I81
Loading up your 76 year old mother and 19 month old toddler in an SUV and a trailer to hit the interstate antiquing sounds cuckoo, no?
9 tote boxes...
5 pieces of luggage...
4 rolls of bubble wrap...
2 ice chests...
and 1 stroller later we made it through:
19+ hours of driving...
14 antique stops...
6 days...
3 hotels...
and 2 auction house pick ups!
I feel like I should finish with...and a partridge in a pear tree!
Except ours was a turkey and James named him Gobble Gobble (see below).
We had a fabulous time and James did beautifully! It was his first time on such a long road trip and his first stay in a hotel, but he was a champ. A little fussy at the end of a long stretch of driving but then so were the rest of us. Haha...
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Here's a look at our favorite antique shops and malls, thrifts, and consignments we shopped on our way up I 81 to Pennsylvania and back:
Factory Antique Mall - Verona, VA
The gorgeous Shenandoah Valley and 150,000 sq. ft of vintage and antiques!
There were numerous and varied booths with some standout themed booths like the fox hunting collection and the man cave/taxidermy/cowboy sections. A lot of vintage and more yard sale type items also, so be warned. There was a huge back room with tons of furniture although it was mostly Victorian and 20th century reproductions. It was very dark back there, so bring a flash light or use the one on your phone.
The sandwich shop was tasty when our feet needed a break.
Rolling Hills Antique Mall - Harrisonburg, VA
Quaint antique mall with varied booths of vintage and antique finds.
We've stopped here a few times on a travels North over the years. I always find a few gems. There's a great antique majolica booth and several vintage Christmas themed booths.
Dishfunctional - Malvern, PA
Beautifully displayed and organized dish shop with excellent prices!
One of my favorite stops on the whole trip! This shop has a gorgeous inventory of dishes from fine china to everyday pottery and a mix of vintage and antique. Most of the china was sold by the plate and at very reasonable pricing + Wednesdays are 20% off discount days. They also have a loyalty program and a cash discount. Don't miss their eBay shop, if you can't make it to PA.
Bryn Mawr Hospital Thrift - Bryn Mawr, PA
A packed and very busy thrift with a great variety of home furnishings, antiques, dishes, clothing, and accessories.
If I were a local, this thrift would be on my weekly rotation. There were some lovely antique/vintage furniture finds as well as some great sets of china. Like any thrift inventory it is dependent on what gets donated, but I'd say this one regularly sees "the good stuff." Prices were excellent!
ReDecor - Bryn Mawr, PA
High end home decor and furnishings consignment store.
This shop was packed with some amazing designer pieces, but you will definitely pay for them! I'd say it's a great place to watch for sales and one of a kind luxury finds.
Brandywine River Antiques Market - Chadds Ford, PA
40 dealers, 14,000 sq. ft., and one crazy cool 19th century Chester County bank barn!
This was probably my favorite stop for true antiques particularly of the English and colonial persuasion. Soooo many amazing Staffordshire Flatbacks it was hard to leave with just 3! Prices were varied with a few steals and sales available. There is a cash discount and the front shop staff were very happy to call vendors for the best deal.
Pennsbury-Chadds Ford Antique Mall - Chadds Ford, PA
100 dealers in 20,000 sq.ft with a mix of antiques, vintage, and collectibles.
This was an unplanned stop on our detour into Chadds Ford, but definitely makes my list of places to come back. There were lots of lovely traditional booths with English, French, and Chinese antiques. If you are hunting Rose Medallion, definitely make this a stop. Several of the dealers were willing to haggle. I scored a fabulous RM vase!
The Back Room - Roanoke, VA
A well displayed mix of new, vintage, and antique with granny chic, traditional, and farmhouse vibes.
If I lived close, I would regularly stop in to check inventory. There were some hidden gems. Prices were mid to high.
Creative Cat Consignment - Roanoke, VA
A picker's paradise for those who love a rummage that requires careful hunting.
The shop is packed and I mean packed. Don't try to take a tote back in. You will knock something over. Often these are the best places to find deals and steals though. The vintage and antiques are on consignment, so prices get marked down the longer they are there. I scored several gorgeous French porcelain pieces.
This is also the spot that had the yard sale with boxes to rummage through. So if you are local, I would follow them for special sales and events.
Crowning Touch - Roanoke, VA
An estate sale company that runs auctions and a consignment shop.
We stopped at the consignment shop. It was very well organized and nicely displayed. There was a good mix of contemporary furnishings and vintage/antique. Lots of rugs. Prices were a little high in my opinion. I plan to definitely watch for their auctions.
Roanoke Antique Mall - Roanoke, VA
130 dealers in a 25,000 sq ft mall.
This was the second time we've shopped this spot in the last few years. The first trip I found lots of fabulous vintage decor. This time was a bust, and I felt like most of the booths had yard sale maybe some vintage type goods. I was really disappointed although we did find Gobble Gobble the turkey here!
Antique Station - Wytheville, VA
Quality antiques displayed beautifully.
A lovely place to stop and one of my absolute favorites in VA! I've shopped this mall about 5 times now, and I am always impressed with the inventory. There is a nice mix of English, French, and Americana with a few booths focused on mid-century. This is definitely one you want to take your time and look through each space carefully. Booths often have sales going on. The shop owners are very helpful and wrap everything carefully for you.
Wow! I'm exhausted! LOL
Can't wait to share all our fabulous finds with you all! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter for new collection announcements.
Definitely tiring with a wee baby. I think you have a new partner in crime. What a great treasure hunt for you and your Mom. I live in Canada and am always looking for new places to see what treasures they have to offer. Always looking for Rose Medallion porcelain, Straits porcelain and Tobacco Leaf porcelain. Very hard to find in Ontario, but very grateful for what I have found over the years. I can’t wait to see your treasures!
Thanks Sheron! It was a lovely trip!
I was so excited to see your antiques stops. I live very close to Malvern and have been to most of your stops! I’m so glad you found some great items!
Yes! Can’t wait to come back!