These Are the 15 Antiquing Capitals of America

One place that tops almost every antiques expert’s list is Adamstown, Pennsylvania. And with more than 300 shops and co-ops dealing beautiful collectibles in this Amish-influenced region, it’s easy to see why.

Starting in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, wend your way to Concord along Route 4, New England’s famous Antique Alley. You’ll find more than 500 antiques shops filled with early American furniture, vintage clothing, folk art, memorabilia, and more.

As the first city chartered by the newly independent United States after the Revolution, Hudson, New York, boasts a historic pedigree, and has the goods to prove it. The Hudson Antiques & Art Dealers Association comprises more than 60 members, and the restored city center is a delightful backdrop for seeking out early American furniture as well as midcentury modern gems.

Wiscasset is recommended by Fodor’s travel guide as well as Yelp reviewers for its ideal blend of local charm and high-quality finds. If you are on the hunt for Americana, from early weaponry to books and paintings, Wiscasset is a treasure trove.

Related: The Best Flea Markets in Every State

The home of our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant, much of Galena, Illinois, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With the town’s storied past, you’ll find plenty to pique your interest, including the Antique Mall and boutiques like Peace of the Past.

Indiana is known for flat farmland, but it is also home to one of the most extensive “antique alleys” in the country. Check out the Wayne County website for a comprehensive list of the dozens of shops located along two different trails that both begin in the town of Richmond.

It’s not surprising that a wealth of antiques can be found in Boston, one of our nation’s oldest, most historic cities. Don’t make the mistake of limiting your browsing to the city center, though. Be sure to check out Brimfield, an hour and a half away, which is home to a number of antiques stores as well as America’s oldest outdoor flea market, which is held on select days in May, July, and September.

For Southern elegance and gracious antiquing, head to King Street in Charleston, South Carolina, which specializes in high-end boutiques that carry vintage furnishings, decorative accents, and fine china. Don’t miss out on heritage establishments, such as George C. Birlant & Co., founded in 1922.

New Orleans’s connection to the past and rich cultural heritage are key to the city’s magic. You’ll find antique wares in the famed French Quarter as well as the Lower Garden District and Uptown.

West Palm Beach is a destination for snowbirds—and serious antiquers. The city’s Antique Row has more than 40 shops displaying goods from the 17th through 20th centuries, and ranks high on “best of ” lists, including those compiled by Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and The New York Times.

Combine Santa Fe’s artistic flair with a passion for history, and you end up with some of the best antiques shops in the country. Browse more than 250 galleries for 18th- and 19th-century furniture, Native American arts and crafts, and fine paintings and maps.

California has deep roots, and one of the best places to dig down into them is Sonoma County. Known as a collector’s paradise, Sonoma’s five main towns offer an eclectic mix of shops where you can find everything from Civil War relics to 1970s bell bottoms.

If you are planning a Midwest road trip this fall, make a pit stop in Walnut, Iowa. On September 21 and 22, this charming town will host the Walnut Antique Fall Festival, showcasing local stoneware, art pottery, antiques, collectibles, and upcycled wares.

You can treasure hunt to your heart’s content in the city that never sleeps. Whether you’re searching for 1960s doorknobs or Danish Modern armchairs, New York City has a fresh take on antiques.

Dive into Austin’s vintage scene to find European-influenced decor, including Spanish chandeliers and painted French armoires. USA Today ranked the top antiques stores in Austin, or you can check out the city’s Vintage Around Town Guide, which lists 29 one-of-a-kind boutiques.

These are the spots to check out to find the best hidden treasures.