If you know me at all, you know this: I can’t pass an antique store without at least peeking in. There’s just something about the thrill of the hunt—finding a piece with history, character, and that “where have you been all my life?” charm.
Over the years, I’ve built a short list of go-to spots that consistently deliver the good stuff—whether I’m looking for a statement piece for a home, a one-of-a-kind gift, or just a fun Saturday treasure hunt. If you’re antiquing around New England (and especially the South Shore, Massachusetts area), these are my top five favorites.
1) Canal Street Antique Mall (Lawrence, Massachusetts)
This one is a classic for a reason. Canal Street is the kind of place where you can walk in with “just browsing” energy and walk out with a vintage mirror you didn’t know you needed. It’s a large, multi-dealer setup, which means the inventory is always changing—and you’ll see a little bit of everything.
Why I love it:
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Huge variety (furniture, décor, collectibles, you name it)
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Great for browsing when you’re not sure what you’re hunting for yet
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Perfect “rainy day” adventure because you can really take your time
Colleen tip: Give yourself a full hour (minimum). This is not a “quick in-and-out” stop.
2) Vintage on 2 (Peabody, Massachusetts)
Vintage on 2 is one of those stores that feels curated without feeling stuffy. I always find pieces here that are equal parts charming and usable—things that work beautifully in modern homes but still have that vintage soul.
Why I love it:
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A really fun mix of vintage home décor and unique finds
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Great for smaller pieces that add personality—glassware, frames, accents, etc.
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Easy to fall in love with something you didn’t expect
Colleen tip: If you’re styling shelves, coffee tables, or entryway consoles—this place is a goldmine.
3) Gold Star Treasures Antique-Vintage Mall (Whitman, Massachusetts)
South Shore friends—this one is for us. Gold Star Treasures is a favorite because it’s packed with character and has that “just one more aisle” effect. You’ll find plenty to browse, and it’s especially fun if you like the surprise factor—because the next booth can be totally different from the last.
Why I love it:
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A true South Shore staple for antiquing
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Great variety across dealers and styles
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Perfect place to look for home pieces with real warmth and history
Colleen tip: Go in with an open mind. Some of my best finds have been the things I wasn’t shopping for.
4) Rhode Island Antiques Mall (Pawtucket, Rhode Island)
If you’re up for a little New England antiquing road trip, Rhode Island Antiques Mall is absolutely worth the drive. It’s a big space with tons of vendors, and the selection can be impressively eclectic—from traditional antiques to quirky vintage pieces.
Why I love it:
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Lots of vendors = lots of styles and price points
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Great for collectors and casual shoppers
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You can find both “project pieces” and “ready-to-go” treasures
Colleen tip: This is a great stop if you’re furnishing a room and want multiple pieces in one trip.
5) Mike’s Estate Services (West Warwick, Rhode Island)
This is the kind of place that makes antiquing feel like a true treasure hunt. Estate-style finds tend to have that authentic, collected-over-time feel, and I love that you never quite know what you’ll stumble on.
Why I love it:
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Estate finds often have that “real home” charm
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Great for unique, conversation-starting pieces
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Always feels like a fresh experience
Colleen tip: If you like items with a story—old trunks, vintage seating, accent pieces—make this one a priority.
My best antiquing advice (from someone who’s learned the hard way)
A few quick tips I swear by:
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Bring measurements (or keep them in your phone). Nothing hurts like finding “the perfect piece” and realizing it won’t fit.
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Look past the dust. Some of the best finds just need a gentle clean and a little imagination.
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If you love it, grab it. Antique shopping is not like Target—if you walk away, it might be gone.
Ready to go treasure hunting?
If you check out any of these spots, I want to hear what you find—seriously. And if you’re local to the South Shore or shopping anywhere in New England and you’d like help spotting pieces that add value, charm, and character to a home, reach out to us through the website. I’m always happy to point you in the right direction.
