If searching for treasures among eclectic collections of estate jewelry, vintage clothes and 19th-century furnishings is your idea of fun, a vacation to one of the Southeast’s antique hot spots might be in order.
What makes a good destination for antiquing? A variety of shops and dealers in a central location, easy access and comfortable accommodations and restaurants nearby. Here are five recommendations:
Huntsville, Ala.
Railroad Station Antiques on North Jefferson Street boasts three floors of furniture, books, paintings and glassware. Whitesburg Drive is home to Bulldog Antiques, which specializes in all types of antique lamps and lampshades, and Creative Touch Jewelers, where estate jewelry, art glass and porcelain can be found.
Treasure trove: Packards Antique Center on Memorial Parkway encompasses an entire city block and includes estate jewelry, antique linens and advertising memorabilia from 125 dealers. Unique items consist of an entire showcase of Civil War-era items including coins, says owner Elaine Ellingsen. 11110 S. Memorial Parkway. 256-881-1678.
Stay: Dogwood Manor Bed and Breakfast. Nonsmoking, private baths, sun porch and gourmet breakfast. $89-$119 per night. 707 Chase Road. 256-859-3946, www.dogwood manorbandb.com
Eat: Jazz Factory. Located downtown, offers quality San Francisco-style fare. Entrees $15.95-$25.95. 109 N. Side Square. 256-539-1919, www.thejazzfactory.com
Info: Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 500 Church St., Suite One. 256-551-2230 or 800-843-0468, www.huntsville.org
Boca Raton, Fla.
North Federal Highway is home to several antique shops in Boca Raton, including Fine Furniture and Antiques, and Kames Antiques and Collectibles. Located nearby are Antiques and Country Pine on Glades Road and Fine Art and Antiques on East Palmetto Park Road.
Treasure Trove: Brass Scale, an antique shop specializing in 18th- and 19th-century accessories, also has interesting one-a-of-kind items, like a turn-of-the- century silver-plated carving station, says owner Judy Baron. The carving station, a rare find that is priced at $40,000, was used on cruise ships to carve meat for guests. 3721 S. Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach
Stay: The Inn at Ocean Breeze Golf Resort. Small but clean, comfortable rooms, adjacent to the semi-private golf course. Rooms start at $59. 5800 N.W. Second Ave. 1-800- 344-6995, www.theinnatoceanbreeze.com
Eat: Abe and Louie's. Fine dining, steakhouse. Entrees $26-$45. 2200 W. Glades Road. 561-447-0024, www.abeandlouies.com
Info: Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., Suite 800. 800-554-PALM, www.palmbeachfl.com
Knoxville
Your first stop in Knoxville should be Kingston Pike, home to Antiques Inc. and Westwood Antiques. Antiques Inc. carries furniture, art and china, but many people visit for its selection of quilts.
Westwood Antiques on Whittaker Drive is a sprawling building, with more than 6,000 square feet dedicated to china, silver, art and furniture. The store represents about 15 antique dealers, and items are available in every price range. If you want more, head to Central Street, the home of Friends Antiques and Collectibles Mall.
Stay: Hotel St. Oliver. Located in the historic Market Square area of downtown in walking distance of restaurants and shops. Decorated with many antiques. $75-$225. 407 Union Ave. 865-521-0050, www.hotelstolivertn.com
Eat: Regas. In operation since 1947 and offers a varied menu with emphasis on steak and chops. Entrees $11.95- $26.95. 318 N. Gay St. 865-637-3427, www.regassquare.com
Info: Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corp., 301 S. Gay St. 1-800-727-8045, www.knoxville.org
Raleigh
Acquisitions Ltd. specializes in 18th- and 19th-century furniture from England and France. Revival Antiques and Accessories, housed in a 5,000-square-foot warehouse, also specializes in furniture.
Gresham Lake Antique Mall has more than 50 dealers who sell a range of antiques as well as some artwork and collectibles. Downtown on the corner of West Davie and Dawson streets, Penrod’s Antique Warehouse has 10,000 square feet of furniture, jewelry and books.
Treasure trove: Regan Lewis Antiques carries furniture and high end decorative accessories for the home. They also have more than 200 lamps, ranging in date from the 1840s to present, says owner Regan Lewis. It also has specialty antiques, such as golf paraphernalia. 5300 Atlantic Ave. No. 105, 919-872-8177.
Stay: The Oakwood Inn. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and winner of various "Best" city awards. $139-$209. 411 N. Bloodworth St. 919-832-9712, www.oakwoodinnbb.com
Eat: Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern. Located in the Dodd-Hinsdale House in downtown Raleigh, it has been awarded the AAA Four Diamond award. Entrees $25-$36. 330 Hillsborough St. 919-829-3663, www.second-empire.com
Info: Greater Raleigh Visitors and Convention Bureau, 421 Fayetteville St., Suite 1505. 919-834-5900, www.visitraleigh.com
Aiken, S.C.
Aiken is home to several antique shops. A trip to Laurens Street will lead you to the Aiken Antique Mall and Laurens Street Village Antique Mall.
On Richland Avenue, visit the Antique Emporium, which carries a large variety of hats, including Kentucky Derby and “Church Lady” hats, as well as vintage jewelry and sporting prints.
Park Avenue is home to Aiken Antiques, which houses a large selection of antique and contemporary furniture and handles estate sales as well.
Treasure trove: In addition to carrying sterling silver and old silver plate items, York Cottage Antiques also carries equine-themed antiques, says owner Lisa Castles. 409 Hayne Ave. SW. 803-642-9524.
Stay: Carriage House Inn. Walking distance to many restaurants and shopping areas downtown. $103-$135. 139 Laurens St. 803-644-5888, www.aiken carriagehouse.com
Eat: Linda's Bistro. Quaint restaurant nestled in historic downtown area, with a varied menu including lamb, shepherd's pie and more traditional fare. Entrées $14- $40. 135 York St. SE. 803-648-4853, www.lindasbistro-aiken.com/index.htm
Info: South Carolina Tourism, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, 1205 Pendleton St., Columbia. 803-734-1700, www.discover southcarolina.com/cities/7.aspx
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