Antiquing Guide: How to Find Vintage Treasures on the Trail

If you’ve ever dreamed of uncovering that perfect vintage treasure, then you’re in the right place.

This antiquing guide was born from a spontaneous day out with my friend Molly in Maine, exploring one of my favorite spots—Cabot Mill Antiques in Brunswick, Maine.

From thrifting tips to must-know shopping tricks, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about how to find vintage gems along the antique trail.

Let’s go antiquing and grab a lobster roll or two along the way.

What is Antiquing, Really? (And Why We’re Obsessed With It)

Antiquing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a full-on treasure hunt with vintage vibes and a whole lot of charm.

Whether you’re sifting through a flea market, wandering a weekend estate sale, or strolling through a curated antique shop, it’s all about the thrill of discovering beautiful, storied pieces from the past.

From vintage furniture and old artwork to antique jewelry, clothing, and our personal favorite—unique home decor—antiquing is like stepping into history with a modern twist.

So how do you dive into the world of antiques without getting overwhelmed? Start with these fun and helpful beginner tips for antiquing success:

Top Antiquing Questions Answered: Tips, Trends & Treasure Hunts

What are the basics of antiques?

Antiques are generally items that are over 100 years old, while vintage pieces are typically 20–99 years old. From furniture and artwork to jewelry and kitchenware, antiques often carry historical or aesthetic value. Learning to identify age, condition, maker’s marks, and provenance is key to getting started in the world of antiques.

How do I get good at antiquing?

Practice makes perfect! Start by visiting local antique shops, chatting with dealers, and studying up on different eras and styles. Set a focus—like ironstone, brass candlesticks, or mid-century furniture—and train your eye. The more you treasure hunt, the more confident you’ll become in spotting great finds.

What are the latest trends in antiquing?

Antiquing trends shift just like home decor. Right now, there’s a big love for cottagecore, Americana, primitive styles, and unique statement pieces like vintage oil paintings or weathered wood furniture. Mixing antique finds with modern design is also huge—eclectic style is in! Learn more in my interview with A Cottage in the City: Expert Tips for Curating a Timeless Farmhouse-Style Home.

Are thrifting and antiquing the same?

Not quite. Thrifting often refers to shopping secondhand at lower prices—think Goodwill, flea markets, or yard sales—while antiquing is more focused on curated vintage and older pieces, often with historical or collectible value. But both are great ways to discover hidden gems!

Why do people go antiquing?

People go antiquing for all kinds of reasons—nostalgia, sustainability, decorating with character, the thrill of the hunt, or even investing in valuable collectibles. It’s more than shopping—it’s storytelling, history, and joy rolled into one Saturday afternoon.

Where are the best places to go antiquing?

Great antiquing spots include antique malls, estate sales, curated shops, flea markets, and online marketplaces like Etsy or Chairish. In-person shops in antique-rich regions—like New England, Pennsylvania, and the Midwest—offer amazing experiences and finds.

How to Find the Best Antique Shops Near You

I’d love to invite you to hit the road with me—virtually or in real life—for a few glorious days on the Antiquing and Thrifting Trail in coastal Maine.

It was the first snowstorm of spring (yes, really!), and with the quiet roads and freshly stocked antique shops, it was the perfect time to plan a little vintage shopping getaway to visit our Maine home and my friend Molly.

But you don’t have to come to Maine to score amazing treasures—there are antique shops hiding in plain sight all around you. Here are some of the best ways to find them:

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend antiquing adventure, finding antique stores near you is easier than ever. And trust me—half the fun is in the journey.

Know Your Vintage Style Before You Go

When it comes to antiquing, going in with a purpose makes all the difference. Maybe you’re looking for a classic enamel pitcher, a set of vintage Pyrex bowls, or just the thrill of the hunt—either way, having a few intentions helps keep the day focused and the treasures meaningful.

Whether you’re shopping for your home, a vintage booth, or simply collecting what makes you smile, think of it this way: it’s nice to have a goal, but not necessary. Let curiosity lead the way, and don’t be afraid to veer off course if something special catches your eye.

Bargain Shopping Like a Pro

Tips for Finding Vintage Deals You Can Flip or Keep

If you’re on a mission to stock up on vintage finds for resale or simply love a great deal, thrift shops and Habitat for Humanity ReStores are your best friends. For example, when I’m sourcing items for my vintage booth, I keep an eye out for deeply discounted treasures with good bones—things I can clean, restyle, or repurpose.

Stay sharp, look for seasonal clearance sections, and don’t be shy about negotiating when it makes sense.

First Stop—Antiquing in New Hampshire

Scoring Vintage Finds at Savers in Portsmouth

No trip from Vermont to Maine is complete without a quick stop at the Savers in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Think of it as a thrift-store-meets-department-store adventure. From vintage fur hats to charming dinnerware sets, it’s hit or miss—but the hits are worth it!

I’ve found so many fabulous treasures here, and it’s always a highlight of my vintage trail days. Have you ever been to a Savers? Get Directions

Here’s a glimpse into what I found at Savers…

Partnering with Goodwill Northern New England

Just when you think you know a Goodwill store, you step into one of the beautifully curated Northern New England locations—and wow. These stores offer one-of-a-kind pieces, and yes, that includes antique treasures.

From Boston rockers to 19th-century desks, these shops are full of surprises. It’s why I’m so thrilled to have partnered with Goodwill Northern New England. Expect the unexpected—and bring a big cart. Learn more in this Goodwill Home Decor Decorating Ideas: Spring Edition post.

Antiquing Prep List: What to Do Before You Hit the Trail

Can you find antiques online?

Yes, you most certainly can! Whether you’re homebound, without a vehicle, or prefer to browse with a cup of tea in hand, antiquing online is a fabulous way to discover vintage treasures. While nothing beats the thrill of a dusty old shop or a weekend flea market, the internet is brimming with beautifully curated antique collections ready to be delivered right to your doorstep.

Here are a few great places to start your online antiquing adventure:
    •    Chairish – A go-to site for high-quality vintage furniture and decor with a modern touch.
    • eBay – A classic platform for everything from antique postcards to heirloom silverware.
    •    Etsy – Ideal for unique, small-scale vintage finds, handmade items, and quirky collectibles.

Do you have any tips or comments to add to these antiquing lists? Please leave them in the comments section below.

Mastering the Art of Antique Negotiation

One of the best parts of antiquing? The deal-making! It’s not only okay to ask for a lower price—it’s often expected. Most antique dealers build in a bit of wiggle room, and a 10% discount is considered standard, especially if you’re paying with cash.

If a dealer needs to contact the vendor directly to get approval on your offer, just know that if the seller agrees, you’re generally expected to go through with the purchase. It’s all part of the etiquette of antique buying.

And don’t be shy—get creative with your offers. Bundle a few items, offer cash, or even mention how much you love the piece. Antique dealers want to sell just as much as you want to buy, and with a little charm and savvy, you might just walk away with a fabulous vintage deal.

Hitting the Road: Antiquing Adventures and Vintage Travel Trails

There’s nothing quite like an antiquing road trip to fuel your vintage-loving soul. Whether you’re RVing through New England or jet-setting to Paris for a weekend flea market, the journey becomes just as magical as the treasures you uncover.

Antiquing road trips offer a fun and flexible way to explore new regions, stumble upon hidden gems, and add one-of-a-kind finds to your home. With a little planning and an open mind, you never know what vintage story you’ll bring home.

Since starting our Antiquing RV Road Trip Series—whether driving through Maine, hopping in the RV, or strolling the Parisian flea markets—each trip has become a chapter in our vintage storybook. If you’re dreaming of your own treasure-hunting travel trail, you’re in good company.

Antiquing in Arundel, Maine, After a Snowy Morning

Breakaway Designs and Antiques: A Hidden Gem in Wells, Maine

After finding several shops closed due to the weather, I pressed on down Route 1—and I’m so glad I did. To my surprise, one of my favorite stops, Breakaway Designs and Antiques in Wells, Maine, was open! If you’ve ever been antiquing in this area, you know this charming shop is a must-visit… when it’s open. (Tip: Call ahead—especially in the off-season.)

Owner Paula had just started restocking for spring, and the shop looked absolutely stunning. From vintage globes and earthy green accents to trending neutral and gold-toned furniture, every corner was curated with her signature creative style. It’s one of those spots that instantly sparks inspiration the moment you walk through the door. Get Directions

A Little Green Basket

On this day, I picked up this little vintage green basket that I’ll bring back to Vermont to decorate with. Here are a few ideas swirling around in my head for it:

A Little Green Basket Today at Home

Watch my video to see more of the day’s antiques

Warming Up with Bolognese After a Day of Antiquing in Maine

After a long, chilly day of antique shopping through Maine’s Route 1 trail, I wrapped things up with a cozy stop at one of our favorite local restaurants, Bitter End in Wells, Maine. By now, the skies had opened up, and the rain was pouring—making it the perfect kind of day for comfort food.

Instead of the usual lobster roll, I opted for their famous 9-hour bolognese, and let me tell you—it hit the spot. Rich, hearty, and delicious, it was the ultimate way to wind down after a successful antiquing adventure. Get Directions

Thrifting Adventures with the Gals in Brunswick, Maine

Thrifting with the gals can be a fun and memorable experience. Join me today as I meet up with my friend Molly at one of our favorite shops, Cabot Mill Antiques, in Brunswick, ME. Molly lives in Downeast, Maine, so this is the ideal destination for us to reunite.

Cabot Mill Antiques and Collectibles

Nestled in a beautifully restored textile mill along the Androscoggin River, Cabot Mill Antiques is one of the largest and most beloved antique destinations in Maine. With over 160 vendors, this historic building is filled with vintage furniture, collectibles, home décor, and one-of-a-kind pieces that celebrate New England charm and craftsmanship.

Walk and shop with us through the aisles of Cabot Mill in the video below!

My Favorite Finds from a Day of Antiquing

The joy of an antique haul lies in the thrill of discovering unique and rare pieces, each with its own story and charm.

Vintage Coastal Art Find: The Fiery Cross Clipper Ship

It had been a while since my last antiquing adventure with Molly, but this vintage find brought it all rushing back. Last summer, I told Molly how much I love collecting vintage sailboat and clipper ship prints—especially for our Maine home where coastal charm reigns supreme.

The very next day, she found this gem: a vintage pastel of the Fiery Cross clipper ship by John Schmidt at an auction. It’s now proudly hanging in our living room, inspiring a fresh decor shuffle, of course!

“Fiery Cross” Clipper Ship

The Fiery Cross was a clipper ship built in 1854. It was one of the famous clipper ships of the 19th century. The ship was known for its speed and elegance. The Fiery Cross was primarily used to transport goods, especially tea, between China and Britain. It had a sleek design with three masts and a sharp bow, allowing it to sail at high speeds. The ship was named after the Fiery Cross, a symbol of clan unity in Scottish history.

In Conclusion

Thanks for joining me on these treasure-filled days on the antiquing trail! Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, antiquing offers a unique way to connect with history and decorate your home with one-of-a-kind charm.

From vintage finds to road trip memories, I hope this inspires you to plan your next antique adventure. Be sure to follow along in our favorite blog series, Thrifting with the Gals.

Happy Antiquing!

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This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.