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Is there anything better than scoring a special item at a steal? We don’t think so. Here are a handful of places across NC where opportunities for new favorite finds are sure things.
1 Key City Antiques Mall & Shops
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1 Key City Antiques Mall & Shops
North WilkesboroSee on map
Peruse repurposed furniture, upcycled home goods and vintage decorations across two well-organized floors in a refurbished furniture factory from the 1930s. In addition to these antiques, you can also find local artisans’ handmade soaps, jellies and jams, honey, candles and more. Pro tip: People like to pair their Key City stop with a stroll through Carolina Treasures on Main just across the street.
2 The Depot at Gibson Mill
2 The Depot at Gibson Mill
ConcordSee on mapMore than 750 booths spread out across 88,000 square feet of retail space have earned this destination title of largest antique mall in the South. Featuring endless household trinkets, antique furniture, seasonal decorations, a Fabric Center and onsite deli, this spot epitomizes one-stop shopping.
3 Burgaw Antiqueplace
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3 Burgaw Antiqueplace
BurgawSee on mapThe largest antique mall in southeastern NC offers 15,000 square feet of books, fine jewelry, furniture, glassware and collectibles – and it also moonlights as a popular filming location for TV shows and movies. You might recognize it from the film “Freedom Song,” where the counters they installed are still there today. Shoppers also love the artist stations upstairs and the homemade fudge made onsite (try the peanut butter). While you’re in Burgaw, stroll a few buildings over through charming downtown to The Glass Cloche for even more fabulous vintage finds.
4 Sleepy Poet Antique Mall
4 Sleepy Poet Antique Mall
CharlotteSee on mapClaiming there’s “no rhyme or reason, just cool stuff,” Sleepy Poet is a haven for Charlotte vintage shoppers. Grab a coffee from the Poet’s Brew, the onsite coffee shop, and stroll the aisles for incredible finds. If you’re looking for threads from a specific era, just head to the far end of the store where an entire vintage clothing section is split up into decades. The Poet’s Vault next to the Sleepy Poet is your go-to for vinyl, comics, games and toys.
5 Father & Son Antiques
5 Father & Son Antiques
RaleighSee on mapThe capital city’s first midcentury shop has a well-stocked and wide-range selection of furniture, lighting, art, clothing, accessories and retro pop culture items. This is a spot you’ll definitely want to return to often to see what new items have made their way to the shelves. Less than a mile away, you can also find Pallbearer, another vintage store that promises to "bring dead man's clothes back to life."
6 Rumors
6 Rumors
DurhamSee on mapOne word to describe Rumors? Vibes. A couple of miles away from Duke University’s campus, Rumors is a hot spot for college kids finding funky T’s, vintage jewelry and shoes, and lightly worn trendy apparel. If you can’t make it into the shop itself, just browse items on the store’s Instagram page; they mail items daily.
7 The Ivy Cottage
7 The Ivy Cottage
WilmingtonSee on mapPrepare to spend hours at this family-owned consignment shop. It’s spread across three cottages, two courtyards, a furniture warehouse and a showplace, offering endless shopping options. Can't make it in? You can also shop online as well.
Festivals, markets and shopping events
8 Vintage Market Days of Piedmont Triad
8 Vintage Market Days of Piedmont Triad
Every March in GreensboroSee on mapThis vintage-inspired indoor and outdoor event is locally owned and celebrates vendors' variety, originality and quality of goods. Expect upscale items such as original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings and seasonal plantings. This is a ticketed event, and the early-buying event takes place Friday while general admission days are Saturday and Sunday.
9 Liberty Antiques Festival
9 Liberty Antiques Festival
Every April and September in LibertySee on mapHead to the 100-acre Pike Family Farm and dig through the past with items such as 18th- to 20th-century furniture, accessories, pottery, glass, clocks, dolls, toys, military items, advertising memorabilia – you name it.
10 301 Endless Yard Sale
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10 301 Endless Yard Sale
Every June on US 301See on mapIt started as a 30-mile event between Kenly and Benson in Johnston County, but now the 301 Endless Yard Sale offers more than 100 miles of yard sales so you can turn one person’s trash into your treasure. Drive the route and stop when you spot a stall that intrigues you, or search JoCo’s website for specific vendors across the five participating counties.
11 NC Vintage Bazaar
11 NC Vintage Bazaar
Various dates throughout the year in the TriangleSee on mapNC’s largest vintage clothing market and thrift convention fills up huge spaces such as the Raleigh Convention Center or NC State Fairgrounds, where thousands of shoppers show up to snag one-of-a-kind finds. he bazaar also leans into nostalgia, so be sure to stop by the retro video game setups, photo booths and food trucks.Can't make the big event? You can also find smaller popup markets throughout the year in parks around Raleigh and Durham.
