Antique Finds Close to Home

Virginia and Maryland have some amazing antique shops — here are a few of them.

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Looking for a 19th-century French provincial oil paint-ing that once hung over a doorway in Burgundy? Maybe an early-1900s German bird cage music box that has been lovingly restored to its original condition is on your wishlist? Perhaps you need a vintage rug to really tie the room together?

Whatever your antique wish, our region is filled with endless options for your shopping pleasure — and many are in areas perfect for a day trip or a weekend adventure.

Tips for Shopping

Alexandria and the Northern Virginia area have plenty of antique shops, estate and auction houses and boutiques where you can find any number of historic items – but how do you know what to look for?

Start with some of the lingo with these definitions from the Federal Trade Commission:

•    Vintage items are generally more than 20 to 30 years old.

•    Vintage collectibles are at least 50 years old.

•    Antiques are more than 100 years old.

•    Reproductions are made to look like vintage or antique items, but have no real value in the antiques world.

The FTC also recommends doing some research before you go shopping. This may include online research into the history of certain items and their value, visiting shops, looking at price guides and auction catalogs, and talking to reputable dealers. The website EBTH.com (stands for Everything But The House), an estate sale marketplace, has pricing information on hundreds of items so you can see what you should be paying for a piece when you go out shopping.

LiveAuctioneer.com will also pro-vide you with helpful pricing information. When you go shopping, there are a few questions you’ll want to ask your antiques dealer, including how long they’ve been in business, whether they belong to any professional associations, whether they specialize in any specific items, and how they know the items they have are real and not fakes or reproductions.

In addition, pay attention to the paperwork you’re getting with your items. The FTC recommends, “When you decide to buy an item, get a written receipt that includes the seller’s name, address, and phone number; the date; a complete description of the item, including age, origin, any repairs or replacements, the price you paid, and how you paid; and, if the seller claims the item is authentic, a written guarantee.” Get more consumer tips on antique shopping at consumer.ftc.gov. 

WHERE TO GO SHOPPING

Leesburg is the county seat of Loudoun County and was founded in 1740. With wineries aplenty nearby, it has been called one of the country’s most picturesque towns. Learn more at leesburgva.gov/ visitors.

Suggested stop: The Old Lucketts Store is a 138-year old restored general store and family home. Built in 1879 by the Luckett family, it was brought back to life in 1996. The shop now is home to more than 35 dealers who specialize in antiques, vintage finds and just plain cool stuff. Events include a monthly seasonal Design House, Vintage Spring Market and even painting classes. luckettstore.com

Middleburg, a 30-minute drive southwest of Leesburg, was established in 1787 and is a well-known destination for equestrian events. The town has a rich Civil War history and more than 160 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Find out more at visitmiddleburgva.com.

Suggested stops: Hastenings Antiques is an importer of 18th- and 19th-century French provincial, Italian, and English furniture and art objects. Rare antique tables and furniture, design accessories (such as the aforementioned German bird cage music box), and even custom designed furniture and artwork fills this Middleburg shop. hasteningantiques.com 

Also stop by Middleburg Antique Emporium. It features Multiple levels of furniture, antique equestrian accessories, clocks, rugs, china and jewelry just to start. Plan to spend some time looking at everything, and finding your way back out! No website, but call (540) 687-8680 for hours and more information.

Less than 10 miles southwest of Middleburg, The Plains is a town of fewer than 300 people in Fauquier County.

It is called the “Gateway to Hunt Country” and features a variety of small-town shops, restaurants and gorgeous scenery. Learn more about the town and what’s there at theplainsvirginia.com.

Suggested stop: Baileywyck Antiques is a 4600-sq. ft. gallery filled with furniture, artwork, signage, lighting. You name it and this place has it. This super-friendly shop even hosts a 1st Friday event monthly, featuring different countries or themes and appetizers and refreshments. baileywyckantiques.com 

At the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, Roanoke has plenty for the outdoor enthusiast from hiking to kayaking to mountain biking. The region also a rich history, arts, events and an up-and-coming dining scene. Plan your trip at visitroanokeva.com.

Suggested Stop: Black Dog Salvage As seen on TV in the show Salvage Dawgs, this Roanoke-based shop has 40,000 sq. ft. of warehouse filled with architectural salvage and amazing rare finds. This shop is like opening a treasure chest after someone else did all the work to unearth it. New pieces are sometimes made from the finds, or you can buy the reclaimed antiques for your own project, or shop their new salvage-inspired furniture line. blackdogsalvage.com

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