By North American Precis Syndicate
Whether you are an experienced or novice antique collector hunting for that unexpected-and-valuable piece, there is no better place than a state rich in American history, craftsmanship and tradition: Massachusetts.
The Bay State is home year-round to hundreds of antique stores and dealers. Visitors can hunt for treasures on the city streets of Boston or Cambridge or discover bargains on the back roads of Massachusetts.
The state even plays host to the now well-known Brimfield Antique Show-declared the world’s largest outdoor antiques and collectibles fair.
Until recently, few people who were not “insiders” (decorators, designers, architects and dealers) knew about the show. Today, it spreads out over 20 fields, attracts 5,000 dealers, occurs three times a year for six days and draws upwards of 100,000 attendees for each show.
One of the best-kept secrets in Western Massachusetts is the wealth of antique and collectible shops in Franklin County. Not far from Historic Deerfield—a mile-long street of restored homes and a world-class collection of early Americana—is 5&10 Antiques, with 70 dealers on two floors offering glass, furniture and rugs. In Greenfield, treasure hunters can pair a stop to check out the “olde furnishings and accoutrements” at The Horseshoe Antiques, with a visit to Old Greenfield Village and the Historical Society of Greenfield’s Victorian mansion.
Another fairly well-guarded secret is the fine antiquing that exists in the lower Berkshires, “America’s Premier Cultural Resort.” For example, the picturesque town of Sheffield has shops that specialize in virtually everything from antique wicker to clocks—all within a 10-mile stretch.
The seaside towns north of Boston are rich in history and antique shops that tell of times gone by. Visitors traveling down the picturesque Routes of 1A, 133 and 97 from the shores of Beverly to Salisbury and through Gloucester, Havervill and Lawrence will discover antique stores, used bookstores, flea markets and more. The town of Essex boasts of being “America’s Antique Capital.” The quaint New England town has more than 35 antique stores, with many close enough together on Route 133 to walk between. According to a local shopkeeper, “Essex is the kind of place where you can spend a dollar for a postcard or $50,000 for a painting.”
Cape Cod and the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard also mix a rich maritime history and gorgeous scenery with excellent antiquing. Route 6A, the scenic Old King’s Highway, meanders through the historic towns of Cape Cod Bay and is packed with antique shops. The Antique Center of Cape Cod in Dennis has more than 140 dealers and Eldred’s Auction Gallery has been holding auctions on Route 6A in East Dennis for more than 50 years. There are also large antique centers in Orleans, Dennisport, Sandwich and many other towns. Tonkin of Nantucket has a 10,000 square foot showroom specializing in fine English antiques.
For more information go to www.massvacation.com or call 800-227-MASS ext. 300 for a free Massachusetts Getaway Guide.
