Antique Shopping in Southern Maryland
Southern Maryland is not only known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes but also as a haven for antique enthusiasts. The region is dotted with charming towns and shops that offer a treasure trove of vintage and antique items waiting to be discovered. In this comprehensive guide, we'll embark on a journey to explore the best places to go antiquing in Southern Maryland, each promising a unique and nostalgic shopping experience. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just looking for that one-of-a-kind piece, these destinations will lead you to hidden gems and cherished relics of the past. Let's begin our adventure into the world of antiques!
Chesapeake MarketPlace
5015 St Leonard Rd
St Leonard, MD
Website
Phone: (410) 586-3725
Hours: Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm (Auction House Wed-Sat same hours)
Chesapeake MarketPlace stands as a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts and shoppers with a penchant for unique finds. Spanning a massive area in Calvert County, it houses 100 diverse shops, each one holding its own charm. Eighty of these shops are dedicated to antiques and collectibles, offering a delightful array of historical items, each carrying a tale of its era. From high-end antique furniture and original art pieces, to nostalgic toys, used furniture, jewelry, books, and even yard tools, the selection is vast and varied, promising something for every collector.
The remaining 20 shops offer an array of charming gifts, local crafts, ceramics, used books, and furniture, making Chesapeake MarketPlace a comprehensive shopping experience. The continual influx of items, tag sales, and special events provide a new adventure each time you step within its welcoming premises (and ample opportunities for fantastic savings, naturally!)
While you’re at Chesapeake MarketPlace, have a look at the items available at the Auction House and see if anything catches your eye. The Auction House is separate from the MarketPlace and holds weekly online auctions, showcasing items from various consignors and reaching a nationwide audience of eager buyers.
Leonardtown Maryland Antique Center
@Keepin It Local
25760 Colton Point Road
Morganza, MD 20660
Website
Phone: (240) 526-3910
Hours: 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, 12-5pm Sunday
The Leonardtown Maryland Antique Center is one of our favorite shops at Keepin’ It Local, a cherished destination for both locals and visitors to Southern Maryland. Built in 1900, the structure exudes historical charm, having once served as a general store, bar, and post office. Today, the beautifully preserved interior showcases the diverse talents of over a hundred Southern Maryland artists and crafters.
Leonardtown Maryland Antique Center’s shop offers a carefully curated selection of vintage furniture, cast iron & kitchenware, regional oyster cans, classic Americana, Maryland kitsch & decor, jewelry and much more! The shopping experience is elevated by the warm and welcoming ambiance. The friendly staff, well-versed in the origins and stories of the items, enhance the intimate, community-oriented atmosphere. Their passion for antiques is palpable!
After your visit to LMDAC, be sure to stroll around Keepin’ It Local to check out the latest work from local artisans like Perry Port Handcrafts, Cory Reign Creations, and Sandjewels. And while you’re there, stock up on the finest meats and seasonal produce from local farms, along with an assortment of delights like kettle corn, cheese, honey, and ice cream.
Rememberances Antiques & Vintage Treasures
8394 Old Leonardtown Rd
Hughesville, MD 20637
Website
Phone: (301) 274-5787
Hours: Thurs-Sun 10am-5pm
Rememberances Antiques & Vintage Treasures warmly welcomes antique enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike. Known for its substantial selection of antiques and vintage treasures, this quaint shop exudes an air of country hospitality coupled with refreshingly reasonable prices, offering a delightful and accessible shopping experience. The store invites guests to embark on a treasure hunt through history within a building that is itself a tangible connection to the past. This unique establishment allows visitors to traverse the corridors of time, exploring an extensive range of artifacts that echo stories of bygone eras.
From primitive, antique, and vintage furniture that evoke the aesthetic charm of past centuries to unique home decor and accessories that add a touch of retro elegance to any space, the offerings at Rememberances are diverse and captivating. The shop is truly an antique lover’s antique shop, featuring a wide variety of gifts and collectibles that will make perfect additions to any aficionado’s set or as stand-alone pieces of historical and artistic value.
For lovers of classic kitchenware, Rememberances offers a stunning collection including popular collectibles like Pyrex and Fiesta Ware, bringing vibrant colors and timeless designs to your culinary space. The store’s unique lighting selections, mirrors, and paintings further complement its extensive inventory.
Additionally, the store boasts a unique selection of framed art, including quilts, old magazine ads, even jewelry sets, each piece a distinctive work of art that adds character and personality to any room. A rich collection of books awaits bibliophiles, offering literary adventures and historical insights within their time-honored pages.
No reason to put off a pricy purchase that you’ve fallen in love with at Rememberances Antiques & Vintage Treasures, either. Their interest-free payment plan makes it easy to walk away with your favorite new piece before someone else snatches it up!
The Vintage Source
22080 Newtowne Neck Rd
Compton MD 20627
Website
Phone: (240) 925-1060
Hours: 8am-4pm on the 3rd weekend of every month
(2nd weekend June & December; see site for full schedule)
Typically open on the third weekend of each month, The Vintage Source is a unique venue. Housed in an old country store in Compton, this multi-vendor shop has become a much-loved destination for those with an appreciation for things that tell a story. Its historical charm, combined with an array of eclectic items, offers visitors a distinctive shopping experience. With its limited but eagerly awaited schedule, it captures the essence of exclusive vintage shopping. Three times a year, the shop extends its reach outdoors, hosting vendor flea markets that add even more variety to the shopping mix.
This isn't just any vintage store. The team behind The Vintage Source seeks out classic pieces to restore and rejuvenate them. Once brought back to life, these items await their new owners in a dynamic, one-weekend-a-month setting. And while the anticipation builds up for the unveiling of new inventory, patrons know to mark their calendars. Many line up for the chance to get their hands on fresh picks during that coveted third weekend.
For those unable to visit in person, The Vintage Source maintains a vibrant online presence, especially on its Facebook page. Regular updates on available inventory ensure that even if you miss the in-store dates, you can still shop by appointment throughout the rest of the month.
The product range is vast. From furniture to decor, glassware, barware, and lamps—each item is unique. And while antiques and vintage finds are the main draw, shopping in person is especially tempting with the presence of cookies & cinnamon rolls from Southern Maryland Bakehouse.
Rust & Grain
30155 Three Notch Rd
Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
Website
Phone: (301) 885-9916
Hours: Open third weekend of every month Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 10am-3pm
Lovers of fine craftsmanship will truly appreciate Rust & Grain. This antique store opens its doors to the public on the third weekend of every month (and other select community events), making every visit a special occasion. What sets Rust & Grain apart is not just its exclusivity but its mission: a promise to seamlessly blend timeless antiques with modern design to create exceptional, heirloom-worthy pieces that are as much about form as function.
Rust & Grain’s offers a curated collection of antiques sourced from all around the globe that are as diverse as they are captivating. From Victorian opulence and mid-century modern simplicity to rustic farmhouse charm, venturing into Rust & Grain's antique collection is like traveling through time, without the trouble of jigawatts and flux capacitors.
Handcrafted custom furniture, painstakingly crafted by talented artisans, brings us back to the present. The custom furniture at Rust & Grain speaks volumes about the brand's dedication to quality. Each piece is crafted following close collaboration with clients to ensure it mirrors their vision and needs. The meticulous selection of materials, coupled with intricate craftsmanship, ensures these pieces not only look great but also last for generations.
If you can’t get enough Rust & Grain, there’s no need to stop there! They also offer comprehensive interior design services from concept development all the way through project-management. Their client-centric approach will reflect your individual taste and elevate the overall ambiance of your home.
Successful Antiquing Checklist
Antiquing is more than just a hobby; it's a journey through time, a treasure hunt, and an art form all rolled into one. But to ensure that each antique find retains its value and historical significance, certain best practices need to be followed. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newbie, these guidelines will help you make the most of your antiquing adventures.
Research is Key: Before diving into the world of antiquing, invest time in understanding the items you're interested in. Familiarize yourself with makers, periods, styles, and the telltale signs of authenticity. The more you know, the easier it will be to spot a gem—or a forgery.
Inspect Items Thoroughly: When you come across a potential addition to your collection, inspect it carefully. Look for marks of authenticity, signs of age, and any damage. Sometimes, imperfections can diminish the value of an item, but other times they add to its charm and history.
Haggle with Grace: Negotiation is part and parcel of antiquing. However, always haggle respectfully. Understand the value of an item, and approach the seller with a fair offer. Remember, it's about building relationships.
Document Everything: Once you purchase an item, document its history, any proof of its authenticity, the price you paid, and where you bought it. This practice will not only help you keep track of your collection but will also be invaluable for insurance or resale purposes.
Care for Your Finds: Antiques often require special care to preserve their beauty and value. Avoid placing items in direct sunlight, which can fade fabrics and wood. Clean items according to their material and age. Sometimes, less is more, and a gentle dusting is all that's needed.