Connecticut’s Antique Shops & Centers

For a breathtaking visual treat drive through Connecticut’s pastoral Litchfield Hills. It will be difficult to take your eyes off of the landscape as you travel along gravelly, back-country roads against a backdrop of graceful hills and mountains. Plan your itinerary around antique shop destinations visits, what could be better ?  Have lunch at one of the many charming eateries, enjoy a glass of wine at one of the Litchfield area vineyards, or better yet spend an entire weekend amid this mecca of antiquing.

The drive from Litchfield to Bantam to New Preston to Kent could easily fill a day, or several, as you visit the many special antique shops along the route. Plan to spend time browsing the inventory at Jeffrey Tillou Antiques in Litchfield from Continental and English furniture to American paintings to decorative arts and accessories.  Or try Bradford House Antiques in Litchfield for a selection of stunning jewelry and sterling silver sets.  Relax in nearby Warren at the Hopkins Inn overlooking Lake Waramaug where you can enjoy a hearty dinner and a rejuvenating overnight stay.

In the village of New Preston, Dawn Hill Antiques specializes in 18th and 19th-century Swedish antiques. Pieces from the collection of unique Rococo and Gustavian period furniture and clocks in original painted surfaces are hand-selected in Sweden and brought back to CT.

Nearby in Washington, take a moment to explore the shops and break for lunch at the popular White Horse Country Pub. After a full day of antiquing, walking, and sightseeing, unwind at the picturesque Mayflower Inn & Spa.

As you approach picturesque Woodbury you will sense its refinement and elegance, including Main Street, which is lined with over 15 stately antique shops. On display at Wayne Mattox Antiques are paintings, folk art, and American and European furniture. Since 1976, Martell & Suffin Antiques have been a source for 18th and 19th century English and Continental furniture and accessories.  And, for the rug aficionado, there is Abrash Galleries Rugs & Antiquities, which specializes in Persian, Turkish, Chinese, and Indian rugs.

Noted for its coastline and country settings, Eastern Connecticut is not to be missed on your antiquing travels. Just off of Route 2 in the former farming and mill town of Colchester is the renowned Nathan Liverant and Son Antiques, family-owned, third-generation dealers in fine American art and antiques.  Swing by Harry’s Place for a quick bite of American roadside food before continuing on your way.  For a quaint overnight stay the historic Spring Hill Inn located in Mansfield offers accommodations in a restored 1730s home.  Further north off of I-395 in Putnam is the Antiques Marketplace, one of Connecticut’s oldest antique mega-malls.

A short drive will take you to the charming and historic Pomfret Center where you can stop in at the Vanilla Bean Café for baked goods, a sandwich, or homemade soup before exploring the town’s shops and galleries. Head south in Mystic Country and discover the historic and quaint Stonington Borough where you will find Grand & Water Antiques, which offers “antiques with a modern twist” including estate items, furniture, silver, porcelain, and decorative accessories. You will feel like a local on your walk down Water Street, passing by boutiques, antique shops, and galleries until you reach the Old Lighthouse Museum, where you can learn the history of this celebrated 1840 landmark.

For a combination of antiques and design, plan a visit to the Antique & Artisan Gallery, located in Stamford, to see the offerings of more than 60 vendors in stylized-room vignettes. After you’ve worked up an appetite contemplating design possibilities, try Olio for casual fine dining or Barcelona Wine Bar for a Spanish tapas menu.

Travel north on I-95 to Stratford to Stratford Antique Center, with more than 200 antiques and collectibles dealers. After perusing this huge selection of antiques and collectibles, settle in at Biagio Osteria for classic and modern Italian specialties.

Begin your tour of Connecticut’s quaint shoreline community in historic Guilford with a visit to Edwin C. Ahlberg Antiques, a family-owned antique business specializing in formal American and high-style country furniture. The Guilford Bistro’s menu combines traditional regional Italian recipes with modern execution. Continue along the shoreline on Route 1 for a scenic drive to Madison, home to Hammonasset Beach State Park and breathtaking views of Long Island Sound. While on Route 1 in Madison, visit Walker Loden, offering a selection of vintage furniture. As you approach the Town Green, the Madison Historical Society will be on your left. Up ahead, the town’s center features boutique shopping and R.J. Julia Booksellers, an independent bookstore with a terrific selection of great reads and where autographed photos of celebrity guest speakers line the walls. Extend your stay in Madison at the Scranton Seahorse Inn, an 1833 Greek revival homestead located in the village of Madison.

Another short drive will take to you the village of Essex to Old Beautiful, a shop of antique American furniture and accessories. And while you are in shopping mode, do not overlook nearby Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, a cluster of more than 70 outlet stores. Complete your visit to Clinton at Chamard Vineyards, a 40-acre property with French-inspired wine selections, a tasting room, and an inviting bistro.

Your experience of charming Connecticut towns continues through Connecticut’s River Valley. Begin the journey at The Shops at Marlborough Barn with Barn Antiques offering a blend of antiques and collectibles. This multi-dealer store, home to more than 40 vendors, is an ideal place for some treasure hunting. After browsing all the amazing items at the Barn, head over to Sadler’s Ordinary for some amazing “comfort food.” Decorated with country antiques, it proudly continues the New England hospitality traditions.  For an overnight retreat, travel north to the next town of Glastonbury. Located in the heart of Glastonbury’s historic district, the Connecticut River Valley Inn, a renovated 1740 bed and breakfast, offers four luxury suites along with a three-course gourmet breakfast. And just across the River in Farmington, try ANTIQ'S for an appraisal of your own treasures.

Travel south on nearby Route 9 and you will find the charming Connecticut River town of Chester and Spiritus Mundi Antiques.  You can search for country antiques, furniture and accessories, paintings, blue decorated stoneware, and other Americana items.  In the town’s central village, a leisurely stroll on Chester’s historic Main Street is a must. In season (April through November), take the Chester/Hadlyme Ferry for a delightful ride across the Connecticut River. Once in Hadlyme, visit Black Whale Antiques featuring a mix of American, English, and Continental furniture, a garden and gift shop, and an art gallery.

There are antique shops, treasures, and special finds all over Connecticut, with plenty to do in between your “hunts.” How will you experience the past?