Blue Bottles

Antiquing in Georgia

We Southerners love nostalgia. It’s not that we want to live in the past; we just like to remember the “good ole days.” Most Southerners are storytellers in one way or another; historic buildings and antique ephemera give us an opportunity to relish in the past. In Georgia we’re lucky to have so many places that allow us to indulge our reminiscence of the past and its wares. Here are just a few of my favorite places for antiquing in the Peach State.

Greensboro Antique Mall

Just a quick jaunt from Atlanta or Athens, Greensboro is a great place to do some shopping. I always hit the Greensboro Antique Mall located in downtown Greensboro. The mall’s building was originally known as The Big Store; with its 11,000 square feet, it was known as the largest emporium for goods between Atlanta and Augusta. The Big Store’s motto was “offering everything from the cradle to the grave,” a motto that largely still rings true today.

scottsantiques
Scott Antique Markets

Scott Antique Markets, Atlanta

Scott Antique Markets takes place the second weekend of every month at the Atlanta Exposition Center. Shopping at Scott is a pretty serious commitment, with two buildings, rows of vendors, and an outdoor market place. Scott is packed with gorgeous furniture, estate jewelry, antique books, textiles and art; make sure you wear some comfy footwear and be prepared to negotiate! One of my favorite vendors, The Purse Lady, specializes in vintage one-of-a-kind handbags.

Agora Vintage, Athens

No trip to Athens is complete without a visit to Agora Vintage, which specializes in high-end vintage fashion and accessories.

VintageBag 1920s
Vintage Bag 1920s

Auntie Bellum’s Attic, Milledgeville

Just strolling through Milledgeville is a nostalgic experience. Thankfully, Milledgeville was spared on Sherman’s March to the Sea and much of the historic city center is still intact. In Milledgeville, you can find me strolling the old streets snapping photos of the old buildings. I usually pop by Auntie Bellum’s Attic in the historic downtown. They have a good variety of items here; they have a great selection of old bottles, post cards and architectural salvage.

The Paris Market in Savannah
The Paris Market in Savannah

The Paris Market, Savannah

Visiting The Paris Market is a total sensory experience and one of the most beautiful shops I’ve ever visited. Not strictly an antique store, the market brings together antiques, art, books, textiles, accessories, and other gifts together in historic downtown Savannah. The best part of shopping at The Paris Market—they have their own café! Before or after shopping, enjoy a cappuccino and macron in their beautiful little boulangerie!


Emily Laborde is a freelance writer and social media manager hooked on cruising backroads, photographing old houses, and loving all things local. For more check out her blog Em’s on the Road. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Published: January 2014
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