05 December . 2024
Wilmington’s Antique and Vintage Markets
Treasure Hunting in Wilmington’s Antique and Vintage Markets
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just looking for a fabulous find, a fun thing to do in Wilmington is browsing antique and vintage shops. Scattered throughout the area, you’ll find great opportunities for treasure hunting. Furniture, fashion, art, rugs and collectibles are all found in the Port City. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to shop in Wilmington.
A landmark in Wilmington’s antique scene, The Ivy Cottage is a campus of three stores, a warehouse and showroom just further up the road. The Ivy Cottage features everything from antique furniture to fine china, vintage jewelry, rugs and home décor. Inventory comes in and goes out quickly. HINT: If you spy something you want, don’t delay! The mix of styles—from mid-century modern to Victorian—caters to a variety of tastes and budgets.
Located in the heart of the historic downtown district, Antiques of Old Wilmington is a great destination, having opened way back in the late 1900’s, but check their hours before you head out. This quaint shop specializes in antique furniture, vintage artwork, and nautical items, reflecting the maritime history of the region.
Operated by the Historic Wilmington Foundation (HWF), Legacy Architectural Salvage is Wilmington's #1 source for architectural salvage, including doors, windows, lighting fixtures and hardware. LAS also sells donated pre-1970s furniture and home décor. All proceeds benefit HWF's historic preservation mission. This is an ideal spot for DIY’ers looking to incorporate vintage charm into their home-improvement projects while supporting a great local nonprofit.
Jess offers more than vintage clothing; she offers it with style and elegance in her vintage clothing boutique on Castle Street. Jess James’ curated collection reflects her sense of fashion and couture. Her choices cover all decades of vintage clothing, lingerie and accessories. Antique books and prints, art, jewelry and period collectibles add to this beautiful boutique and the overall shopping experience. Jess James is located in the Castle Street District, offering a delightful mix of eclectic shopping options, a monthly outdoor vendor market, cafes and more.
No matter your individual style -- nautical, coastal, shabby chic, romantic Victorian, country farm, or a mix -- this beautiful shop has it covered. An assembly of different vendors, the Vintage Marketplace offers a selection of jewelry, custom tables, barn doors, art, pottery, chandeliers and so many other rare and unique gifts and collectibles that are all handsomely displayed. Also a great place to shop for vintage and re-purposed seasonal décor.
Also a collection of vendors, Azalea Antiques & Art is a fun destination for anyone: avid collectors, thrift shoppers, flea market fanatics and those who are simply curious browsers. Bring the family, even the kids will be amazed at toys from a bygone era, and teens will delight in the vintage fashions, posters and more. Prepare to spend some time here, it’s a big place!
Flea Body’s is located near Ivy Cottage which started us off. This antique mall is family-owned and features over 65 vendors offering furniture, antiques, collectibles, household goods, and unique vintage creations. Flea Body’s also has a workshop on-site providing furniture painting, refinishing, re-staining, and refurbishing services.
Tis the season (always!)
…for finding treasure and joy in buying second-hand. Antiquing has always been an eco-friendly choice, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. But now these added considerations endow every purchase with even more thrill-of-the-hunt!
So, grab a friend, set aside a day, and delight in Wilmington’s antique destinations. You never know what you might find!