While online shopping has boomed in the last decade, we often have to trade the fun of discovering something new for convenience. Washington County’s antique shops offer an alternative, one-of-a-kind experience: the antidote to online monotony.

No matter where you start your day on the Antique Trail, you won’t be disappointed. But there’s no community in Washington County with as many secondhand shops as Cambridge. Not only is it an artists’ paradise, but it has also come to be an incredible antique shopping wonderland!

In the middle of downtown Cambridge, Hubbard Block Antiques is the go-to spot for jewelry lovers and more. You’ll find all kinds of vintage goodies, from Art Deco lighting to vintage jewelry, linens, and furniture. Plus, there’s a collection of new and vintage Christmas ornaments and other, folk-style decor available year-round.

Love vintage pieces but hate restoring the pieces you find? Pay a visit to Shiny Sisters for recycled, repurposed, and reimagined vintage goodies! The multi-dealer Cambridge Art and Antiques Center is another stop on the trail, with something for everyone to discover and all eras of vintage, retro, and antique items. In the same building, you’ll find unique creations and decades-old treasures at Jack’s Outback Antiques.

On your way out of Cambridge to the east is Blacksmith Antiques, but don’t blink, you might just miss it as you drive by! Set in a historic blacksmithing shop, you can wander the aisles surrounded by decades of kitschy finds – from pottery and farm tools to political memorabilia and children’s books. As you make your way east Greenwich be sure to stop at Arena Sisters for architectural salvage, vintage housewares, and antiques.

In the village itself, you’ll find Penny Wise Shoppe, home to an incredible consignment selection for men and women, plus decor and accessories, and two large thrift stores: Hidden Treasures and Faerydale. Looking for Greenwich Hardware Antiques? Following the Main Street fire in February 2022, the shop is no longer operating out of the former hardware store on Main Street, but Wayne’s picks can be found at the Cambridge Antiques Center!

If you’re heading north out of the village, don’t miss Old Book Surfer near Lake Lauderdale. This collection of used books and vinyl records is any bibliophile’s dream to sort through, whether for a unique gift or to add to your own collection. You can even shop some selections online!

Love to search the stacks for used and rare books? You’re in luck! There are even more homesteads-turned-booksellers in Washington County, and all are just a few minutes’ drive from each other.

The seasonal Owl Pen Books has an incredible story. The chance discovery of the farm during a meandering drive through the area on a visit from Manhattan in 1944 led Barbara Probst to her dream. Many decades later, the shop has been passed onto two different, dedicated owners. Today, the Pen’s story lives on with its barn filled to the brim with unique books of all kinds to discover.

Another great spot for book lovers is Wilson Homestead Old Books & Antiques – known to specialize in “nonfiction for the curious.” The collection represents the owners’ special passion for local Washington County history and cookbooks, but you can find a variety of topics and eras among the shelves. The homestead also has a selection of antiques, from textiles and cooking equipment to architectural parts.

As you make your way from Wilson Homestead you’ll find another great collection of shops in the Granville area. The Olde 1840 has a curated selection of antiques, restored furniture, and new gift items. Second Chance Barn is a seasonal shop with farm-related antiques and more.

Once you’re in town you can explore Shaw’s Antiques for beautiful clocks, collector’s items, Tiffany lamps, and other treasures on your list. Kid’s Korner Consignment offers a great selection of gently-used children’s clothing and new toys! 2nd Time Around is another hunter’s paradise with pieces from all eras, as is the seasonal 25 Slateville Antiques with a unique selection of artistic antiques.

Heading further north, don’t miss the seasonal Rose Cottage Collectables and Carol’s Collectibles & Antiques as you make your way into Whitehall. Then head over to State Line Flea Market and Fort Ann Antiques/Whitehall Antique Mall but don’t let the name fool you: Fort Ann is actually to the west of Whitehall! All four shops have an incredible, rotating selection of unique gems for your home or garden.

Heading down to Hudson Falls is the esteemed Village Booksmith, home to quite a collection of rare books and more. Just up the road is Goodale’s Furniture, a family-owned store with antiques and quality used furniture for any style of home!

If those suggestions just aren’t enough, dozens of upstate New York barn sales pop up throughout the summer season, not to mention the bi-annual antique fair at the fairgrounds each May and August.