Texas Treasure Hunt

For some Texans, antiquing is a hobby; for others, it’s a way of life. You may go home with a set of 1950s Pyrex dishes or a brass umbrella holder, but the real prize is the thrill of the hunt. With know-how and a little luck, you can find a bargain while reclaiming a piece of history. And in a state this big, there’s something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to start down this wonderful rabbit hole.

Before You Go

Get off on the right foot by preparing well before the shopping begins.

1. Dress comfortably.
Wear sturdy clothes you don’t mind messing up that allow for easy movement. Anything too fancy will mark you as an easy upsell. You never know when your hunt will take you through a muddy field or up a flight of stairs, so skip the sandals and wear supportive, closed-toe shoes.

2.  Bring cash.
Many sellers still don’t accept credit cards or payment apps like Venmo, and nothing kills the excitement of a great find like a forced ATM run. It’s wise to keep cash on you even when you’re not planning to shop in case you happen upon a sale unexpectedly. Carrying cash can also help you stay within a budget.

3.  Figure out transportation ahead of time.
How will you get it home if you find something large and the seller doesn’t offer delivery? Is there space in your car, or should you borrow a friend’s truck or rent a trailer? Don’t forget protective materials like old quilts or blankets to protect your treasures during transport.

4.  Make a plan but hold it loosely.
If you’re going to a large sale with many vendors, check online for a map. Outlining your route before you go can save time, but allow yourself to be drawn off course if something catches your eye. Sometimes, the best finds are complete surprises. If you’re going to an antique mall, you never know what they’ll have in stock that day, so be flexible and don’t fixate on finding a particular item.

5.  Bring your own bags.
Don’t assume that all vendors will offer bags for your purchases. Bring sandwich bags, jewelry pouches, Manila envelopes, and reusable shopping bags for small items. You may consider bringing a rolling cart, wagon, or crossbody purse to leave your hands free to inspect merchandise. Remember that you may have to navigate tight spaces, so keep it reasonably sized.

6.  Pack snacks.
You might find food carts and tearooms in some markets and malls, or you might walk for hours with no refreshments in sight. Stash some emergency water and protein bars, just in case.

7.  Check the weather forecast.
Dress appropriately, bring layers to account for any Texas temperature two-stepping, and if there’s a chance of rain, save any covered booths or indoor spaces for last.

Where to Go

Whether you love the energy of a massive market or the quiet thrill of a hole-in-the-wall shop, the farther you go from the city, the less picked over the selection will likely be.

Thrift Stores. You’re less likely to find genuine antiques here, but you might spot some vintage furniture, books, clothes, and home decor. These are great places to flip furniture, learn the art of repurposing and restoring, and furnish a home on a budget.

Antique Stores. Traditional antique malls and galleries are a dime a dozen, so be selective. Stores in old town squares and small stores are worth checking out on a whim. Check online reviews before going anywhere that looks new or is on the side of a prominent highway, and beware of anything with “craft” in the name — you might be wading through a lot of modern handmade goods.

Estate Sales. When a parent or older relative dies, downsizes, or moves into assisted living, someone is left with the daunting task of dealing with the person’s possessions as quickly as possible. Most people hire a company to manage the estate sale, but you can find independently held estate sales on Facebook Marketplace — they often go overlooked and are priced significantly lower. Don’t be scared off by run-down houses, closed doors, or handwritten signs, and don’t forget to open boxes. Sometimes, the best goods haven’t been staged or even unpacked.

As always, be sure to exercise general safety practices before going somewhere unknown, and always tell someone you know your location if you are venturing out alone.

Auctions. Are you feeling lucky? Auctions are a gamble. It might be a bust, and you’ll walk away empty-handed, but you just might snag an incredible deal. The only way to know is to go. Yes, online shopping is more convenient, but the golden rule of auctions is “you must be present to win.” Simply showing up gives you an advantage over online-only shoppers and access to more merchandise.

Markets & Events. There’s nothing like the hustle and bustle of a crowded antique show with vendors and wares of all kinds. Ranging in length from a single day to several weeks, these sales attract antique hunters from all over and often become tourist destinations in their own right. If you’re planning a multiday trip to a large sale like Round Top, book your lodging months in advance, as they fill up quickly.

Specific Spots

There are way too many excellent antique sellers in texas to list here, but these are a few good places to hit if you’re nearby or can take a road trip.

1. Uncommon Objects is quintessential Austin. The top-notch curation is reflected in higher-than-average prices, but it’s worth it for the many oddities you won’t find anywhere else, like taxidermied animals and antique typewriters and cameras. Stop in on the last Sunday of the month for the flea market.
1602 Fort View Rd., Austin

2. First Monday Trade Days, as the name suggests, is held every month in Canton on the weekend preceding the first Monday, typically kicking off on Thursday. Covering more than 450 acres, the whole sprawl is packed with thousands of vendors and over 100,000 shoppers. Whether or not it’s actually the world’s largest flea market, as is claimed, it’s an amazing spectacle 150 years in the making.
800 First Monday Lane, Canton

3. The Antique Experience Denton has ever-changing stock that makes this mall a different experience every time you visit. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Tell the staff — they’ll add it to a customer wish list for you.
5800 N. Interstate 35 #307, Denton

4. Montgomery Street Antique Mall is an enormous 61,000-square-foot warehouse packed with more than 200 dealers and a charming tearoom and restaurant. Bonus: Listen to interviews with the mall’s dealers at thefindpodcast.blogspot.com.
2601 Montgomery St. ,Fort Worth

5. Round Top – yes, the entire town. The population balloons to several thousand during the twice- yearly Marburger Farm Antique Show, which is also known as Antiques Week and Round Top Antiques Show. The massive sale, which spans close to two weeks, skews toward the high-end and trendy, and the traffic and parking situation is not for the faint of heart, but there’s nothing like it.
11 miles on either side of S. State Highway 237, Round Top

6. Historic Market Square is a can’t-miss for anyone interested in Mexican art and antiques. Plus, the Tex-Mex is to die for. Visit on a weekend for live music and dancing.
514 W. Commerce St., San Antonio

7. Vintique Mall boasts 10,000+ square feet of vinyl records, mid-century modern furniture, original advertising signs, and much, much more. With more than 50 dealers bringing in new finds every day, workshops, and market days held on second Saturdays, Vintique is worth returning to again and again.
2121 N. Main St, Taylor

8. Wimberley Market Days is the largest and oldest outdoor market in the Hill Country, with 490 booths on 20 gorgeous acres. It runs from March through December on the first Saturday of the month. Go on a nice day and enjoy the live music.
601 Farm to Market Rd. 2325, Wimberley

Antique Categories

Having a general idea of what you’re looking for is helpful. Is there a historical period or item type that interests you? Are you looking for something you can use or just trying to create a specific aesthetic? Is your goal to repurpose something for your home or to flip it at a profit?

Here are just a few antique classifications worth knowing. Remember that items will be priced higher at specialized booths or shops.

Kitchenware. This includes everything from china, glasses, and cast-iron pans to vintage rolling pins, Fiestaware, and pitchers.

Furniture. The tables, dressers, and desks of yesteryear were made to last, and they’re some of the most sought-after antiques. Some favorite styles include rustic farmhouse and mid-century modern.

Paper and Ephemera. Letters, books, postcards, maps, and photographs are priceless glimpses into a different time.

Tools and Devices. If you’re looking for old hand tools, tractors, farm and ranching equipment, or gadgets like radios, record players, and cameras, ensure they still work before purchasing.

Jewelry, Fashion, and Textiles. You could fill entire fairs with vintage clothing, brooches, hats, accessories, fabric, ribbons, and linens. Old military uniforms and medals could fall into this category, too.

Art. Glassware, paintings, sculptures, ceramics — if you can imagine it, someone is selling it. Texas is an especially great source of Mexican, Native American, and Southwestern folk art.

Architectural Salvage. Old doors, windows, reclaimed wood, and advertising signs can be repurposed in striking ways.

Show Me the Money

Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to find out how much your stuff is worth and price it accordingly. People’s confidence in their flipping abilities is at an all-time high, resulting in price inflation, even on low-quality items.

Unless you’re very familiar with a particular category of antiques, it can be hard to know if something is a bargain. Do some homework and make sure your find is worth your time. You can ask the seller for details on the item’s age and history, but it’s good to do your own investigating, too.

Use Lens, Google’s visual search app, to check online for similar items. This online tool can also identify signatures on original art and determine the original purposes of odd-looking gadgets. Auction sites like eBay will help you determine an approximate price range, but look at past sale prices, not asking prices! The number of listings can give you a clue as to the item’s actual rarity.

Examine the item’s condition closely. Is it faded or broken? If it’s a machine or appliance, does it still work? If it contains fabric or upholstery, does it smell of mildew or secondhand smoke? Has it been worn down to look older than it actually is?

Listed prices may be negotiable, depending on the setting. You’re more likely to get a discount by asking, “Is this your best price?” than by directly proposing an amount. You might also get a price break if you buy a large amount from the same vendor.

Keep in mind that you can generally only negotiate with the actual seller. Many stores and booths are staffed by employees who don’t have the authority to lower prices. Approach the subject respectfully. At the end of the day, any price is fair if you are willing to pay it.

The Intangible

Antiquing is about shopping, but it’s also about novelty, discovery, tradition, and making memories. It’s about the experience — enjoying yourself with family and friends, visiting new places, and finding inspiration in unlikely places. Enjoy yourself!

You can meet some incredible people along the way and even form lasting friendships with sellers if you return to the same spots year after year. Ask locals for their shop or booth recommendations. Refer others to sellers who were especially helpful, and let people know what you’re looking for — they might keep an eye out for you.

Even the items themselves can spark a sense of connection to people from long ago. Though the previous owner is a stranger, some piece of their legacy continues when you find new homes and purposes for the things they bought or made. There is something grounding in being connected to the past. An object that was in someone else’s home is now in yours, and someday, it might be in someone else’s.

Already checked antiquing off your spring bucket list? Discover more must-dos and make the most of this special time of year in Texas with our comprehensive guide to spring activities.

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