12 Spots to Hunt for Texas Antiques

Nearly every old town square in
Texas has one shop that’s cluttered with reclaimed furniture, vintage decor, Grandma’s
toss-away accoutrements, and that one-of-a-kind item you’ve been looking for to
balance your living room’s feng shui. From eclectic malls to monthly outdoor
markets, there’s nothing quite like antiquing in Texas.

This summer, if you find yourself
traveling around the state, be sure to take a detour to these treasure-hunting
grounds for one-of-a-kind Texas antiques.

Star Antique

Tucked into a little Hill Country
town, the quaint Star Antique cottage is stuffed with everything from
Victorian-era light fixtures to found-object birdfeeders. 301 River Rd., Wimberley, 512.847.9970

Uncommon Objects

Although this South Congress icon
has relocated, the well-curated collection of 24 vendors — each
specializing in a style or a quirky interest — is still an Austin gem. Digging
through its offerings can feel like rummaging through the attic or garage of
that relative you never knew but always heard strange stories about. 1602 Fortview Rd., Austin, 512.442.4000

First Monday Trade Days

Nothing rivals the sheer size of the
massive First Monday Trade Days in Canton, which occur each weekend preceding
the first Monday of the month. Continuing a rural tradition that stretches back
to the 19th century, the trade days hawk everything from massive log-hewn beds
and antique glassware to hardware, patio furniture, electronics, puppies, and
anything you could imagine. 800 First
Monday Ln., Canton, 903.567.6556

Gruene Antique Company

The little shop nestled in the Gruene Historic District, opposite the famed Gruene Hall, recaptures the feeling of an old small-town marketplace. Vendors offer jewelry, vintage toys, artwork, hats, boots, and plenty of other eclectic finds. 1607 Hunter Rd., New Braunfels, 830.629.7781

Carol Hicks Bolton Antiqüités

Treasure hunters will be rewarded by heading to Fredericksburg’s monthly trade days. But there’s plenty to discover year-round at this 30,000-square-foot storeroom on Lincoln St. It’s full of antiques from around the globe with a particularly strong focus on European items, all meticulously restored or reupholstered. 301 S. Lincoln St., Fredericksburg, 830.997.5551

77 Flea Market

For an antiquing experience with a
quintessentially South Texas flavor, hunt the 77 Flea Market for embroidered
shirts, sombreros, and flashy cowboy boots. The market sells a wide variety of
food to enjoy while you shop. 5955 N.
Expy., Brownsville, 956.546.5586

Lula B’s

This award-winning Dallas staple has
two locations and features dozens of vendors. With a taste palette that leans
mid-century modern, Lula B’s stalls are chock-full of furniture, glassware,
art, records, jewelry, toys, gizmos, gadgets, and nostalgia gems. 1010 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas,
214.749.1929

Downright Texas Antiques

Nestled along the Guadalupe River an
hour northwest of San Antonio, Downright Texas Antiques specializes in Texas
farmhouse-style home furnishings and art. The pieces are meticulously restored
or customized, making Downright the perfect destination for anyone who wants a
piece of Texas history in their home. 120
Carlisle Rd., Comfort, 210.413.0324

Antiques on Hildebrand

Sitting on a stretch of Hildebrand Avenue
that’s a top draw for interior design mavens, this shop features a wide variety
of eclectic finds and a knowledgeable staff to boot. The well-stocked showroom,
which has been described as mazelike, features furnishings from nearly every
decade — plus some plaster busts and reliefs fashioned by owner Robert Barrett.
521 W. Hildebrand Ave., San Antonio,
210.734.9337

Sunrise Antique Mall

Antiquing doesn’t have to lighten
your pocketbook too much. Sunrise Antique Mall in Kerrville offers an
accessible way to incorporate rare items into your home without breaking the
bank. The two-story mall is stocked with peculiarities, ephemera, and rare
finds. 820 Water St., Kerrville,
830.895.2414

Third Monday Trade Days

One of the oldest and largest
monthly flea markets in Texas dates back to the 1870s. McKinney’s monthly
festivities feature more than 450 vendors offering everything from antiques to
clothing to garage sale finds. So whether you are looking for a one-of-a-kind
historical furnishing or an item you can reconfigure, repurpose, and make your
own, this is your spot. 4550 W.
University Dr., McKinney, 972.562.5466

Original Round Top Antiques Fair

The seasonal Texas antiques shows in
the tiny town of Round Top are considered some of the best in the nation. For 50
years, the show’s Big Red Barn and tent have housed some of the most intriguing
and collectible items imaginable, from high-end masterpieces to delightful
forgotten gems. 475 Texas Hwy. 237, Round
Top, 512.237.4747

Heading off the beaten path? Explore some of Texas’ historic downtowns and film-set locations.