For thrift and vintage enthusiasts, coming across a new place to explore is one of the best feelings – next to scoring a lucky find to bring home, of course.
The Northeast is chock-full of places to find gems from a bygone era, or just a great deal on pre-loved pieces. And whether that’s because of our rich history, sentimentality or just because Northeasterners especially love the thrill of the hunt is yet to be determined – but the why is much less important than the what and where.
So, strap on your fanny packs and get ready to thrift ‘til you drop. These are some of our favorite thrifting road trips in the Northeast, state by state.
Need a ride? Rent a car.
Connecticut
Putnam ➡️ Woodbury
Start your Connecticut thrift and vintage adventure in Putnam, where you’ll find one of the oldest antique mega-malls in the state, Antiques Marketplace. Wade through 325 dealer booths filled with 18th to 20th century pieces from furniture to the odd artifact. Depending on how early you’re starting, make a stop at Vanilla Bean Cafe for breakfast or lunch on your way toward Woodbury.
There’s so much to see in Woodbury that it even has its own antiques trail that showcases dozens of charming shops, like The Hidden Acorn, where you can browse through an intentionally curated collection of original and reclaimed antiques for the home. Make time for a visit to The Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden before settling in for the evening at 1754 House, a historic inn.
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Boston ➡️ Worcester ➡️ Brimfield
It’s not surprising that you can get a good thrift find in a big city like Boston, but the sheer number of places to find one certainly is. First, take a wander through the Cambridge Antique Market where the five floors of vendors may just take you all day to explore. If you can visit on a Sunday, don’t miss the SoWa Vintage Market happening every week, all year-round, rain or shine.
Of course, the plentiful options in the Beacon Hill neighborhood aren’t to be missed. Check out Covet for high-end consignment or The Blessing Barn for donation-based thrift finds.
When you’re good and hungry, replenish at Tatte with coffee and a hearty lunch.
In Worcester, check out Crompton Collective, a marketplace that showcases antiques and handmade goods in an enormous space that somehow still feels homey.
You may want to plan your road trip around the biggest antique event that Massachusetts offers (and purportedly the oldest outdoor flea market in the country): the Brimfield Flea. This mega-sized market will have your head on a swivel, with literally thousands of vendors scattered among 16 open fields. You’ll find it all at Brimfield, from antique rugs, books and oil paintings to comic books, clothing, records, knickknacks galore and so much more. The flea market is open for one week, three times a year in May, July and September.
New Jersey
Montclair ➡️ Lambertville ➡️ Burlington
While treasure hunting in New Jersey, you’d be keen to start off on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, specifically at the Montclair Antique Center. Enjoy rows and rows of showstopping finds there before fanning out in seek of The Gypsy Farmhouse for an eclectic offering of Amish furniture, vintage textiles, architectural salvage and more.
In Lambertville, “The Antiques Capital of New Jersey,” you’ll find yourself in a vintage haven. Make a point to visit The People’s Store, where you’ll find European, American and Asian antique finds all housed within the perfect setting (that is, a building that’s 185 years old). On a Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday, take a ride to the Golden Nugget Flea Market, named for its reputation as being a gold mine for vintage finds.
Swing around to Burlington solely for the Historic Burlington Antiques Emporium where you’ll discover everything from retired amusement park fixtures to Depression-era glass and military collectibles.
New York
New York City ➡️ Hudson Valley
We’re not sure how long it would take to scour every vintage or thrift shop in New York City, but we’re certain a short road trip wouldn’t cut it. However, there are some places to definitely hit. You’ve got spots for women’s apparel like 9th St. Vintage and Cobblestones, men’s clothing finds at Monk Vintage and for all of your housewares, trinkets and stuff that simply can’t be categorized, there’s Yesterday’s News in Brooklyn and the Manhattan Art and Antiques Center downtown.
Heading out of the city, check out the Stormville Airport Flea Market on weekends in April, May, July, August, September, October and November.
Rhode Island
Providence ➡️ Smithfield
For the smallest state, Rhode Island sure packs a punch when it comes to a good thrift. Start in the capital of Providence to visit The Vault Collective, a local favorite for its curated vintage apparel. On the weekend, take a walk over to The Providence Flea, where carefully selected local vendors sell their wares along the Providence River in the summertime and indoors at Farm Fresh RI in the cooler months.
Not quite Providence but close enough, take a short ride to Pawtucket to enjoy the Rhode Island Antiques Mall for 20,000 square feet of pure vintage goodness.
Heading up to Smithfield, a stop at Antiques Alley (formerly Stillwater Antiques) is a must. You’ll be greeted at the door by a life-size Elvis before walking through winding aisles that can only be described as a larger-than-life memory lane.
What are your favorite thrift and vintage stores? Tell us in the comments.
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Don’t forget Elephants Trunk Flea Market, 8AM-1PM, New Milford, CT every Sunday May to December. Check website if inclement weather is imminent as they do close in bad weather.
In Massachusetts, if you take the ferry from Hyannis to Nantucket, don’t miss the Hospital Thrift Shop on India Street. Three floors of amazing bargains, proceeds to charity!