Are you one of those people for whom ‘antique’ is a verb? If so, you should probably set aside some day-trip dates for ‘antiquing’ along the Connecticut Antiques Trail!
Hit the road and visit spots where you’ll see your fair share of 1700s Americana, mid-century modern furniture, and vintage collectibles from every generation. Go prepared to spend some slow time amidst the auction houses and small town antique shops, flea markets and antique shows — even historic inns filled with treasures from another age!
The CT Antiques Trail winds through historic and scenic Connecticut revealing antiques of varying styles, periods and price ranges to satisfy enthusiasts and collectors alike. Keep your eyes open – there’s a very good chance you’ll find that rare piece you’ve been searching for forever; or, perhaps, a complete surprise that catches your glance, captures your heart, and comes back home with you!
The vibrant energy and activity of Fairfield County is certain to put you in the shopping spirit. Along the the meandering roads between Greenwich and Stratford there are a wide variety of antique shops and centers. If the idea of spotting an 18th century pumpkin pine blanket chest in the corner of an antiques shop, or finding a rare Chinese export Rose Medallion porcelain platter, or stumbling upon a pair of mid-century modern Harvey Probber lounge chairs covered in Jack Lenor Larsen printed velvet is thrilling to you, then you’re looking in the right area!
Antiques: United House Wrecking Co., Stamford, CT
In Stamford, you’ll be able to browse architectural salvage, antique and reproduction furniture, and unique furnishings for home and patio at United House Wrecking Co.
Antiques: Antique & Artisan Gallery, Stamford, CT
Also in Stamford, the Antique & Artisan Gallery always offers surprises in the antiques and design realms. Stop by to peruse the offerings of over 60 vendors in stylized-room vignettes across the 22,000+ square foot facility. Treasures galore!
Food: Cafe Silvium, Stamford, CT
And, since you’re making a day of it, you might as well stop in to Stamford’s celebrated Cafe Silvium (only a half mile away from the Antique & Artisan Gallery, for some of their hand-made pastas, particularly the cavatelli, which is the chef’s specialty!
Antiques: Stratford Antique Center, Stratford, CT
Heading further north along I-95 will eventually deliver you to the big, blue building housing Stratford Antique Center. This is Fairfield County’s oldest multi-dealer group antique shop with 16,500+ square feet of antiques and collectibles from over 200 dealers.
Beer: Two Roads Brewing Company, Stratford, CT
For an extracurricular stop in Stratford, visit the tasting room at Two Roads Brewing Company (less than a half mile from Stratford Antique Center). Sample some tasty, summer-season offerings from their tap list – and grab some beer-to-go to enjoy back at home! They even have brewery tours over the weekend for a nominal fee!
Antiques; Runk Douglas Antiques, Southport, CT
If you turn around in Stratford and begin heading back towards Greenwich – be certain to make a stop in the historic village of Southport and search out Runk Douglas Antiques to see what they have in the way of English antiques and fine art. This place is oozing with character – along with plenty of unexpected treasures! Housed in an 1890’s blacksmith’s shop in Southport’s Historic District, Runk Douglas is a destination for both the serious and novice collector as well as for those looking for the unique and unusual.
Antiques: L’Antiquaire, Westport, CT
The return trip to Greenwich also offers the opportunity to stop in at L’Antiquaire in Westport’s historic district overlooking the Saugatuck River. This true jewel of a shop caters to A-list designers and architects as well as private individuals from all over the country.
L’Antiquaire features clean and architectural, high-end imported furniture – 19th and 20th Century Biedermeier, Neo-Classic and Art Deco pieces that are never fussy and particularly suited to today’s contemporary lifestyle and aesthetic. The accent is on rare and fine woods, rich patinas in impeccable condition.
Lighting is also a primary feature of L’Antiquaire’s collection. Unique antique, vintage and custom blown Italian fixtures including Murano, Venini and Seguso chandeliers, lanterns, and sconces are just a few of the treasures found in this stellar collection.
Shopping: Downtown Westport, CT
Before you take the 17 mile ride home from Westport, find an excuse to stroll through Downtown Westport which offers a unique combination of quaint New England charm along with sophisticated shopping and dining in a lovely riverside setting. You’ll find mom-and-pop-shops, local chains and national retailers, distinctive eateries, indoor and outdoor entertainment venues, galleries, a museum, historical landmarks, and natural beauty – all within a short walk.
