Ceramic baking dishes, toys from your parents’ childhoods, fine china sets patterned in deep blue accents — vintage novelties and well-loved keepsakes are physical embodiments of past stories and traditions. Lining the shelves and aisles of antique stores, these items offer a glimpse into yesteryear and are poised to remain relevant — aesthetically and functionally — today. In Randolph County, Asheboro is a destination for antiquing enthusiasts and amateurs alike (click here to read about one writer’s Christmas shopping adventure parsing through the collections). Sunset Avenue alone is home to three iconic shops, with more nearby in Ramseur. Whether you’re hunting for home furnishings that last a lifetime or searching for a soon-to-be heirloom gift, block out a day to venture to these Randolph County towns. Fuel up with a coffee from The Table, then take your time uncovering the hidden treasures lying in plain sight.
Mid-century modern tables double as shelves at the Collector’s Antique Mall. photograph by Richard Schoenberger/Manor House Creative
Housed inside an old B.C. Moore department store, this 35,000-square-foot space houses mid-century (and older!) furniture, decor, light fixtures, toys, old appliances, and beyond. Shimmy between the aisles and marvel at the arrangements of vintage lamps and porcelain vases balanced on traditional-revival dressers and desks. Or, peek through the glass panels of china cabinets to peruse the dishware sets and crystal pieces inside. And in keeping with its Randolph County locale, the Antique Mall carries an array of Seagrove pottery. Wander between the three floors or focus in on one section — whichever you choose, be sure to give yourself plenty of time!
211 Sunset Avenue
Asheboro, NC 27203
collectorsantiquemall.com
The browsing begins before you even enter The Flea Marketeers’ door. Check out outdoor furniture and, in the warmer months, decorative plants. photograph by Richard Schoenberger/Manor House Creative
What was formerly a Rose’s department store, this cleverly named shop offers an array of vendors with goods from stylish guitars to collectible toys and old comic books to vintage Christmas decorations. Fuel your sense of nostalgia with toys, videos, and games from past decades. If you’re shopping for the hobbyists and collectors, you’ll find old movie memorabilia, classic soda bottles (we all know someone who collects them), and those delightful ceramic Christmas trees that feel reminiscent of Grandma’s house.
131 Sunset Avenue
Asheboro, NC 27203
(336) 318-2146
From vintage clothes to retro video games, this store brims with goods to bring a smile to your face. Shop for Marvel, DC, and anime comic books, games, and accessories and while away an afternoon thumbing through the crates of records or the shelves of VHS tapes. This is the Sunset Avenue store to visit when browsing with younger people in tow; introduce them to Antiques & Geeks to whet their antiquing whistle.
227 Sunset Avenue
Asheboro, NC 27203
(336) 318-1155
At Blue Horseshoe Antiques & Collectibles, you can turn antique farm tools into rustic decorations or find an old metal sign to add a splash of color to your walls. photograph by Richard Schoenberger/Manor House Creative
Take U.S. Route 64 about 15 minutes east toward Ramseur to reach this small-town antique shop. Representing more than 100 different vendors, you can browse the collections of primitives to pottery and salvaged farmhouse materials to old-school metal advertising signs. Flip through the collection of records, and maybe you can even snag a turntable to round out your listening experience. Not seeing what you’re looking for? Just ask the knowledgeable and friendly staff to guide you.
147 King Road
Ramseur, NC 27316
bluehorseshoeantiques.com
This antique store in downtown Ramseur goes beyond timeless furniture, sets of crystal dishware, and heirlooms. Here, you can also shop for handmade decorative items, cute children’s clothing, and chic women’s wear — all with a distinctly more modern feel. To fully embrace the sense of “something old, something new,” pay attention to the displays: A cast-iron skillet might be positioned next to a jar of locally made preserves, and a vintage holiday dish set arranged on a mid-century table feels complete next to a scented, seasonal candle. Magnolia’s on Main puts on special events throughout the year, so check their social media page to see what’s coming up.
1521 Main Street
Ramseur, NC 27316
(336) 737-4170
All aboard! This magic-filled train ride through a Montgomery County wonderland includes seasonal sweets, plenty of cheer, and a few extra-special passengers.
Communities across the state celebrate the holiday season with sparkling lights, vibrant displays, and festive events that bring joy to the world.
North Carolina’s celebrated homes and historic districts are never more beautiful than by candlelight at Christmastime.
The thrill of the hunt takes on new fervor during the holidays. Seek and find in Randolph County, where the bounty of antiques can tempt a picker to abandon her list.
