The fun is in the hunt … you might just get lucky
Remember those Sunday afternoon drives? You didn’t quite know where you were going to end up. So why don’t you polish the Model T and drive the counties’ countrysides … consider it a treasure hunt. In the cities, towns and countryside in the Capital Saratoga Region, there is a treasure trove of antiques, small galleries and artists’ studios. There are dozens and dozens of antique shops, so many that there are printed brochures available to help you along the way, like a map on a treasure hunt. Regardless of the provenance, price or quality , both hoity-toity and quaint shops can be found in cities like Albany, Saratoga Springs, Troy and in small rural towns, selling everything from credenzas to rare books.
If you have been to your local flea markets and antique sellers so many times and are tired of looking at the same unsold items week after week, you are sure to find hundreds of items in and around the region. In rural settings, in towns with names like Cohoes, Waterford, Bleeker, Rotterdam, Hoosick, Rensselaerville, and Cambridge, one can only imagine what treasures are waiting to be found. The rural areas of Rensselaer and Washington Counties are especially recognized, and well known as a treasure trove of antique shops, collectibles and one-of-a-kind-heirlooms. If your choice of accommodation preference is a charming B & B, be it in a city, town, or in the country, there are many to choose from in the region. You can request an accommodation guide from each visitor association. Many owners of B & B’s have a passion for and knowledge of antique hunting in their respective areas. Plan to be out for the day, or an overnight, have lunch and dinner in interesting and possibly historic spots, and we’ll watch for you on the popular TV series Antiques Roadshow, where you may be appraising your amazing find! How about competing for antiques? Auctions are generally held every weekend and some special auctions during the week. Antique hall rooms are filled with treasures and are waiting for you and your competitor to name the right price. For a listing of our Antique Shops or auction dates, call (518) 725-0641 or 1-800-676-3858.
Fulton County
Explore the hidden treasures of Fulton County’s antique stores and barns that are filled with unfinished furniture, antiques, giftware, and more. While antique shopping, enjoy the quaint villages of Fulton County and find out why our village garage sale days are so popular.
Rensselaer County
A renaissance in downtown Troy has occurred in the historic River Street corridor running south from Monument Square to Congress Street on both sides of River. A dozen or more stand-alone Antique Shops, the Bournebrook Antique Center with 34 dealers, a free multilevel parking garage, local bus service, and tourist services make this 2 block venue a mecca for the sophisticated treasure hunter as well as the novice. Shops open Friday evenings and most days. Traveling north and east from Troy there are several antique shops along scenic Rte 7. At the junction of Hill Street and Rte 7 there is an auction barn that is open on weekends. Ambling south and east from Troy on Rte 66 scattered antique shops are on your way; contact (518-270-2959) or rensco.com
Saratoga County
The county is full of antique dealers and antique centers where you will find multiple dealers under one roof. Spend a full day wandering an antique center (30+ dealers) and antique shops in Ballston Spa, Malta, Greenfield Center and Schuylerville. You can also spend several hours browsing Saratoga Springs’ downtown antique shops, an antiquarian bookstore called Lyrical Ballad Bookstore, and the Regent Street Antique Center. Contact the Saratoga Chamber for antique dealers’ and their locations, 518-584-3255 or info@saratoga.org
Schenectady County
Enjoy a ride through the rolling hills of western Schenectady County. Begin your travels on Route 7 (off I 88) at Route 20 head west through Delanson. Be sure you turn right onto Mudge Road and make a left onto Skyline Road. As you travel you’ll find three of the area’s finest antiques dealers, one a very large multi-dealer center, offering treasured antiques, fantastic reproductions, and restoration services. Three charming antique dealers can be found right in downtown Schenectady. Start at the Historic Proctor’s Theater arcade. Two shops are located here, A Rare Find, and Act II Consignments. From there proceed down State Street towards the Stockade Historic District and then right onto Ferry Street and right onto Front Street. After leaving Front Street Antiques, head west to Erie Blvd and make a left onto Erie Blvd. This will take you towards the Rock & Glass Antique Center that specializes in large antiques and reproductions.
Washington County
There are over 50 antique stores in Washington County. A unique shopping experience awaits the antique hunter in this county. There is a wide variety with some featuring books and other’s architectural treasures and everything else in between. Follow the free travel map to plot your course.
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