Antique lovers, rejoice: As fall approaches, so does one of the best times to head out on a weekend of treasure hunting and sightseeing. We've found 15 spots all over the country where you can get your fill of antiquing, then round out the weekend with other notable activities.
Why it's great for antiquing: Adamstown, named one of Fodors' "10 best antiquing towns in the U.S.," is also nicknamed "Antiques Capital USA." The city claims more than 5,000 dealers at venues including Stoudt's Black Angus Antiques Mall, which hosts more than 500 dealers.
Other things to do: Adamstown is in Lancaster County, the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. There are plenty of working farms, Amish restaurants, furniture shops, and quiet country roads to explore.
Why it's great for antiquing: It's hard to stand out in New England's prolific antiquing scene, but charming Woodbury packs more than 35 dealers on and around its Main Street. Many of the shops are in historic homes.
Other things to do: Feeling adventurous? Try whitewater tubing on the nearby Farmington River, which offers three miles of rapids. For something more relaxing, the Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston offers a 20-mile scenic train trip.
Why it's great for antiquing: Don't count out the West Coast; Ventura boasts 20 antique shops on its Main Street alone, according to Country Living. And don't miss the 500-vendor Ventura Flea Market, held several times a year.
Other things to do: Spend the day at the beach, of course. Harbor Cove beach is sheltered enough for family-friendly swimming. Take a boat to the Channel Islands National Park for hiking, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, surfing, tidepooling, bird watching, whale watching and more.
Why it's great for antiquing: Steeped in history, Charleston has plenty to offer antique lovers. Start at the King Street Antique District, where at least 11 dealers offer everything from 17th-century French finds to 19th century Caribbean furniture.
Other things to do: There's no shortage. Conde Nast Traveler readers even named Charleston their favorite small U.S. city last year. Simply wander the cobblestone streets to appreciate the 18th-century architecture, or hop on a boat for a tour of Charleston Harbor. Must-sees include Fort Sumter and Middleton Place plantation.
Why it's great for antiquing: At Mount Dora's Antique Center and Street of Shops, there are nearly 200 dealers every weekend (many of which can be browsed in air-conditioned comfort). Country Living notes that even more dealers come to display wares the third weekend of each month.
Other things to do: Explore quaint downtown Mount Dora or time a visit to coincide with one of many festivals, including a Blueberry Festival in April and a Seafood Festival in August. Mount Dora is also less than an hour from Orlando and Disney World.
Why it's great for antiquing: There are roughly 200 dealers in an eight-block area of downtown Frederick, and the nearby towns of Emmitsburg, Middletown, and New Market boast even more options. One of the highlights is Emporium Antiques, a 55,000-square-foot mall with more than 100 dealers.
Other things to do: Frederick and the surrounding area was an important Civil War crossroads, and history buffs can get their fill on the Maryland Civil War Trail driving tour. Frederick is home to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine and Monocacy National Battlefield.
Why it's great for antiquing: There are more than 400 dealers here, including several large antique malls. Start with the more than 55,000 square feet of treasures at the 260-dealer New Bedford Antiques at the Cove.
Other things to do: Learn all about New Bedford's past as a whaling town at its Whaling Museum. Other nautical attractions include the Schooner Ernestina, a National Historic Landmark berthed in the New Bedford State Pier.
Why it's great for antiquing: Stillwater boasts around 19 antique and vintage shops, including three multi-dealer malls. The largest, Midtown Antiques, offers three floors of finds and "the widest selection of antique American and European furniture in the upper Midwest."
Other things to do: Perched on the St. Croix River, Stillwater offers restaurants with sweeping views, gondola rides, a picturesque historic district, wineries, and more. Want a more urban adventure? It's also just a half-hour to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Why it's great for antiquing: The New York Times proclaims the Hudson Valley "antiques heaven," lauding the scenery, variety, and perhaps most importantly, reasonable prices. Start on Warren Street in Hudson, where dozens of shops are concentrated.
Other things to do: There's a lot more than shopping -- Hudson has become something of a foodie mecca and has a strong art scene as well. And be sure to take in the sweeping views, go on a hike, or tour the mansion at the 250-acre Olana State Historic Site, which was the home of landscape artist Frederic Edwin Church.
Why it's great for antiquing: This former utopian commune is notable today for its antiques and specialty shops -- at least 20, according to the city directory. The Oregonian recommends the three-story Main Street Mercantile, which has a little of everything, from Victoriana to pottery to furniture.
Other things to do: Head west to take in the varied scenery along the Oregon coast, or go east to take a hike in Mount Hood National Forest. Aurora is also a short 40-minute drive from Portland and its endless coffee shops, craft brewers, farm-to-table restaurants, and everything else hipster-approved.
Why it's great for antiquing: The self-proclaimed "antique capital of the Northwest" has more than 175 dealers at nearly a dozen shops. The five-level Star Center Antique Mall is worth a wander, featuring everything from dolls to flatware to vintage reference books.
Other things to do: Snohomish is nestled between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, so there are plenty of outdoor adventures nearby. One particularly popular option is whale-watching. Seattle is also just 40 minutes south for those who want a more urban experience.
Why it's great for antiquing: Michigan's "antique capital" is tiny -- population 191 -- but may have more antiques per capita than just about anywhere else. There are several small shops and large antique malls. One of the most notable is Preston's Antique Gaslight Village, which hosts at least 20 buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s.
Other things to do: Slow down by exploring the surrounding Michigan Amish country's bakeries and specialty shops. Or make the 80-minute drive to Ann Arbor to explore the University of Michigan campus, take a brew tour, or check out the Saturday Farmers Market.
Why it's great for antiquing: Picture-perfect Wiscasset has at least 20 antique shops, ideal for a weekend stroll, and several more just outside town, according to Down East magazine. Finds include plenty of early Americana, art, and fine china.
Other things to do: Don't miss getting a lobster roll at Red's Eats in Wiscasset. After eating, meander along U.S. 1 to explore other charming coastal towns, go lighthouse-spotting, and explore Maine's rocky coast. The Maine Maritime Museum in nearby Bath provides an overview of the region's nautical history.
Why it's great for antiquing: Four words -- "First Monday Trade Days." Don't be fooled by the name, though -- this massive show is open Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of every month. According to Country Living, there will be thousands of dealers and up to 300,000 fellow visitors.
Other things to do: Tiny Canton is just an hour from Dallas, where top attractions include the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and Dallas World Aquarium. Hard-core "Fixer Upper" fans should note that it's also only a couple hours to Waco, home of Chip and Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Market.
Why it's great for antiquing: On Northwest Illinois' Antique Trail, Galena and surrounding towns boast more than 80 dealers. Fodors recommends starting on Galena's Main Street, where there are at least eight shops to comb through.
Other things to do: Hilly Galena's other highlights include the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site and a number of 19th century buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are plenty of wineries, golf, and outdoor recreation possibilities, including hiking and kayaking on the Galena River.
