| antique shops & flea markets |
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Brass Knob Architectural Antiques 2311 18th Street NW Washington DC 20009 202-332-3370 www.brassknob.com I first became obsessed with this store after spotting an ad in DC Spaces (local architecture magazine). The offering just screams "look at me"?! Maybe I have watched one too many episodes of Room Service, but a store like this demands attention. And yes, even if you never buy one of their beautiful antique doors, if you appreciate old school Victorian grandeur, your trip to the store will be time well spent. Immerse yourself in the splendor of amazing claw foot tubs, antique brass door knobs, magnificent stained glass and, of course, lots antique/salvaged doors. While in Adams Morgan, take a trip to Lauriol Plaza for some tasty Mexican food and margaritas to celebrate a fun day. Capital Antiques 5122 MacArthur Blvd NW Washington DC 20016 202-966-4887 www.capitalantiques.com Thoughtful selection of 1800s and 1900s finds including furniture and artwork. Cool spot just down the road from Georgetown University as you are leaving the G-town area heading down Canal Street. Note, the owner is the primary staff and is wonderful to work with for your antique needs as well as renovation services for items that might a little repair to restore them to a more stately look. Note, don't let the small size fool you, the store is filled with treasures. As always, try to have a few stores lined up. Shopping for antiques is hit or miss business and one store doesn't typically provide all your needs all the time. The Design House is adjacent to The Old Lucketts Store and shares a business address, website and zest for all things antique. The Design House has its own space and a decidedly sleeker look than its sister house, the Old Lucketts Store. Take your time to roam through every room of this quaint home turned boutique. I found a sweet wire basket hiding in a spare bedroom on the second floor. It made for the perfect toy holder. These shops are just too good to be true☺ DC Big Flea
Location: Dulles Expo Center Chantilly, VA Sponsored by: www.damorepromotions.com Always in search of a cool one-of-kind piece, I headed to the DC Big Flea. I felt confident that it would be time well spent, after all the owner of an antique shop that I love had told me about the "Big Flea". Yes, it was going to me and a few other folks that would head into this event. Wrong, I was joined by 1,000+ of my closest friends and by friends I mean total strangers. How did they know about this event? Well apparently the word is out! The Big Flea is held over two days and it fills two huge buildings at the Dulles Expo Center. The wares range from $1.00 postcards to $5,000 antique apothecary. I was beyond impressed. I scored an antique church pew and an adorable 1910 end table. The best part is the selection. With endless vendors to choose from you are sure to find a product and a price that suits you. I refuse to pay "big" money with a toddler running around my house. This event fit the bill. Prices were much more reasonable than some of the smaller antique shops that I have gone to in the past. The vendors that attend travel from all of over the East Coast and bring some great treasures. So popular is the event that it is held 4 times a year. Check the either www.damorepromotions.com or www.dullesexpo.com for more information. Have fun and don't forget to bring cash or check, very few vendors take credit cards! Eastern Market
7th Street & North Carolina Avenue, SE Washington DC 20003 202-544-0083 www.easternmarket.net/ Here it is the Mecca of DC Farmers' Markets. The market has one of the largest assortments of wares that I have seen at a farmers' market. There are parking lot filled to the brim with local artisans' work, antiques and crafts. From there you graduate onto a number of local outdoor street vendors with an assortment fresh vegetables, fruit and even clothing at some stations. Finally make your way into the circa late 1800s South Hall market building. It is alive with activity and filled with meats, cheeses, flowers and lots of tasty made-to-order foods. The farmers' market is open year round, six days a week. Five Oaks Antiques
2413 Mount Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22301 703-519-7006 A recent move has some folks trying to find this Alexandria favorite. It has moved from Monroe to its new home on Mount Vernon. You will love the vintage jewelry, antiques and furniture. The shop is still close to a day of fun in Old Town Alexandria. Four Shabby Chicks
212 Loudoun Street, SE
Leesburg VA 20175
703-669-0380
Charming store filled with the essence of "Shabby Chic" style. You will love their jewelry, antique lace, bath potions and one-of-kind pieces such as antique mantels. Some items are a definite find! Some advice, unless you are a true connoisseur of antique furniture, I would steer clear of the more expensively priced bedroom sets. You can get the same pieces in mint condition from Stanley Youth (www.stanleyfurniture.com) for a lot less money. Noteworthy, the ladies run a great flea market from April thru November on the last Saturday off the month. Call to confirm location or check the website for more information and directions. Old Lucketts Store
42350 Lucketts Road
Leesburg VA 20176
703-779-0268
You can see why Old Lucketts was voted "Best Antique Shop in Loudoun County" and was featured in Better, Homes & Garden's book "Flea Market Decorating". Located in a 1910 structure, that once served as a post office and general store, the location exudes warmth and charm. Wrought iron gates, garden urns, antique chairs, vintage cards, distinctive mirrors and the list goes on and on! With over 20 dealers located under one roof you are sure to find something your must have today! Bring your SUV for this trip. Noteworthy, a passionate staff, exceptional wares and reasonably prices make this location the perfect respite from city life. Don’t miss the bi-annual antique ~ flea market in mid-May and late August. Spring Antique Fair ~ Old Lucketts Store
42350 Lucketts Road
Leesburg VA 20176
703-779-0268
I love this event. Picture a beautiful May day in an open field in Leesburg. So begins your day. Park up at the local elementary school and make your way over to the 100+ vendors that have set up shop for a two day weekend of antiques, food and live music. If your little one can handle a few hours in a stroller, you could even bring him along. It a great time for those that love the real deal antique market. The day comes replete with music, caramel corn, tons of cool finds and even a wine tasting station. It doesn't get better! If Leesburg is a bit of ride for you, bring your girlfriends and make a day of it. After the fair, head over to one of the local wineries that offer lunch and a view. Learn more about Leesburg on the attached sites www.leesburghva.com/visitors/ and www.virginiawines.org. Twig House
Long time fans of the Twig House were disappointed to learn that the Vienna, VA store closed it doors. Great news, the owner moved. The Twig House, along with 30 other dealers, can be found at The Old Lucketts Store (listed on our site) in Leesburg. Now, we move onto the professionals. So robust is the lineup of vendors in Frederick, MD that the town is receiving its own subsection vendor listing. Take a Saturday, map out your tour and head for Frederick, MD. There are endless finds both big and small in every price point possible. I love this locale for “real deals”.
Let’s face it, with this much competition and much lower retail rents then our friends in Metro DC, you are sure to find a great piece for the right price. Don’t be afraid to haggle on price. At the very least, draw off 3% if you are paying with cash versus credit card. Average credit card fees are at least 3% for vendors. Do a full search and have competitive prices in hand if you really want to get into the “Art of the Deal” with a merchant. Good luck! Frederick, MD
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