New England Auctions, Antiques, and Flea Markets for the Back Road Bargain Hunter

New England auctions make personalizing a new home or apartment fun. You don't have to master the art of appraising antiques or be on the hunt for a flawless nineteenth-century armoire to find just the right piece at the right price. Some of the most serious New England antiquing gets concentrated in cities like Boston, but if you're feeling adventurous, follow us off the beaten path to a more unique flea market or antique fair, with plenty of other New England activities along the way.

Flea Markets in Massachusetts

The Brimfield Antiques Show usually pops up three times a year, in late spring, mid-summer, and early fall. For more than half a century, it's been a gathering spot for thousands of reputable antique dealers. This particular Massachusetts flea market makes a great outing for young families thanks to its festive atmosphere — think county fair, minus the demolition derby. If you have time, stay for a couple of nights in Sturbridge before the official show dates. That will allow time to explore the living history museum at Old Sturbridge Village, and you might also catch a local tip about which deals are coming up when, since vendors here time their show openings independently of each other.

Antique Auctions in Vermont

If you're planning a summer road trip to Vermont, consider reconnecting with that one friend whose obsession with his or her pickup truck you've never quite understood — now is that machine's time to shine. You can barely drive 10 miles on any road in the Green Mountain State without coming across some sort of knick-knack shop worth perusing, but the real treasures here are furniture sets and other large items. When Vermonters clean out their barns and attics, the best of the best antiques find their way to the Townshend Auction Gallery on scenic Route 30. We recommend approaching from the south through Wilmington, where Tallulah's Antiques or Twitchell House make for playful additional stops.

Antique Stores in Connecticut

The storefronts on Main Street in Woodbury, Connecticut, are popular with interior designers, who keep tabs on which dealer to visit depending on their client's tastes in time period and style. Spend some time getting to know the lay of the land here and you can gather your own cohesive set of accessories without paying a professional. Just a little further west in New Milford, the Elephant's Trunk Flea Market breaks out of the antiques-only mold with farm-fresh produce and upcycled crafts every Sunday from April through December. If you hit a rainy day during your vacation on the Connecticut shore, these two towns make for a solid day trip.

Costume Shopping in Portsmouth, N.H.

You've been invited to a swanky masquerade ball and the loudest garment you own is an ugly sweater. You're sick of standing on the sidelines while people in bowties and vintage seersucker twirl their ironic mustaches and sip craft cocktails. Trust us, we've been there. Between 20 Below Boutique and Old As Adam, you'll find attire ranging from vintage classy to downright silly on a trip to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The owners of both shops are extremely friendly—visit while they're not busy and don't be afraid to strike up a conversation while you mix and match.

Antique Shopping in Rhode Island

Just north of Providence, the Rhode Island Antiques Mall makes shopping quick and easy no matter the weather. The huge building is air conditioned, and vendors here keep their wares clean and well-organized. If you've got a particular item in mind and you'd rather err on the side of efficiency than spend a whole day exploring more haphazard arrangements, this is the antique store for you.

Roadside Antiquing in Maine

Antiquing in Maine might be the best decision for people who don't like to make decisions ahead of time. Without a particular destination in mind, you can cruise one of the state's classic highways — lobster rolls along Route 1, anyone? — and collect all kinds of New England antiques along the way. With an array of handmade jewelry and garden accessories in addition to top-notch antiques, The Shops at Bell Farm in York are a great place to start.

We hope you have a blast exploring our favorite New England auctions, antique shops, and flea markets — happy hunting!

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