Antiquing in the Southeast

Antiques are windows to the past. The items that represent eras in human society are desired for age, rarity, personal connections, and other unique details. Starting a collection of rare, timeless pieces is actually quite easy to do, and often times once someone has begun the collection, he or she will start frequently antiquing.

Antiquing is the act of shopping for antiques. Many start out small, antiquing in their home towns, visiting yard sales, and antique stores. However, there are many antique enthusiasts who take to the open road and travel to find exceptional pieces to add to their collections. Antique stores are all over the United States, but some of the best places to find antiques are in the Southeastern part of the United States. If you are an avid antique collector looking for places to visit to find unique treasures, or just a beginner looking for ideas, here are three places in the Southeast that you should consider visiting to find some great additions to any collections.

Cameron, North Carolina - The small town of Cameron really came to life in 1875 when the railroad arrived. By that time, the Fayetteville Plank Road and the railroad offered many opportunities to those in the area. The turpentine distilleries and dewberry farming industries were notable businesses. At one time, Cameron was considered the dewberry capital of the world. Many of the points of interest in this town date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. What that means for collectors is rare and old finds. With ten shops along one road in Cameron, the town was named “Best Antique Area in North Carolina” by Our State Magazine. All of the antique stores are located in the original structures that were once general stores, homes, and offices. Throughout the year Cameron hosts antique fairs and festivals and invites even more dealers out to buy, sell, and trade antiques. If you love rare treasures and history behind pieces, then Cameron is a great place for you to visit.

Charleston, South Carolina - Charleston is the perfect place to find some uncommon antiques, as it was founded in 1670. At the time it was the most important port in the colonies, importing the best in 18^th and 19^th century culture. The influences of Europe and Asia are still present in the town today. The town itself was formed by many more influences as well. This includes the king for which the town was named, the “Merry Monarch,” King Charles II. Wars were fought within Charleston, as well as invasions of pirates, armies, and Indians. Each year the town hosts an international antique show that is inspired by the rich heritage of Charleston. Here you will find the best in period furniture and vintage pieces.

Asheville, North Carolina - The first settlers of the Asheville area arrived in 1784. Since then, the town of Asheville has boomed and along with the nation in the 1930s, struggled. During the Civil War, the area hosted a Confederate military hub, during the Roaring 20s, Asheville hosted presidents and famous authors F. Scott Fitzgerald and Thomas Wolfe. This is also where the largest privately owned home, the Biltmore House is located. This rich history has a lot to offer antique lovers. The Biltmore antiques district offers a multitude of shops, and it features the Sweeten Creek Antique Mall. This antique mall has 31,000 square feet of antiques. You will find French, English, and American antiques from the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th centuries. Like other antique towns, Asheville hosts an antique fair. The Asheville Antiques Fair is one of the oldest in the Southeast and is going into its 65^th year.

The Southeastern United States has an abundant history that will almost transport you back into the time periods of the antique pieces you see while visiting. Although you may just be in the areas for the purpose of adding to your collection, but you will surely fall in love with more than the antiques. It is almost like these towns were created for the antique enthusiast.

About the Author: P. Downing loves antiques. Working at www.directsattv.com helps to fund her hobby of collecting rare treasures.

Image credits: Flickr User megananne