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Antiquing in Dutchess: The Best Destinations for Vintage Shopping

Date Published: January 30, 2024

Antiquing is a wonderful way to explore the Hudson Valley’s charming cities and towns. In Dutchess County, stroll along Main Streets full of eclectic antique shops, thrift stores, record shops and more. Search for the perfect gifts for the holidays, or inject your home with a bit of vintage character—after all, every item found at one of these shopping destinations has a story of its own. In fact, National Geographic named antiquing in the Hudson Valley as one of the 20 top travel experiences for 2024 (on a list that includes safaris in Kenya and the Olympics in Paris.) To read more, click here.

Read on for the best Dutchess County towns to visit for antiquing!

Millerton Antiques Center
Millerton Antiques Center

Millerton

This eastern Dutchess village evokes a classic “Small Town, USA” atmosphere. Did you know its picturesque Main Street connects directly to the Harlem Valley Rail Trail—a path that extends over 26 miles? In fact, the National Register Main Street Historic District features nineteenth and early twentieth century architecture, which houses incredible antique shops among other attractions.

Millerton Antiques Center Window Display
Millerton Antiques Center

The Millerton Antiques Center is a must-visit. An iconic exterior invites passersby inside to explore the vintage wares of nearly 40 antique dealers. Open every day of the week, hunt for vinyl records, furniture, art, kitchen wares, jewelry, vintage clothing, collectibles and everything in between. New finds arrive daily!

A trip to Hunter Bee yields pieces full of personality. The curators focus on functional-but-fun-furniture and one-of-a-kind conversation starters. A passion for typography and folk art guides this quirky collection. Pop art on a massive scale stands alongside elaborate miniatures; Hunter Bee is as much an art gallery as it is an antiques shop. 

Montage Antiques
Montage Antiques

Montage Antiques specializes in vintage finds for unique interior design. Go expecting a wide range of styles, as Montage stocks everything from mid-century modern to country furniture. Pop-up boutiques feature antique dealers and specialists from across the northeast. Plus, be sure to check out their home decor and lighting fixtures.

Another brand that’s been around for decades, Cottage + Camp presents its own take on home design and art. Though they supply antiques and vintage furnishings, Cottage + Camp evokes a distinctly modern and sophisticated feel. 

TIP: Fuel any antique expedition with a cup at Harney & Sons Fine Teas.


Related: Top 10 Coffee Shops in Dutchess


Rhinebeck Main Street
Rhinebeck

Rhinebeck

Country Living Magazine named Rhinebeck one of the ten most charming small towns in the country, and it's earned that status with a dearth of restaurants, shops and experiences. For instance, Rhinebeck is home to the Dutchess County Fair, a 175+ year tradition. Ascend Ferncliff Forest Fire Tower for spectacular Hudson Valley views, visit ‘T’ Space gallery or Upstate Films for the arts and stay at the Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn, the nation’s oldest continuously operating inn.


Related: Download the Dutchess Tourism Zen Finder Pass for Hidden Gem Hikes


Beekman Arms
Beekman Arms and Delameter Inn; Photo by @lily_lucca_yellowlabs

Speaking of the hotel that’s housed guests since before the Revolutionary War, the Beekman Arms Antique Market offers visitors an upscale vintage shopping experience. Just behind the inn, find a red two-story barn with the antique emporium inside. Shop for jewelry, collectibles, art and more from over 30 dealers.

Do you love collecting comic books? Well, step inside Megabrain Comics for a plethora of superhero stories and collectible issues. Browse both new and vintage comic books for all ages. Plus, Megabrain sells vinyl records ranging from soundtracks to rock classics. This is a community favorite stop.

Rhinebeck Vinyl Vault is another must-visit for hardcore music collectors. In addition to new and rare vintage albums, find Funko Pops, band merch and more in the heart of the village. 

Though a regional purveyor of nationally acclaimed furniture and home design brands, Hammertown also features a vast selection of antiques. The Rhinebeck and Pine Plains stores encourage shoppers to take their time perusing; Hammertown strives to be a community gathering place. Vintage chairs, tables, storage, mirrors, paintings, rugs and other old-school finds make up the antiques section.

TIP: If you’re shopping for gifts, be sure to stop by Samuel’s Sweet Shop for chocolate, baked goods and confections. Did you know that actors Paul Rudd, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton ran the cute candy store?

Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome Biplanes in flight
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome 

Red Hook

Legend has it that Henry Hudson’s crew named Red Hook after the hook-shaped hills covered with red foliage when they arrived in the Hudson Valley. This lovely village is a great place to spend a day, with local-favorite farms, restaurants and a vintage biplane museum (where you can soar above Dutchess County in an open cockpit!) 

Stroll into Hoffman’s Barn, a former farm market-turned antique shop. Daily additions to the collection include hardware, architectural pieces, fine dishware, books, furnishings, records and more. Roger Hoffman greets visitors at the door, offering insight into each piece alongside a thorough knowledge of Dutchess County history.

Ready to upcycle some of your new-found antiques? Hudson Valley Vintage offers all the typical antique shop fare—home decor, vintage furnishings, accessories—plus DIY workshops. Painting sessions show you exactly how to breathe new life into old furniture and reclaim family heirlooms, plus a variety of kits permit you to upcycle once you return home.

Open almost every day of the year, Annex Antiques Center is certainly the place to go if you need a unique gift fast. More than 30 dealers showcase collectibles, antique furniture, art, tools, fine China, home goods etc.

TIP: Annandale-on-Hudson, a hamlet of Red Hook, is home to the Fisher Center at Bard College. After a long day of shopping, head to this stunning Frank Gehry-designed structure for a performance of opera, classical music, dance, theater, and fusion. If you download the FREE Dutchess Tourism Inspiration Finder pass, earn deals and discounts at arts and culture experiences across the County! Get yours here.

Beacon
Beacon

Beacon

Main Street Beacon is a favorite among travelers for shopping. In addition to a slew of swanky stores—including Jersey Shore star-owned The Snooki Shop, this Southern Dutchess city features many opportunities to discover awesome antique items.

Violet Reserve captures the curiosity of visitors with handmade light fixtures displayed in the windows, alongside a stunning mural that makes its way inside. Their team restores antique treasures, applying an expertise in upcycling to clothing, home goods, furniture and other decor. 

For those seeking to reinvent their wardrobe, stop by Blackbird Attic. This consignment boutique assembles an impressive collection of modern and vintage clothing. Bohemian styles reign supreme, with an awesome assortment of accessories.

Beacon Flea Market
Beacon Flea Market; Photo courtesy of Beacon Flea Market

Vintage:Beacon also caters to shoppers vying for timeless pieces. The consignment and retail boutique highlights luxe modern designers and vibrant vintage finds. 

Music lovers, Beacon has you covered. Spend an afternoon browsing the library of music at Hudson Valley Vinyl. They collect a wide range of vintage pressings in LPs, 45s and 12’’ singles. Score hits from the psychedelic 60s, 80s rock classics, eclectic world music, soundtracks, scores and much more. For real record bin hunters, head inside Jake’s Main Street Music. This incredible guitar shop also sports a treasure trove of discount vinyl records.

TIP: Of course, Sundays are for the Beacon Flea Market. Through December, shop for a variety of antique home goods in this open-air market. Vintage clothing, carpets, records, movies, toys, and much more can be found here. 

Rhinebeck Antique Emporium
Rhinebeck Antique Emporium

Hyde Park and Staatsburg

Historic Hyde Park and Staatsburg offer insightful looks into the lives of important people, ranging from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to Gilded Age families like the Vanderbilts, Livingstons and Mills. 

Spend hours perusing the Hyde Park Antiques Center’s 9,500 square feet. Speaking of FDR, the president used the center as the headquarters for his secret service contingency in the 30s and 40s. Further back in the 18th century, it was used as a stage shop between Albany and New York City. Now when you visit, find stunning antique armchairs, vintage furnishings and dishware, decor, books and much much more. Find other secondhand scores at Hyde Park Consignment, just a ten minute walk away. Shoes, accessories, clothes, jewelry, CDs, and books await.

Plus, nearby Rhinebeck Antique Emporium in Staatsburg provides an array of vintage furniture, antique jewelry, porcelain, tapestries, paintings and more. Their repair team expertly restores antiques and heirlooms. Visit before the holidays to source a unique and thoughful antique gift!

Millbrook Antiques Center
Millbrook Antiques Center

BONUS

Millbrook Antiques Center features three floors of various antique shops, a perfect one-stop-shop for vintage gifts! Admire their special collection of 18th and 19th century European furniture, plus a range of collectibles, rare books and stunningly unique pieces.

Darkside Records
Darkside Records

For record collectors, Darkside Records in Poughkeepsie is a must. Though their supply of new and custom vinyl records is robust, any keen music aficionado will find used treasures on their shelves. They also stock turntable record players, parts, DVDs, CDs, video games and other vintage items.

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