Community Corner
Find the Undiscovered Treasure in Adamstown
This Lancaster County town is known as "Antiques Capital U.S.A."
Who says treasure hunting is dead? I may not have a jewel-encrusted scabbard or a scroll of bloodstained parchment, but I have a GPS. And it is set to Adamstown, Pa.
My husband and I recently bought a home, which means a few things: 1) We are now poor, and 2) We have 1,800 square feet of sparsely furnished space to fill. Now some people may just pinch pennies and save up for a Crate & Barrel sofa or a pair of framed prints from West Elm.
I don’t have the patience for that. I have a house now, and I want to decorate it now. Lucky for me, I love all things vintage, and I adore a good hunt. A pair of violet club chairs that swivel for $40? A three-foot high print of a matador for $9.99? Don’t mind if I do.
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If you’re a kindred spirit, escape immediately to Adamstown, a small borough in Lancaster County that calls itself “Antiques Capital U.S.A.”
Upon arriving in A-Town, located a little more than an hour’s drive from the Lehigh Valley, you’ll find the main drag lined with antique shops. The largest of which is called Renninger’s, a massive indoor and outdoor flea and antique market that has everything from the $5 print to the $1500 antique Victorian settee.
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Unlike many other markets, where booths go unmanned and are infrequently updated, this one is well-staffed and well-stocked, which means more opportunities for better bargains. It also means a chance to learn more about each piece – where it came from and what makes it special.
The indoor portion is a traditional antique mall, however, which may preclude those who are easily overwhelmed by cramped, small spaces.
Well, I have good news, my claustrophobic friends. Adamstown has just the treasure trove for you: Shupps Grove Antique Market.
Their slogan, “shop in the shade,” says it all. As you wander through the tables and tents of hundreds of vendors, you’ll savor the open space, fresh air and delicious shade, provided by the canopy of trees throughout the property. Check the schedule for theme weeks, such as “vintage kitchen” or “textiles and linens” for a more focused search.
No matter what weekend you go, the selection is massive. It truly is a treasure hunter’s paradise. As a bonus, paradise also sells fresh-squeezed lemonade, homemade pies and funnel cake. Thank you, Adamstown. I love you
