A full uninterrupted five or six hours of antique shopping in Sacramento has been at the top of my to-do list for several years now. It was a cold February morning as I embarked upon a day to myself, just me and my excitement at the prospect of finding a trunk load of treasures. I was on the hunt for well-worn and previously loved travel-themed décor. Vintage postcards, binoculars, hotel key fobs and maps are just a few items I can imagine bringing home. 

My first stop: The Sacramento Antique Faire. Set up underneath the freeway overpass at 21st and X streets, this antiques and collectibles marketplace is held the second Sunday of every month. There are two full blocks’ worth of almost anything you can imagine, including furniture, jewelry, books, architectural finds, dolls, and kitchenware. Though I’m told each month is a bit different, on this particular day I found a good variety of items and could have easily purchased multiple pieces of painted furniture and as many soda crates and I could stuff in my car, though neither would fit anywhere in my home. With roughly 300 vendors, it took me more than three hours to scour every nook and cranny and although I didn’t find any travel treasures, I did find a small wooden box for just $6 that I plan on hanging on my wall to display those vintage binoculars, once I find them.

   

 

Sacramento Antique Fairehttp://www.sacantiquefaire.com/ 916.600.9770.  21st and X streets. Second Sunday of every month, 6:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.  Admission:  $3 Note: The early bird definitely catches the worm at this particular faire!

 

Across the street from the Sacramento Antique Faire is Fringe, which recently reopened with fresh new life. Owner Audrey describes the new Fringe as a place where you can find unique and eclectic fashion and décor. The front of the store focuses primarily on vintage and vintage-inspired clothing and accessories, while the remainder of the store contains a trove of treasures that includes marquee signs, artwork and decorative pieces, lighting and furniture. I spotted several sets of antique metal lockers as well as an old globe that I would have snatched had they both not been just a bit too small for my space. I did manage, however, to find the perfect pair of binoculars and could barely contain my excitement.

 

Fringe 21 - http://www.fringe21.com/ – 916.706.0216.  2409 21st St., Sacramento, CA 95818. Sunday noon – 4 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Closed Monday and Tuesday

 

The next stop on my journey and a mere five-minute drive from 21st Street is Scout Living, an antique and design collective. Being that it is walking distance from my office, I admit I visit Scout Living on a somewhat regular basis. They feature 20 different dealers in house and offer both antique as well as repurposed furniture, home accessories and clothing but the one dealer that keeps bringing me back time and time again sells high-end couture clothing, and accessories. Though I can’t afford a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes (albeit used) or an authentic Chanel bag anytime soon, I do enjoy daydreaming every now and again. My plan is to one day live in a loft and furnish the entire place with furniture from Scout Living. I absolutely love the creative repurposed pieces and the unique and amazing quality vintage pieces they always seem to have on hand. Today’s visit didn’t turn up any travel-related gems, however, I couldn’t pass up a pair of vintage ice cube trays at $4 each. Madly. In. Love.

Scout Livinghttp://www.scoutliving.com/ – 916.594.7971.  1215 18th St., Sacramento, CA 95814. Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday noon p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Closed Monday

 

Quietly nestled within a small shopping strip in East Sacramento is the gem known in the neighborhood as Summer Porch. With a predominantly French look and feel, this shop has become my go-to for unique hostess gifts. From costume jewelry and stunning French linens to beautiful sets of vintage china and garden accessories, there is quite a variety of old and new to be found. Having recently added chalk style paints to their inventory, the owner is more than happy to show you how to paint a piece of your own furniture or, if you prefer, she has a variety of beautifully painted pieces on hand and ready for purchase.  Trying not to stray too far from my wish-list, I found these metal numbers for use on my hotel key holder.

 

Summer Porch – http://www.shopsummerporch.com/ – 916.444.2900.  3254 J St., Sacramento, CA 95816. Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

 

While it is located a mere two blocks from my home, it has been quite some time since I have paid a visit to the 57th Street Antique Mall. Though you wouldn’t know it from simply driving by, the mall is home to approximately 75 different antique and collectibles vendors in addition to a very good restaurant, Evan’s Kitchen. Whether you’re a serious high-end collector or someone who enjoys newer pieces with a warm and vintage feel, there is truly something for everyone to be found here. The dealers on the north side of the property feature the pricier and larger pieces of furniture and décor, while the collaborative on the sound side is a treasure trove for trinket collectors. Antique toys, bottles, Coke & Pepsi memorabilia and jewelry are featured by quite a few vendors. My last stop of the day did not turn up any items on my wish list, however I was able to find a light bulb for a very old lamp I have at home. That alone was well worth my time.

 

 

57th Street Antique Mall – http://www.57thstreetantiquerow.com/ – 855 57th St., Sacramento, CA 95819. Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Closed Monday.

The greater Sacramento area is home to many amazing antique stores. One can easily spend a week visiting the treasures within our region.  Contact the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau for help with your itinerary and overnight accommodations; 916.808.7784 or jnussbaum@visitsacramento.com