As someone who does NOT follow NASCAR, Bristol, TN has never been on my radar as a destination. No offense to NASCAR fans, of course! But, when I was researching potential Junkin’ Journey locations, I fell in love with the quirky geography of it. As it turns out, the Tennessee/Virginia state line falls down the middle of State Street, which is the heart of downtown Bristol- in both states.
I’m a quasi-geography nerd and I couldn’t resist the allure of crossing the street between states- silly, I know! But when you pair that with a handful of antiques shops…well…stamp my ticket sold, because I’m heading to Bristol.
And my favorite shops along the way included…
Antique Stores in Bristol
Village Antique and Home Decor Mall
Upon rolling into Bristol (Tennessee), I stopped at this shop first. And I have to admit, it set the bar pretty high and ended up being my favorite shop along my journey!
I’m still buying décor pieces for my in-laws’ mountain cabin, so I filled a cart with all things mantiques- oil lanterns, minnow buckets, etc. But while I was a heat-seeking missile to cabin “stuff”, I appreciated each and every booth in the shop.
There were plenty of primitives and mid-century kitsch throughout the store.
Bargain Hunters Flea Market Mall
This is the sister shop to Village Antiques, located less than a mile away, so it’s like you get a “twofer” while junkin’!
Reflective of its name, it does have more of a flea market feel than a home décor store. But there are definitely treasures and I most definitely found some bargains!
Once I made it to downtown Bristol, I bounced from Virginia to Tennessee and back again. I told you I was a geography dork! But anyway, Willow Creek was one of the two Virginia shops I hit. And it is a lovely, higher-end shop for those of you that are looking for finer antiques.
I loved perusing, but left empty-handed…but not without wistfully admiring a few booths!
Also on the Virginia side of the street, Grand Antiques is definitely a gem (for someone like me).
There is an endless supply of primitive treasures and diamonds-in-the-rough here…tucked into dark corners and hidden in the deeper reaches of this pickers’ labyrinth.
For a break from the typical antiques mall, McClellan’s is a fun, quirky shop just off of State street on the Tennessee side. It’s small, but full- and is one of those shops that specializes in the peculiar rather than the trendy.
The owner, who was as kind as can be, recommended that I look around to see if there was anything I wanted…but warned that there may be things I wouldn’t want to see!
But he was just being cheeky- it’s a fun shop full of oddities that surely have tales to tell.
***
As you know, stores open and close all the time- and at the time this was written (March 2017), these were my favorite antiques, vintage, architectural salvage, and thrift stores in Bristol. Now that several years have passed, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are there new antiques stores or thrift stores in Bristol, TN and VA that I should check out?
Another fun junkin’ journey in the books- and now you have some ideas if you ever find yourself in Bristol! Also, if you’re in the area, my friend, Suzanne, has some antiquing recommendations in Elizabethton, TN just down the road a bit!
I’m also very excited to announce that my first book is now available! If you love working with flannel or fabric crafts in general (sewing and non-sewing), then you will LOVE “Crafting with Flannel”!
Explore on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
OOOoooo wonderful!!! I feel there is SOOO much I would want to get. 🙂 Love your “dorkiness”… it IS cool! thank you for all the great photos!!!!
Thank you, Christina!!
My husband went to college in Bristol, TN, so we’re quite familiar with the areas. Abingdon VA is another nice locale for antiquing in that area. If you haven’t seen the Geico commercial on Virginnesee, you must look it up. It aired around the time we did a visit there last summer, and I shared a link. We’re going again at the end of the month, and I hope to check out some of your haunts. As always, thanks for sharing.
Rita
Yes, Abingdon popped up on my radar while I researched shops- will definitely have to check it out someday!!
What a fun place!
As usual a wonderful trip with you. I love all the shops that you find on your trips and then thanking you for sharing them with us. I can’t wait to see your next trip and what you find. I am telling you, you need to do a book about all your finds and trips. Would buy it in a minute.
I do love the idea of compiling them someday, Betty!!
its been awhile since we were in the antique store on state street. (and they’re only 30min from us)
I do believe you have awakened a monster, but shhhh don’t tell my husband! lol (actually he loves it too!)
thanks for sharing! 😉
Hahahaha, your secret is safe with me! 😉
I would be a dork, too, and stand one foot in each state!!! Good thing I do not live near there as I would be even poorer than I am!!!
I’m glad I’m not alone, Rose!! 😀
I live around 40 minutes from Bristol and visit frequently. Glad you enjoyed your visit! People love taking pictures on the state line during the September music festival Rhythm and Roots…come back sometime!
Thanks, Kathy- and will do!
Well, I’ve been in Bristol a couple of times before, but your photos are so gorgeous. It makes me wanna drive there rite now.
It was a chilly, but pretty day when I was there! 🙂
I am a vintage nerd and love to go out sailing for vintage goodies! Thank you so much for this post, also I love pyrex so really appreciate the pyrex booth photo… Now I know where to look!
Happy hunting, Mallory!!!