When you think of Louisville, KY, the first things that probably come to mind are Churchill Downs, bourbon, and baseball bats. Thankfully, though, that’s only scratching the surface of this sweet city!
We recently hit the road in search of the best antiques, vintage, architectural salvage, and thrift stores in Louisville, KY. And now I get to share them with you!
Antiquing and Thrifting in Louisville, KY
So, this is the ultimate architectural salvage yard in Louisville, KY and I couldn’t have imagined in my wildest dreams how amazing it would be. It is a mind-boggling labyrinth of rooms, hallways, stairwells, and yards
All filled with salvaged treasures, and all bewilderingly connected- almost encouraging you to get lost.
Which I did, over and over again. Even Jon with his innate sense of direction got turned around. But, neither of us minded one bit.
South Louisville Antique and Toy Mall
Before our trip, I always research endlessly for the best antique stores to hit- and this one popped up on my radar as a place Jon would love. I knew it wouldn’t be a shop that would yield anything for a potential blog project- and I was right- but in the end, I loved it, too!
The nostalgia factor is worth the trip alone – but perhaps the most exciting find for me was a vintage aqua toy truck. Finding the perfect one has been on my pickin’ bucket list for a long time!
Mellwood Antiques and Interiors
Mellwood came up in my research of antique stores in Louisville, KY because of the flea market they host once a month from April through October. Of course, our weekend didn’t match up with their schedule.
Darn that Murphy and his annoying law.
But we visited (and enjoyed) this massive antiques mall nonetheless!
Surprise, surprise- of course I sought out a pet-charity thrift shop, they’re my favorite kind! Re-Tail was probably my favorite Louisville thrift store. There was plenty of vintage-y goodness, so you know I was a happy camper.
I can’t help but spend money in animal-aid shops, so I left with a bagful for goodies.
Have You Gone Junkin’ in Louisville?
We honestly ran out of time to hit everything I had wanted to see.
But, I’ve heard really great things about the following shops. And whenever we head back to Louisville, we’ll be checking these out, as well:
- Fat Rabbit Thrift and Vintage
- Tickled Pink Memorabilia Mall
- Purr-fect Treasures Thrift Store
- Grace Station Thrift Shoppe
As you know, stores open and close all the time- and at the time this was written (July 2016), these were my favorite antiques, vintage, architectural salvage, and thrift stores in Louisville, KY. Now that several years have passed, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are there new antiques stores or thrift stores in the Louisville area that I should check out?
I’m also super 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.
I’m a new follower, I believe I found you through Pinterest, dying a clutch a fabulous shade of turquoise. I really enjoyed this posting. I did a bit of antiquing last week in Adamstown, Pa and I get it! I will most definitely keep Louisville in mind for a future trip. It looks delightful!
Thanks, Nanette- and welcome! I’m so glad you found me, and I hope you checked out my other projects. 🙂 My entire blog is dedicated to repurposing and upcycling (like that clutch) and the chronicles of my junking adventures. Haven’t hit PA yet, but I KNOW there are some amazing antiquing spots there. 🙂
Wow, what a fun tour! I’m getting the bug, but can’t get out due to broken bones this summer. You shoulda shown us your purchases, but guess that’s coming, right?
Thanks, Florence!! And YES, if I make any projects using my purchases, I will refer you back to this post!! 😀
Sarah,
Tickled Pink is one of my favs, but because they are Pickers they are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. They reserve those days to go to estate sales and yard sales.
That being said I haven’t been to tickled pink in a long time but I should definitely go soon.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time in my hometown.
Gail
I had read about Tickled Pink but saw that they were closed!! And I also meant to call you in advance to remind you that were coming…but forgot to do so…and I didn’t want to put you on the spot once we were there. Bah!!! Will definitely plan better next time.
I will certainly reference this post the next time I am near Louisville. I would especially like to go to the architectural salvage warehouse and Joe Ley Antiques. I am in Illinois and I’ve heard of Joey Ley Antiques.
Ginene
Architectural Salvage was my favorite by far- you will NOT be disappointed!
When your post title was for Louisville, I wondered if you’d go to Joe Key. Isn’t that pricing system the wildest thing? I think you nailed the description. Haven’t been to any of the others, but your trip sure looked like a great tour for junkies like us. Always a treat to read these tour posts of yours, Sarah. Thanks!
Thank you so much, Rita!!
Oops, Joe Ley. Just saw the typo. 🙂
Great places to explore!
Thanks, Rose!
We live about an hour and a half from Louisville! This would be fun to do sometime (without the kids of course!). These are some really neat shops! Thanks for sharing at the Family Joy Linkup!
Oh definitely!! The Architectural Salvage store is worth the drive alone. 🙂
Just as an aside, have you considered sharing buttons for your site? I’m sure it would really boost engagement for you, but I can’t find share buttons anywhere! If you need any recommendations, let me know. 🙂
Even after several years of blogging, there’s still so much I don’t know or think about- I’ve added them! Thanks so much for the reco. 🙂
How fun! So many great places close together!! Love the turquoise truck too!
Thank you!!
So glad you liked your visit to our fair state of Kentucky. When you come back to Lexington where I lived for a bit, you might want to venture north about 20 minutes to Georgetown, now my home. Our main street has several antique stores. I’m originally from the Mammoth Cave which is a part of KY you must put on your list.
Thank you, Joy!!! The pictures of Mammoth Cave are amazing…you are very right, we’ll have to put that on our list for sure! (And I think Bowling Green, KY has a plethora of shops, too- not far from Mammoth)
Junkin and good bourbon go hand in hand to me!
Yessssss!! 😉
What a lovely trip. I love the photos. Seems like you’ve had a great time and to be honest you made me a bit jelly, but Kentucky is destination which is in my travel list now.
Thank you, Shannon!! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. 🙂
What a fun tour! I keep saying that I’m going to make pictures when I go thrifting, junking or estate sales and I never do! You’ve just inspired me! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you, Cindy!!!
:-O I’m in awe of the first place – I want to go and get lost in there! Oh my. And your little blue truck – perfection! What fun. Thanks for taking us along.
Right?? It is AMAZING!
Sarah, this is a great tour of Louisville. We were there years ago for The Kentucky Derby and had a fabulous time. Next time we go, I’ll be sure to check out these places. Thanks for sharing this travel tour at Your Inspired Design Link Party.
I would love to run across all of the architectural salvage!!
Happy Thoughts of Home. Pinning.
Right??
How fun! Looks like you had a great time!
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
We make an occasional trip to Louisville! Some day when the kids are older, I’d love to check out these places.
Thanks, Jamie! We had a GREAT time. 🙂
This looks like a fun shopping trip. I can’t wait to see what you create with all of the things you got.
Thank you for sharing this with us on the #HomeMattersParty. We hope to see you again when we open our doors at 12 AM EST on Friday.
I am putting Louisville on my list of places to go junking. Don’t know when I’ll get there but I’ll be referring back to your post when I do. Thank you for sharing all you fantastic junking info at Vintage Charm.
Trust me- that architectural salvage store is worth a trip alone. 🙂
I moved to Louisville a few years ago and love it! The next time you’re in town, be sure to visit the Peddler’s Malls (there are several) and Yesternook in Germantown. Both are great junking places and have much better prices than some you have listed. Glad you enjoyed my beautiful city!
Tickled Pink is my favorite in Louisville. It’s a two-story house, plus a basement, filled with goodies. The garage is their Rough Room, and there are items set up in the front and back yards on Sundays (weather permitting). And they recently added a second shop, right next door! They’re closed on Friday and Saturday. Sunday is their big day of the week, and it’s cash or check only on Sundays. I just received a gift certificate for Christmas and can’t wait to see what goodies I can pick with it!
Thank you! It’ll definitely be on my list next time I’m in town. 🙂
I really enjoyed your blog! I do have a question: I have several vintage items from the 60’s that I never did anything with including my Barbie and her beautiful clothes. What would you recommend I do so someone else could enjoy them?
I would try selling them on Ebay or Etsy- most antiques stores won’t pay you much for them if you went the consignment route.