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I’ve always had an odd obsession with antique stores. I used to walk through quaint vintage shops and dream of how I would style a home of my own one day. As a new home-owner exploring antique shops is a guilty pleasure.

Currently, I have a very limited budget left to spend on home decor and furnishing. That isn’t stopping this girl from dreaming! Doing research and knowing what you want is just as valuable as going in with the intent to buy if you ask me. I enjoy window shopping by snapping images of pieces I like. Creating a look-book helps me to create a cohesive aesthetic that one day I can afford.

When I go into an antique store it’s because I’m looking for a specific piece. I even inform antique shops of specific items I’m looking for, leave them my contact information, and ask them to drop me a line if they find a piece. From Antique Staffordshire Spaniel Dogs statue pairs to two matching stationary desks for my office, my antique checklist is long but filled with items I specifically know will have a place and purpose in my home. 

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many antique stores filled with historical artifacts throughout New England. Some high-end shops are way-way-way-way over my budget; some are more wallet-friendly. In the end, they’ve all been worth the visit!

With antique stores all over our state, I’ve decided to give you guys my top picks along the Eastern Connecticut Shoreline.

Antique Trail Part 1. Connecticut’s Eastern Shoreline

#1. Black Whale Antiques– Hadlyme, Connecticut | If you’re looking for furniture the Black Whale is my favorite spot!  From game tables to secretary desks, this little cottage is filled with historical pieces perfect for any New England home. Check out their oriental rugs which range from large-scaled to coasters.

#2. Weltner’s Antiques & Art – Essex, Connecticut | If you’re looking for nautical antiques this is the place to visit! From sailboats to ship helms, this coastal antique shop is loaded with affordable treasure. If you’re in the market for wooden duck decor Weltner’s is always stocked. While exploring the Essex area make sure to stop by the Essex Coffee and Tea company for the best latte! 

#3. Essex Saybrook Antiques Village – Essex, Connecticut | If you’re not sure what you are looking for, I’d recommend touring the Essex Saybrook Antiques Village! With a ton of goodies to sort through you’ll be sure to find something special. I love checking the village out for blog photo shoot props! From vintage pennants to antique tennis racquets – they cover all the odds and ends. 

#4. MINE In Mystic – Mystic, Connecticut |  If you’re looking for a scavenger hunt antique experience – this place is for you! Sort through piles of old wooden shutters or antique boat bouyes hanging on cedar shingled walls. This place is great for individuals looking to repurpose items no longer in use!

#5. Grand & Water Antiques – Stonington Connecticut | – If you’re looking for a high-end antique shop this is the place to visit! This shop has everything from furniture to paintings and prints. Employees research the pieces and give an in-depth history to prospective buyers. I spotted a few historical sporting prints at Grand & Water Antiques last fall and now I can’t help but circle back in now and then to see what’s new!

Best Lobster Roll in Connecticut // Iconic New England Beach Towns // Strolling Through Stonington // Historic Scenic Summer Routes

Make sure to stop by the blog in the upcoming weeks to see Part 2 as we cover antique shops along Connecticut’s Western Shoreline. 

Let me know below if there are any New England antique shops we missed or ones that we should check out!