One of my favorite things to do when I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, is to disappear deep into an antique store. There’s something about digging through so much history that makes me forget whatever is going on in life at that very moment and transports me somewhere in time.
While there are still plenty more stores to explore (see a full list here), I’ve narrowed down a few of my go-to shops when I’m looking for something unique to add to my home, or just feel a mental meltdown coming on. Here are a few of my favorite antiquing escapes.
Midland Arts and Antique Market
907 East Michigan Street, Indianapolis(317) 267-9005, www.midlandathome.com
Blocks away from the heart of downtown Indianapolis, this two-story factory building houses antiques from more than one hundred vendors. In addition to a dozen or so cases of jewelry and fashion accessories, there’s furniture, artwork, books, clothing, lighting, and more.
If you go…during the summer months, make sure to go early in the day as there is no air conditioning and the building gets hot later in the day.
Doc’s Architectural Salvage and Reclamation Services
Info: 1325 West 30th Street, Indianapolis, (317) 924-4000, www.docsarchitecturalsalvage.com
A wonderland of salvaged and reclaimed materials from full wood bars to front doors, machinery, and stained glass down to smaller antique items like housewares and doorknobs. Be sure to explore outside the building as well, the ‘bath tub graveyard’ as I like to call it is a photographer’s dream scene.
If you go…allow yourself plenty of time, there is a lot of ground to cover and plenty to see.
White Dog Home
Info: 845 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, (317) 956-159, www.whitedoghome.com
The retail highlight of the north end of Mass Ave, White Dog Home offers a spread of both ‘new fangled’ and ‘time worn’ items, like vintage suitcases and 1960s ‘swing vases’ as seen on the set of ‘Mad Men’. Also carrying a small yet impressive selection of clothing and accessories – Coach brand lovers will enjoy the leather handbags.
If you go…make sure it’s Thursday – Saturday, the store is closed Sunday – Wednesday.
Carmel Old Town Antique Mall
38 Main Street, Carmel, (317) 566-1908, www.carmeloldtownantiquemall.com
Don’t let the street side view of the Carmel Old Town Antique Mall fool you, there’s more than meets the eye. The two story building holds an incredible selection of retro kitchen and homewares, as well a children’s items, fur coats and a handful of pinball machines. My last visit produced a beautiful pair of white Christian Dior gloves from the 1950s, for $10. Now…where to wear them?
If you go…don’t miss the second story, complete with a snack area should you work up an appetite browsing.
Remember, this is only a handful of antique retailers – you can see a more extensive list here. Happy hunting!
