Whether it’s to find something unexpected, save some money, or simply have an adventure, exploring antique stores is a modern-day treasure hunt.
There are few things I find more relaxing than wandering aisles, cup of coffee in hand, wondering what I’ll find that I didn’t know I needed. (And, as my grandma ironically used to say, something I now couldn’t live without.)
I spend a considerable amount of time in these shops for all of the above reasons, and thought it’d be fun to share a few of the ones in and around Springfield that keep me coming back time and again.
Apparently I’m not alone. When speaking with the owner of a local vintage shop, I heard that antique stores are finding favor for many reasons: Some see them as a good date activity. Others appreciate the ability to find items with lasting quality — especially as the world becomes more conscious about disposable consumption.
Keep reading to find a few of my (and maybe your) favorites – and share yours in the comments.
Relics Antique Mall
Why visit: Sheer volume
Relics Antique Mall is the Costco of vintage.
According to its website, the southwest Springfield store has 90,000 square feet of space and is the largest antique store in the state of Missouri.
But it’s not just about the size of the store. It’s also about the spectrum of wares, which range from pure antiques to more modern vintage goods. Those are alongside more “random” booths with lower-priced items and others dedicated to books and still others to vintage kitchen, cookware and furniture.
Whatever you’re looking for or don’t know you need, look for it here.
Connect with Relics Antique Mall here.
Willow Green Acres
Willow Green Acres photos are courtesy of Willow Green Acres
Why visit: If you love mid-century modern decor and clothing
Mid-century modern enthusiasts should take a 15-minute drive east of Springfield to Willow Green Acres. MCM isn’t the only era represented within its walls, but the antique store-slash-plant-and-tree-nursery has an emphasis on ‘50s and ‘60s wares. (One of my favorite finds is a restored avocado-green chair from there that now lives in my living room.)
While the store in itself is worth the drive, a special treat is when the “vintage house” is open. On select weekends, this house – across the road from the nursery and antique store – is filled with MCM merchandise – and it’s all for sale. (Tip: It’s expected to be open on Saturday, Dec. 21.)
Connect with Willow Green Acres here.
One stop for multiple shops in Ozark
Why visit: If you’re looking for a way to spend a day
Ozark has “one-stop, multiple-shops” figured out along Highway 65. Multiple stops – each with its own vibe – are located in a concentrated area, allowing you to visit several stores in a short period of time.
Short is relative in this case, as the stores are quite large and represent a variety of design styles.
One of my favorites is Camp Flea, which has 200 booths “packed with farmhouse primitives, industrial salvage, retro kitsch, vintage uniques and antiques,” as its website puts it. A really special part of the store is its balcony, which is stuffed full of vintage clothing, furniture, accessories and decor.
P.S. If you're hungry on your antiquing journey, make a stop at Spring Creek Tea Room in Ozark. It’s a one-stop shop for food and fun antiques.
Connect with Camp Flea here. Other shops nearby include Keen Eye Antiques, Ozark Antiques and Yesteryears Antique Mall.
Two Springfield shops with eye-catching vibes
Why visit: You’re looking for visual appeal
If antique stores could be related, I’d say the Vintage Peddler and Freakin’ Antiquin’ Vintage Market could be cousins. I love both of them, and even though they’re separate Springfield businesses, they keep me coming back for similar reasons.
To me, it feels like both stores are perfectly sized: With dozens of booths each, they offer a colorful, concentrated, curated sampling of many items that are nicely displayed. It feels like each booth is a quality visual experience — kind of like you’re going to an antique museum, but the items are for sale.
I’ve found clothing items, home goods and unexpected decor within their walls many times, and have to make periodic visits to see what new items have been added.
Connect with Freakin’ Antiquin Vintage Market here and the Vintage Peddler here.
Arrow Creative Reuse
Why visit: You’re looking to create some art, save money and help the planet
Arrow Creative Reuse isn’t a typical antique store or flea market, but it is a place to find new homes for unique goods.
The nonprofit shop is an art supply thrift store that sells wares that have been donated by the community. By selling these items, it keeps them out of the landfill and into artists’ hands at a greatly reduced rate.
In addition to the art supplies – which rotate frequently depending on what’s been donated – the shop also has an eclectic gift shop. As a comment on the shop’s website put it: "This place is an amazing resource for all creative minds! I have purchased wonderful pottery, art books, jewelry and tons of materials to use in my future art creations...in many cases, the materials inspire the craft!"
P.S. If you’re a music fan, you may also want to check out the Shoe Tree Listening Room. This venue operates under the umbrella of Arrow Creative Reuse, and is an intimate alcohol-free listening room that hosts musicians traveling through Springfield.
Click here to connect with Arrow Creative Reuse.
Hakaar’s Bazaar
Why visit: High-end funky decor is your favorite
Hakaar’s Bazaar is where you go to find funk. When I visit, I often hear ‘70s tunes in the background while I peruse the furniture and home decor that fill the shop. It’s a great place to find a vintage wooden buffet. (I know this because one is in my dining room.)
Hakaar’s focuses on quality over quantity: Its wares can include exclusive vintage items like Broyhill living room furniture and a “mirrored” bedroom set. The store also has an extensive online presence, so even if you can’t peruse in person, you can check out what they have for sale.
Click here to connect with Hakaar’s Bazaar.
Downtown Billings
Why visit: You’re looking for a drive as well as a shop
The small Christian County town of Billings has found a niche through its downtown antique district, which is home to several antique and specialty shops. An example of the former is New Beginnings Antiques, a sprawling, multi-storefront stop; one of the latter includes Pheona’s, a wool store popular with crafters and some antiques.
S.T.D. Flea Market
Why visit: You’re looking for a deal
S.T.D. Flea Market — the initials stand for Springfield Tool & Die — has been in Springfield for decades. The enterprise once had several stores, but today, just one remains: Along Trafficway, where a sign advertises 175 booths featuring “new, used and abused items.”
The description speaks for itself: You’ll find some antiques and vintage items in the store's booths, but there’s also a mix of more garage-sale-style wares. (One example: On a recent visit, the spectrum spanned from a MCM wall hanging in one booth to a pair of used lamps for just $5.)
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