“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”
William Faulkner
There’s something magical about stepping into an antiques store. As you stroll through the aisles and dig up wonderful treasures, you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. If you love diving into the mystery and elegance of the past, then you must know about the best antique stores in Gainesville, FL. It might surprise you to know that our beloved city offers some of the most charming antique shops in Florida. If only you knew where to find them…Read on to find out and get ready to have an enchanting shopping experience!
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Where Can You Find the Best Antique Stores in Gainesville, FL?
The Best Antiques Await Only 20 Minutes Outside of Gainesville
Want to know a secret? Gainesville’s best antique shops aren’t technically in Gainesville. They’re all located in the little town of Micanopy, which is just 20 minutes outside of the downtown area. It’s often ranked as one of the cutest small towns in Florida and only has 600 residents. The town itself looks like a storied antique —Spanish moss drapes its streets and gives it a mysterious feel.
Local Tip: Get on route 441 S from Gainesville, and at the intersection of County Road 234, turn west toward the Micanopy historic downtown area.
Antique Shops You Will Love
Even though Micanopy is incredibly small, it boasts more than 12 antique shops, most located along Main Street. As a matter of fact, all the shops are antique–oriented, which reinforces the feeling that you’ve really stepped back in time. Here are some of our favorites:
Winter’s Past
If you love fashion and are always on the hunt for vintage pieces, then you must stop by Winter’s Past. This amazing antique shop resembles a fabulous closet with items from the Roaring 20s, the decadent 80s, and all the decades in between! You can spend hours browsing through the beautiful gowns, coats, hats, and more. We will warn you: It’s very hard to leave this place without buying something!
Delectable Collectables
Delectable Collectables offers an extensive collection of Victorian items from jewelry and pottery and other vintage artifacts. The building itself used to be Micanopy’s bank! It was used as such in the 1990 movie “Doc Hollywood” starring Michael J. Fox, Bridget Fonda, and Woody Harrelson!
Micanopy Outpost
Micanopy Outpost is a dream come true for antique shoppers. There, you can find a vast selection of furniture, books, pottery, collectibles, and other artifacts. Find gorgeous Tiffany lamps, for example, beautiful wooden tables, vases, vinyl, and more!
Dakota Mercantile
If you wish to find a shop that mixes vintage and modern items, Dakota Mercantile is perfect for you. It’s by far one of the cutest shops you’ll find. Browse the collection of home decor, artisan soaps, toiletries, linens, ribbons, stationery, and more! Make sure you check out the “secret garden” at the back of the shop! It’s filled with treasures you don’t want to miss.
Snacks and Refreshments
All that shopping will most definitely leave you hungry and thirsty! Luckily, Micanopy’s restaurants and cafes are here to satisfy your cravings (and they’re all close to the shops! You can cross Main St. to the Old Florida Cafe, for example, and enjoy a delicious sandwich under the shade of a mossy tree. You’ll love the eclectic decor and bright pink plastic flamingos. If you’re simply looking for a drink and a pastry, Mosswood Farm Store across the street from the post office is the place to go! They make the best iced chai tea latte, and their coconut lemon cookie will win you over on the first bite!
Here’s Why Sweetwater Branch Inn Is Made for You
After spending a lovely day antique shopping in Micanopy, it’s time to make your way back to Gainesville and enjoy a relaxing evening! Our elegant B&B is as cozy as it is charming, and its Victorian architecture will make you feel as if you stepped back in time (without sacrificing the best modern amenities)! Take part in our wine and cheese hour from 5 to 6 p.m., then return to your room for a hot shower. Then, dream about all the wonderful things you’ve seen all day on your plush bed. What are you waiting for? With all these wonderful things to see and do in Gainesville, there’s not a moment to lose! Start planning your trip today with us.