Take a stroll down memory lane and check out these 12 brick-and-mortar antique shops in Central Jersey.
To be considered a true antique, an object would be determined to be at least 100 years old. That designation helps to distinguish antiques from other more modern collectibles. Vintage items are younger than antiques and are typically classified as being at least 20 years old but less than 100 years old.
Central Jersey has an abundance of antique shops, where treasures − from primitive to Victorian to mid-century modern and everything in between − are sure to be found.
Barbara’s Unique Antique Boutique boasts a large collection of jewelry and designer purses as well as antique and gift items. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, the shop has been a staple in the community since 1991.
Go: 35 East Railroad Ave., Jamesburg; 908-521-9055.
Discovery Antiques and Jewelry is always on the hunt for anything old and interesting. Finding it, buying it and sometimes salvaging it, new and exciting items are always being brought into the gallery, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Also, the team manages estate sales, handling every aspect of the in-home sale from start to finish, and offers appraisals.
Go: 30 Morristown Road, Bernardsville; 908-602-1776.
Elysium Antiques boasts numerous sellers under the roof of a quaint Main Street space. Open 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Elysium Antiques has an eclectic assortment of curated and authenticated goods on offer and truly features something for everyone. Approximately once a month, the shop hosts a free appraisal day.
Go: 25 Main St., Somerville; 908-307-3376.
Open 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, The Emporium Metuchen focuses on antique décor, mid-century modern and retro furniture, upcycled items, vintage clothing and collectibles.
Go: 1 Lincoln Ave., Metuchen; 848-200-7953.
More: 7 New Jersey flea markets worth a visit
A fourth-generation company, Furniture Works has more than 40 years of experience in antique, fine, and contemporary furniture repair and restoration. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, it also specializes in the design, fabrication and finishing of custom-built bespoke furniture on commission for private clients.
Go: 264 Matchaponix Ave., Monroe; 732-521-1609.
An antique shop that also offers an art gallery and framing services, Gallery on Main is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Gallery on Main scours a variety of sources to offer interesting finds and items not commonly seen, including vintage and antique furniture, decorative items, toys, textiles and household goods from bygone days.
Go: 30 West Main St., Somerville; 908-722-4234.
Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., HappiNest Antiques is the product of three generations of women. As a recent retiree, Maryann McKean became a first-time business owner along with her daughter Kathryn and mother Janet after years of collecting. HappiNest specializes in antiques, collectibles, furniture and seasonal gifts.
Go: 406 Route 22 West, Whitehouse Station; 908-823-4946.
Founded by husband and wife Mary and Rafael Riera, Memories to Treasure Antiques is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and by appointment during the week. The couple have a passion for antiques, collectibles, vintage and retro items and have been filling their shop with the “beauty of the past” since 2017. Prior to their Central Jersey story, the two owned a shop in Red Bank for four years.
Go: 134 North Main St., Milltown; 908-768-1581.
With a mix of antiques, vintage, collectibles from old fly fishing gear to crystal, salvage, mid-century modern and primitive home furnishings, Salvage This hits all the feels for a treasure hunt of eclectic, unique and old finds. The shop, which opened officially in 2022, is open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Owner Michael Baytoff began the venture as a porch pick-up project − which is still going strong − in 2020 during the pandemic.
Go: 72 Main St., High Bridge; 908-507-7354.
Somewhere in Time is a dream for those who love jewelry, collectibles, paintings, small furniture and vintage clothing. Open from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Go: 233 Raritan Ave., Highland Park; 732-247-3636.
Since 1990, Summit Antiques Center has been a destination for antiques, vintage, jewelry, art, furniture, collectibles, home décor, props, gifts and more. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday, the spot also is the longest operating antiques center in the state. With two floors of unique finds, Summit Antiques Center features more than 50 experienced antiques dealers.
Go: 511 Morris Ave., Summit; 908-273-9373.
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday but Monday, Ye Old Antique & Curiosity Shop expanded its shop space in historic downtown Flemington last December and now feature an additional 25 dealers of fine antiques, collectibles, vintage items and rare oddities. Now filling the whole building, the shop, whose owners also have a family run estate sale company, is a treat for shoppers boasting a large variety of treasures and memorabilia from around the world.
Go: 139 Main St., Flemington: 908-310-1995.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.