Seacoast Secrets: Must-Visit Local Thrift and Antique Stores around Portsmouth
These incredible local antique stores are brimming with endless treasures, unique finds, and charming knick-knacks waiting to be discovered. Whether you're looking for a quick visit or planning to dedicate an entire day, exploring these hidden gems is the perfect way to uncover one-of-a-kind pieces and support local businesses. So, hop in the car and embark on a delightful journey through these timeless local treasures.
Decades: Treasures Past and Present & Nest
1.3 miles from Tide House
Downtown Portsmouth may not have a ton of antique stores, but the ones it does have are absolute gems. These two shops are conveniently located right next to each other and offer a fantastic selection, from vintage furniture and jewelry to clothing and unique decor pieces. The staff is super friendly, and the best part is that the stores are connected by a hallway, so you can easily browse both in one go. Just a heads-up: their hours aren’t the typical 9-to-5, so it’s a good idea to check their website before heading over. This spot is the perfect starting point for an awesome thrifting trip.
Pickwick’s Mercantile
1.7 miles from Tide House
If you’re already out and about shopping in downtown Portsmouth, make sure to swing by this antique store—it’s the only one right in the downtown area. It’s on the smaller side, but they’ve got an amazing selection at super reasonable prices. I especially love the unique clothing in the back room and their collection of vintage kids’ toys. There’s always something cool that’ll catch your eye here. If you’re hunting for a unique Portsmouth treasure, this spot is definitely worth a visit.
East Coast Props and Antiques
13.2 Miles from Tide House
Route 1 is packed with antique stores, but this one is always my first and favorite stop. It’s super easy to find, right on Route 1, with plenty of restaurants and shops to check out along the way. Their collection is amazing and has a little bit of everything. The vintage cups and Hot Wheels section is in its own cozy spot in the shop and is very impressive. For jewelry lovers like me, they’ve got a beautiful selection at great prices. There’s always something new to discover here, making it a must-visit for any antique enthusiast. Plus, they have a second location just 5 minutes down Route 1, so you can keep the treasure hunt going.
Route 1 Antiques
14.6 miles from Tide House
Route 1 Antiques is conveniently situated right between the two East Coast Props locations, making it a perfect stop during your drive. I’ve only visited a couple of times, but each visit has been impressive. They offer a fantastic variety of glassware and a diverse selection from 75 different vendors, so there’s truly something for everyone. The space is massive, so plan to spend a good chunk of time exploring everything they have to offer. Whether you’re hunting for unique finds or just want to browse through an eclectic mix, this spot is definitely worth a stop in.
Lost Coast
3.3 miles from Tide House
Just over the bridge and right off the highway, you can’t miss this colorful gem—the whole building is painted in vibrant colors. This is the spot for knick-knacks. They’ve got a huge selection of trinkets, magnets, magazines, jewelry, and more. You’ll also find unique clothing, shoes, and handmade ceramic pieces that are one of a kind. The owners are a super sweet local couple who know their stuff and can tell you all about the stories behind the pieces. It’s such a fun and unique spot—definitely a must-visit.
Hidden Treasures
5.6 mile from Tide House
In York, Maine, just a bit past Lost Coast, there’s this awesome spot with a great mix of furniture, wall decor, jewelry, and so much more. It can feel a little overwhelming at first, so take your time to really explore—you don’t want to miss anything. It’s such a cool place to check out, and if you follow Route 1 past the Kittery Outlets, you’ll find some amazing restaurants to stop at, like When Pigs Fly, Bob’s Clam Hut, and 518 Noodle Bar. Perfect for making a day of it.
Freeport Emporium
68.9 mile from Tide House
Alright, hear me out—if you're big on antiques, you've got to check out this spot in Freeport, Maine, just 18 minutes past Portland. Hands down, it's my favorite antique store ever. It's open every day from 10 to 5 and is housed in a massive two-story building packed with different vendors. The selection is unreal—affordable, one-of-a-kind finds with new items coming in all the time. Whether you're into jewelry, vintage movie posters, mugs, old-school movies, or unique decor, this place has it all. For anyone who truly loves antiquing, the hour-long drive is totally worth it.