Get Your Antique Fill in LaGrange, Georgia
Hugging the western border of Georgia, this quaint, historic town serves up a generous dose of Southern hospitality to all those who visit. Chartered on December 16, 1828, LaGrange was named after the home of Major General Lafayette de Motier, who played a significant role in defeating General Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781, ending the American Revolution.
Today, a statue of the general stands proudly over a double-tiered fountain in the heart of the historic square. It’s a favorite spot for visitors and locals to sit, relax and admire the town’s scenery.
With its close proximity to major cities like Atlanta and Columbus, LaGrange makes for the perfect weekend getaway. If you’re a history buff, head to the Bellevue mansion on Ben Hill Street (https://www.visitlagrange.com/things-to-do/bellevue/), or learn more about LaGrange’s rich textile and railroad history at the Legacy Museum on Main.
Families can extend their stay at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park located just off Interstate 85. During the warmer months, be sure to check out Sweetland Amphitheatre at Boyd Park for live performances and festivals. Hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts will love exploring the Lakeside trails, which outline West Point Lake near the outskirts of town.
But if your idea of fun is getting lost in aisles of knick knacks, reclaimed furniture, records and decades-old gadgets, then spend some time browsing through these four family-owned antique stores around town. Whether you’re on the hunt for a 300-year-old painting, or maybe just a used Jefferson Airplane record, you’re sure to find some one-of-a-kind gems along the way.
Ye Olde Red Door Antiques
6 E Lafayette Square, LaGrange, GA 30240
https://www.facebook.com/yeoldereddoorantiques33/
Nestled between J. Copeland Realty and Fountain Gifts, this antique store sets itself apart by having one of the largest fine arts collections in all of LaGrange. Featured artists date back to as far as the 18th century.
The most expensive item in the store hangs on the back right wall. It’s an $11,750 portrait of Lady Catherine Johnson by Thomas Hudson, circa 1745. Larry Fair, who manages the store seven days a week, likes to point out the piece to every customer that walks in: “Her eyes follow you everywhere,” he always says.
Formerly based in Columbus, Georgia, Fair has been operating his store in LaGrange for five years now. But he’s been in the antique-selling business for nearly 54 years. He tried to retire but didn’t like it. Despite being one of the smaller stores in town, Fair said the quality of his items is higher than most.
“We carry true antiques,” Fair said. “We have furniture from as early as about 1790 up to modern.”
Other unique items in the store include a 1930s radio-themed cookie jar, a couple of vintage black toy Cadillacs, and plenty of lamps, armoires and fine wine, to name a few.
“We have people from all over the country come in and say, you know, they just don’t find stores like this.”
Art connoisseurs and antique lovers alike are welcome to wander through the shop Mondays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., or Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. EST.
Bradley’s Antiques & More
127 Main St, LaGrange, GA 30240
http://www.bradleysantiques.com/
Located just next door to Plum Southern Gift Shop on Main Street, Bradley’s Antiques & More packs two stories worth of one-of-a-kind finds. From smiling corn-on-the-cob salt-and-pepper shakers, to $3 thimbles, doll chairs and Little Golden Books, there’s something for every age, taste and budget.
The back room has everything you need to build the perfect man cave. A fishing pole leans against the far right wall, in between two miniature black Chevrolet Chummy Roadsters and a wooden deer clock. Oh, and there’s plenty of Mallard duck heads, oak tables, beer posters and vintage sports gear to choose from.
“The main thing that makes our store unique is the prices,” Phillips said. “We’re way cheaper than anybody else.”
Since the store’s opening in 2002, Kay Phillips has been assisting her son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Angie Bradley, with managing all things business-related. The store’s inventory changes on a regular basis, with four local vendors constantly bringing in and selling consignment.
Looking for one item in particular? Head to the store website and add it to the “Want List,” or rummage through the store’s collection Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 12 to 5 p.m. EST.
Marketplace at Lafayette Square
100 Bull St, LaGrange, GA 30240
https://www.facebook.com/MarketPlaceAtLaFayetteSquare/
Head north on Main Street and stroll past the Lafayette Fountain for this next stop. At the corner of Vernon and Bull Street, multicolored hot-air balloons suspended from the roof sway with the wind. Meanwhile, bicycle-riding flamingoes, goats and flying pigs greet curious customers. It’s a “politics-free zone,” according to the sign on the front door.
“We’re not a junk store. We’re not a thrift store. We’ve very selective in bringing things in,” owner Al Brannon said. “I’ve got great dealers who know what to bring in and what to do. We always find unique pieces.”
Items in the store range from 18th-century furniture pieces to brand new boutique clothing and jewelry.
It’s a maze downstairs, but once you navigate past the collection of vinyl records, metal toy cars, board games and View-Masters, you’ll hit a back room piled high with oriental rugs.
Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.
Southern Charm- A Vintage Marketplace
300 E Bacon St, LaGrange, GA 30241
http://southerncharmshop.com/
Finally, venture off the beaten path to check out the largest Antique Mall in Troup County, with over 20,000 square feet of antiques, home décor, jewelry, clothing and more. Once you drive past Hillview Cemetery and Jim Bob’s Chicken Fingers, you’re sure to come across the warehouse with its flashy turquoise doors.
After manning booths in various locations, Amber Gleasure and her sister-in-law, Holly, decided to open their own store in May 2014. About a year later, Carrie Wilhite joined the team. According to Wilhite, the store was just a little thing back in its day with only five vendors.
Today, Southern Charm welcomes in over 60 vendors. Inventory changes on a daily basis. “They’re constantly coming in with new stuff,” Wilhite said.
During your visit, peruse through bookshelves stocked with framed sheet music, old Coca-Cola six-packs, college spirit gear and wooden angels. The back room features larger furniture sets, glassware, and plenty of porcelain rabbits and plush carrots for your Easter decorating needs.
The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
