Getting Chic with Antiques

living room seating area in a window storefront

What’s chic and filled with antiques? Marion County!

We know a thing or two about history and antiques. Our local shops are flush with vintage goodies and upcycling projects.

“Shabby chic is catching on here,” said Leisha Elliott, Executive Director of Marion County CVB. “People like finding old stuff and refurbishing them. It’s a lot of fun finding new uses for old things. And as a bonus, it is environmentally friendly.”

Building Momentum

Take your pick: primitive implements, antique furniture, vintage clothing. . . . Marion County has a lot of everything. No wonder trinkets from yesteryear put this slice of West Virginia on the map.

But there’s another reason collectors drive here: do-it-yourself restoration.

Ready to get in on the action? Take a look at these nifty shops:

Treasured Finds

Fairmont Merchantile

This cavernous building holds tons of goodies— no exaggeration. Nearly forty vendors spread their wares across three floors. You’ll have your hands full of vintage clothing, cookware, toys, and more in every available space. In addition to Arts & Antiques Marketplace, the Mercantile features a Christmas shop, vintage clothing including formal gowns, gently used and new furniture. If you’ve always wanted to achieve that shabby chic look with a piece of furniture, learn it here! The Mercantile also carries a great selection of chalk paint. Chalk paint is a decorative paint known for its matte, chalky appearance. This paint is a popular choice for giving furniture and home decor a rustic, vintage, or shabby-chic style. Chalk paint is ideal for adding character and vintage charm to their home.

While you’re here, be sure to visit the interactive Black Diamond display and learn more about coal mining in north-central West Virginia.

vintage green outdoor chairs and watering cans

Sweet Memories Antique Mall

At Sweet Memories Antique Mall, it’s all about nostalgia. You’ll find adorable antique children’s furniture, dignified library desks, vintage advertising signs, and more. You might unearth a buggy seat and an antique spool, too.
“We initially set up an antique shop in part of our house to see if we could make a go of it,” said Susan Farber, owner. She and her husband pooled their interests and crossed their fingers.
“I collect hand-sewn samplers, firkins and pie safes,” Farber said. “My husband likes stoneware and World War II military items.”

A couple of years passed before the couple established Sweet Memories Antique Mall in its current building, where the Farber’s enjoy a lively business selling— and buying— items. True to its name, the shop has been a good memory: The couple has enjoyed almost fifteen years of sweet success.

rows of guitars

Pickers Paradise

This store certainly lives up to its name!
“It’s a real hip place,” said Jake Hutchinson, owner. “We like anything unusual and off the beaten path.”
You’ll find yourself divided between the shop’s quirky antiques and gorgeous musical instruments. Attractive vintage advertisements, cheerful toy cars, and unique stoneware pieces compete with fascinating gems like a hearing aid for a confessional and a glossy, spherical ashtray cover. The instruments are just as varied: acoustic and electric guitars, banjos, dulcimers, and more. It’s a well-lit place and welcoming— the kind of shop where you can browse.

“Pickers Paradise has the largest selection of vintage musical string instruments in the state. We are also excited about our high-end estate jewelry collection,” Hutchinson said. Somewhat new to the store is locally made handcrafted furniture. The pieces, made using premium wood from indigenous species, are unique.

The hunt continues

Still not finding what you are looking for? Add Our Country Corner and Monongah Furniture & Antiques to your must-stop list.

And if you want “the look” without the work, you won’t be disappointed in Something Special,  Rider Cards Gifts & More, Craft Connection, or This-N-That.

As the saying goes, everything old is new again. What’s been your favorite antique find in Marion?

 

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