Embrace the dig at these five Southern antique stores and vintage shops

These one-of-a-kind spaces are filled with curated selections of rare jewelry, midcentury-style design, and nostalgic finds

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Southern American silver is among the most sought-after pieces at Wakefield-Scearce Galleries

Courtesy Wakefield-Scearce Galleries

Wakefield-Scearce Galleries
Shelbyville, Kentucky
Gingerly placed English antiques seem as though they were meant to be displayed in this sprawling, 30,000-square-foot space that was once the circa 1825 Science Hill School for Girls. The building itself is a sight to see, but the main draw is the more than 30,000 pieces of silver, furniture, and other decorative accessories spread across several floors. Wakefield-Scearce also carries Southern American silver, which is fitting for its Kentucky location. While the team has seen countless rare items over the years, owner Matt Burnett says handling silver pieces made by American patriot Paul Revere is among the most notable.

Vintage 329
New Orleans, Louisiana
It’s no surprise that a city famous for its cocktail culture has a vintage store specializing in barware, specifically styles from the Atomic Era. Rare sets of midcentury modern cocktail glasses and decanters in varying shapes and themes are added daily. Think detailed art deco Bimini glass coupes and rare mid-century Culver highballs covered in 22 karat gold. While you’re there dressing your bar, add to your jewelry box too. The shop has the nation’s largest collections of vintage Chanel jewelry and accessories.

Vintage Pyrex at Lucky Rabbit

Courtesy Lucky Rabbit

The Lucky Rabbit
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Dubbed a “nostalgia shop” by owners Abby and Brandon Thaxton, this weekend-only marketplace sprawls nearly 40,000 square feet and features rare items such as vintage arcade games, along with a retro candy and soda shop. Over the years, couple have also recreated the sets of Home Alone and The Office, as well as displays inspired by classic television shows like The Price is Right. Check out the converted school bus stocked with hard-to-find Pyrex dishes.

Croghan’s Jewel Box

Courtesy Croghan’s Jewel Box

Croghan’s Jewel Box
Charleston, South Carolina
William Joseph Croghan opened his eponymous shop on Charleston’s King Street more than 100 years ago. Today, his granddaughters and great-grandchildren are guiding its future. The shop specializes in antique and estate jewelry and sterling silver flatware, but it also carries modern accessories, including a costume and fine jewelry line by Mini Hay, the granddaughter of the store’s original owner.

The Church Mouse
Palm Beach, Florida
Situated on South County Road, this vintage shop is considered one of the country’s best thanks to the luxury goods donated by the island’s elite. It is so well stocked that dedicated Church Mouse shoppers are said to return to the 4,500-square-foot spot almost daily. It’s not uncommon to stumble upon Louis Vuitton handbags, Ferragamo flats, Hermès scarves, fine china, and designer furniture. The small but bursting shop is staffed by volunteers, and proceeds benefit outreach by the Church of Bethesda by the Sea.

This article appears in the Fall 2025 issue of Southbound.

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