The Complete Guide To Essex MA Antiques
Our Favorite Stops On The Famous Antique Trail
One of the best things about Cape Ann is the rich culture and abundance of activities available to residents and travelers alike. Courtney and I have been living on the north shore for a decade now and still have not even scratched the surface!
When guests ask us for recommendations about things to do in Rockport, of course, we provide our favorite restaurants, beaches, art galleries and shops. But another north shore treasure lies just a few miles outside of Rockport, the Essex MA antique trail.
The antique trail is a wonderland for antique collectors, designers and visitors looking for a gift or special piece for their home or office. It’s also fun if you are just looking to enjoy some window shopping. With over a dozen shops within a few miles, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon. In this guide we will provide you details on some of our favorite places to hit for Essex MA Antiques.
Why do we love antiquing so much? Is it the thrill of the hunt? Is it an appreciation for the design and craftsmanship of a bygone era? Is it the opportunity to learn about and connect with history? We think that it’s a combination of all of these things, and it’s different for each person, but that nostalgia is key.
Did you know that nostalgia is such a strong feeling that it can even manifest in physical symptoms? The term actually dates back to the late 17th century when a medical student noticed the phenomena in Swiss mercenaries serving abroad. He dubbed the extreme longing Nostalgia from the Greek Nostos (homecoming) and Algos (longing). Check out this fantastic video on the phenomenon:
We believe that many antique lovers enjoy the connection to the former life and history of the item, we know that we do! Let’s a take a closer look at some shops that are sure to induce some welcomed feelings of Nostalgia!
At Spindler antiques you will find an eclectic collection of high-quality pieces ranging from the 17th century to the 20th century. The store does not focus on any particular period or style, but rather is home to a collection that is lovingly curated by its passionate owner and namesake who is guided by the belief that beauty comes in many forms.
The store opened its doors back 1998 and subsequently received Best of North Shore honors for 9 consecutive years and was honored as Best of Boston twice.
The store has a variety of treasures for every budget and the antiques range from museum grade to fun decorative pieces. One of the interesting items that the store carries is a collection of artwork from the Folly Cove designers, a local Cape Ann artisan guild that operated from about 1938 to 1968. Here is some additional information on Folly Cove designers.
Other items in the collection include vintage posters, fine antique furniture, sculptures, paintings, lighting and much more. With an ever-changing inventory of vintage treasures, you really have to visit to fully experience the collection. However, if shopping from the comfort of home is more your style, the store does a fantastic job at maintaining its current inventory online.
Andrew Spindler Antiques
163 Main Street
Essex, MA 01929
https://www.spindlerantiques.com/
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday 12:00pm – 5:00pm
This Essex staple is located right on main street, just before Woodman’s and Dunkin Donuts. The shop has been around since the early 1980’s and is bursting at the seams with a variety of treasures.
Howard’s Flying Dragon has 3 floors, including a basement, and a shed to explore.
The shop is home to a diverse collection of goods including vintage cameras, tools, records, books, magazines, figurines, hats, canes, cookware, glassware, and much more.
If you need some nautical nods to add to your home decor, Howard’s has you covered with everything from binnacles to colorful buoys, life preservers, lobster traps, ship wheels, and some fantastic coastal driftwood signs.
Oh and be sure to say hello to the beautiful and friendly Maine Coon Cat, Beatrice. She is a fantastic shop cat who watches over this eclectic collection of Essex, MA antiques.
Howard’s Flying Dragon
136 Main Street
Essex, MA 01929
https://www.facebook.com/HowardsFlyingDragonAntiques
Off Season Hours
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
11am – 5pm
In Season Hours
April 15 – October 31st
11:00am – 5:00pm
APH Waller and Son are friendly, reputable dealers that have been in the antique business for over 40 years. In fact, Allan Waller was one of the forefathers of the Essex Antique trail. Their store focuses on higher-end items, particularly artwork and furniture from the 17th through the 20th century.
One of the great things about the shop is that it has an impressive selection of artwork from renowned Cape Ann artists such as Anthony Thieme, Otis Cook, and Carl Peters. The owners are welcoming and are happy to help you explore the collection.
They also recently opened a new shop on Main Street in Rockport, aptly named Satellite Fine Arts. The shop serves as a gallery and studio for Christine Whalen-Waller, who is a talented artist in her own right. You can view her Instagram Profile here.
In addition to a fine selection of paintings you will also find an interesting assortment of antique furniture pieces, unique sculpture, marine art, Asian inspired art, and a variety of lighting and other accessories.
They are also open to high quality consignment and assisting clients with the authentication of purchases.
APH Waller and Son
140 Main Street
Essex, MA 01929
https://aphwaller.com/
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00am – 5:00pm and Sunday 2:30pm to 5pm.
Just a few minutes down the road in Ipswich, MA is Anntiques. This cavernous 8,000 square foot antique store houses an impressive collection of vintage items. No matter your taste, you are sure to find something that you cannot live without at this store.
What will you find inside Anntiques? It’s basically a collector’s paradise with everything from vintage clothing and jewelry to handwoven rugs, funky chairs, record players and vinyl, unique lighting, Native American art, stylish desks, china, pottery, tableware, figurines, trunks, side tables and much more!
The sizeable shop is housed in a former textile building that sits right on the Ipswich River. The pieces range from antique, to art deco, to midcentury modern and everything in between.
The owner is friendly and knowledgeable, and you are even allowed to bring small dogs in on leashes. In addition to the Ipswich store, Anntiques has an Essex location but that is by appointment only.
Anntiques
47 South Main Street
Route 1A
Ipswich, MA 01938
https://www.facebook.com/AnnTiques1
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm
Housed in a beautifully restored 19th century church, Perim Lang Antiques is home to an impressive collection carefully curated antiques that could proudly serve as statement pieces in any home.
The store was established in 1988 and the owners, Tom Lang and Leo Perim, are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming. From gilded mirrors and intricate grandfather clocks to mahogany sideboards, 18th century blanket chests, stunning chandeliers, and marble statues, this store has it all.
Upon entry you will be greeted by the imposing, yet friendly, Doberman, Duke. He will welcome you into the vast hall that houses some exquisite pieces from around the world. The Perim Lang name is synonymous with quality and that is immediately evident.
The store was awarded Best of Boston in 2019 and recognized in Boston Common Magazine’s “Luxe List.” So, if you are in the mood to peruse or purchase some exceptional Essex MA Antiques, this shop is a must see.
Perim Lang Antiques
18 Eastern Ave
Essex, MA 01929
https://perimlang.com/
Hours: Wednesday – Monday 11:00am – 5:00pm
Right on Route 133, in the old White Elephant Annex, you will find the Essex Exchange. Although the store does carry antiques it positions itself as upscale resale.
The shop features a diverse array of goods from a variety of sellers. In the shop you will find furniture, lighting, flatware, sculptures, paintings, restored goods, and a variety of ephemera at reasonable prices. Be careful, impulse purchases have been known to occur at this location.
The store is also home to a variety of unique art pieces created by local Cape Ann artists. So it is a great place to get an affordable piece of Cape Ann are for your home or office.
Essex Exchange
101 John Wise Ave
Essex, MA 01929
https://www.facebook.com/The-Essex-Exchange-431961553621523/
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 11:00am – 5:00pm
Another high-end antique dealer in Essex is David Neligan. Since 1992, David has been providing high quality antique furniture, art and other accessories to dealers, collectors, and designers. You cannot miss his shop, which is located right on main street in Essex, MA.
Step inside and you will discover a treasure trove of 17th and 18th century tables, chairs, wall decorations, vases, urns, light fixtures and much more. In fact they have so many antiques that they overflowed into the old White Elephant shop next door.
David prides himself of his discerning eye and exacting standards. Over 100,000 pieces have passed through the store for appraisal, restoration and resale.
If you are looking for a truly special gift or just the right piece for your home, David Neligan Antiques is definitely worth a stop for the perfect Essex MA Antiques!
David Neligan Antiques
38 Main Street
Essex, MA 01929
http://www.davidneliganantiques.com/
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11am – 5pm, Sunday 12pm – 5pm
We hope that you have enjoyed this guide to Essex MA Antiques and, more importantly, that you have found it helpful. We certainly enjoyed researching and providing the information. We had to use significant restraint in the process to avoid filling up the trunk with a variety of treasures.
This guide is a showcase of a few of our favorite antique shops and only scratches the surface on what’s available in Essex, known as “American’s Antique Capital.” There are many other greats shops and you can view more on the Essex Merchant’s Group Website: https://www.visitessexma.com/shop
