Antiquing in the Okemo Valley: A Guide to Vermont's Best Antique Shops Near Ludlow
From the 90-dealer Stone House Antique Center in Chester to the Vermont Antique Mall in Quechee, here's your guide to the best antique shops near Ludlow, VT -- all within 45 minutes of The Governor's Inn.
Antiquing in the Okemo Valley: A Guide to Vermont's Best Antique Shops Near Ludlow
Vermont and antiques go hand in hand. The state's small villages, historic farmhouses, and deep-rooted appreciation for craftsmanship have made it a destination for collectors and casual browsers alike -- and the Okemo Valley sits right in the middle of it all. Whether you're hunting for a statement piece of Victorian furniture, a cache of vintage jewelry, or just a lazy afternoon of treasure-spotting, some of Southern Vermont's best antique shops are within a 45-minute drive of The Governor's Inn. Here's where to start.
Chester: The Antique Capital of the Okemo Valley
Twenty minutes east of Ludlow on Route 103, the village of Chester has quietly become the Okemo Valley's antiquing hub, with a cluster of shops all within walking distance of the village green.
Stone House Antique Center is the anchor. Housed in a sprawling 20,000-square-foot building at 557 Route 103 South, it features 90-plus individual dealers spread across two floors. You'll find fine furniture, folk art, quilts, jewelry, primitives, glassware, militaria, books, and just about every category of collectible imaginable. It's open daily 10 AM to 5 PM, year-round, and consistently ranks among the top-rated antique destinations in Vermont. (802-875-4477)
Just up the road, Vermont Picker Antiques at 527 North Street offers a smaller, curated selection of antiques and vintage accessories, while The Bargain Corner at 128 Main Street is the spot for affordable furniture finds and ever-changing inventory. Round out a Chester afternoon with Collected Vermont on Route 11, which specializes in curated vintage home goods, and Matilda and Three Bears on the Common, a newer addition to Chester's antique trail.
Weston: Small-T Charm and Serious Finds
Twenty minutes west of Ludlow, Weston is best known for the Vermont Country Store -- but it's also home to Drury House Antiques, a dealer-run shop with 40-plus years in the business. Hours can be limited, so call ahead (802-824-4395). Pair it with a stroll through Weston's village center and a stop at the Vermont Country Store for old-fashioned candy, hard-to-find goods, and a walk through the Kissing Bridge. We've written about a perfect day trip to Weston before -- antiquing is a natural addition.
Bellows Falls: A Growing Antique Scene
Thirty-five minutes southeast of Ludlow, the historic downtown square of Bellows Falls has developed a surprisingly strong antique presence. Windham Antique Center at 5 The Square is the standout -- 7,000 square feet of period furnishings, jewelry, gems, and general antiques, open daily 10 AM to 5 PM. Right next door, Anastasia's Closet offers vintage finds and accessories. The walkable square makes it easy to hit both in a single stop, and the surrounding downtown has galleries, cafes, and a restored opera house worth exploring.
Quechee: Vermont's Largest Antique Mall
For a full-day antiquing expedition, drive 40 minutes northeast to Quechee, where two major shops sit within minutes of each other -- and of the famous Quechee Gorge.
The Vermont Antique Mall is Vermont's largest, with 150-plus dealers across three floors of a renovated 20,000-square-foot historic barn at 5573 Woodstock Road. The range is staggering: midcentury decor, vintage clothing, costume and fine jewelry, vinyl records, furniture, trading cards, cast iron cookware, and more. Open daily 10 AM to 5 PM, year-round, with free parking and restaurants nearby. (802-281-4147)
A mile up Route 4, Antiques Collaborative occupies the three-story Waterman House atrium at 6931 Woodstock Road. Under new ownership since 2024, it carries upscale, prestige-level antiques -- fine furniture, art, sterling silver, rugs, and mirrors. It's a different caliber from the Antique Mall's eclectic sprawl, and the two make a perfect pairing. Open Thursday through Tuesday, 10 AM to 5 PM (closed Wednesdays). (802-296-5858)
Woodstock: Consignment and Folk Art
If you're already in the Quechee area, continue ten minutes north to Woodstock, where Ellaway's Attic at 14 Central Street offers quality consignment finds -- furniture, lighting, art, and Vermont souvenirs -- with "Frugal Friday" markdowns. Nearby, Eric Nesbitt Art & Antiques at 33 Pleasant Street deals in fine antiques and folk art. Both are within walking distance of Woodstock's village center, which is worth a visit on its own.
Planning Your Antiquing Day
Most shops in the region keep daily 10-to-5 hours through the summer, but smaller dealer-run operations can be by-appointment or weather-dependent. A quick call before you drive is always wise. If you're planning a weekend, pair your antiquing with a Sunday morning visit to the Ludlow Farmers Market on Depot Street, a hike up the Healdville Trail to the Okemo fire tower, or a free Friday night concert at Jackson Gore. And mark your calendar for September, when the annual Weston Antiques Show draws collectors from across the region for Vermont Antiques Week.
The best part? Every shop on this list is a comfortable day trip from your room at The Governor's Inn -- close enough to drop off your finds and head out for dinner, or just relax on the porch with a glass of wine and a new old treasure.
Ready to hunt for Vermont antiques? Book your stay at The Governor's Inn and make Ludlow your base camp for the Okemo Valley's best antiquing.
