I’ve always enjoyed antique shopping. My husband loves it even more when we’re RVing. Why? The confined space in our RV prevents us from buying large or bulky pieces. They simply won’t fit.
Why antiques?
Antiquing while RVing mixes the thrill of the hunt with scenic detours. It offers slower, more leisurely travel. Antiquing sparks my curiosity when I happen upon unrecognizable objects and, other times, browsing an antique market taps into comforting childhood memories.
Make a plan
If you want to add antiquing to your RV travels, you can! Map out antique markets and “antiques trails” along your RV travel route. (Here’s the Alabama Antique Trail, for example.) I like to plan stops that help break up a long driving day. It’s a great way to stretch your legs before hopping back on the road.
Often, small towns cluster multiple dealers and barn sales near a single exit or historic downtown. Or you can simply Google “antique shops near me” to locate a store.
Local tourism sites and bloggers frequently publish curated lists and market calendars you can follow, as well.
Fun fact: Factory Antique Mall in Verona, Virginia, is the largest antique store in America.
Alternatively, you can search for antique destinations within easy driving distance from your seasonal site. Make a day of it and arrive early. Be sure to bring water and wear comfy shoes, too. I always check whether places take credit cards or cash, so I’m prepared.
What to look for
My number one consideration is “will it easily fit into the RV?” That usually means bigger pieces of furniture are automatically disqualified, though I still enjoy looking at them. I’ve found great books, measuring cups/spoons, antique fabric and patterns, and also miniatures. I approach antiquing with a “I’ll know what I want to buy when I see it” frame of mind.
Here are some things I found on a recent antique trip: a bedtime storybook from my childhood, the “3 and 30 Watchbirds” book, and an antique miniature rabbit (on the book). (The mini-bluebird is simply something that caught my eye. It’s not an antique.)
Negotiating
Haggling is part of the antique experience. I try to make friendly, informed offers rather than lowballing. You can ask about the object’s history, but always be polite if you want to negotiate. I try to offer a price that feels fair for both of us.
Hint: Some dealers will give you a better price when you pay cash.
Smart buys for RV living
Look for compact, multiuse pieces that make sense in small spaces: a sturdy folding tray table, small, framed art, or well-made linens you can actually use. Think light, durable, and practical.
Fragile finds
Before you buy, think about how an item will travel in your RV. Small glass and ceramic pieces should be wrapped individually and placed snugly in a box with padding.
Designate a single, low-traffic cabinet or storage box for fragile antiques and keep heavier items low and forward to maintain stable weight distribution. If you’re planning to display antique finds while your RV is parked, use museum putty for small items to prevent sliding. Many different varieties of putty will safeguard your treasures, even while on the road.
How about you?
Do you visit antique shops while RVing? Tell us in the comments below, and happy hunting!
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RVT1242
My DW loves antiqueing. I love our small single axle trailer for ‘vacation’ travel (we live in a large trailer 6 months and a house 6 months). The small TT and the SUV towing it are too small to haul her favorite – side tables. Saves wear & tear on the wallet. LOL
I received the bedtime story book for Christmas some 60 years ago…AND I still have it!!
My sisters and I read a bedtime story from that book each evening for years! I still remember many of the stories and I’ll bet you do, too! Safe travels in 2026, Mike!
Old postcards are another thing that are fun to hunt for, and you can even “specialize” in certain types. They can be found at any price point you set for yourself.
UPS, USPS and FedEX are everywhere. When we cleaned out my BIL’s home in CA after he died we shipped a dozen boxes back to our neighbor in IL. The counter guy at the UPS store and I were on a first name basis.
If that’s your thing, you need to check out Round Top, Texas, just NE of La Grange. Miles of antique and collectible buildings, tents, a canopies selling almost anything you could want, with bars, restaurants, and a brewery. Allow several days to see it all. Some camping available in the area.
Thank you for the suggestion and discusdion, Gail! Generally, we have little (no?) interest in antiquing while traveling. However, your comments remind me that this could (?) be a way to augment my baseball card collection. I will try to keep this avenue of card acquistion in mind as we travel. Have a great day and safe travels!