Express Your Gratitude

From alluring art and antiques to glamourous garments and haute home décor, vintage local shops and design centers have everything you need to style your surroundings—and yourself. Nothing beats the thrill of the chase when you’re tracking down treasures and discover what’s hidden in plain sight. New England is known for fabulous finds from bygone eras, and these six stores found in Boston and beyond are the ideal spots to start your search.

• GREENWICH ANTIQUES & DESIGN CENTER, STAMFORD

In business for more than 20 years, this Stamford staple moved into a new space in June 2021—and it’s better than ever. It carries rare furniture and home décor from 18th- to 20th-century designers, including such icons as Maison Jansen and Massimo Vignelli, with a focus on 19th-century French designs and quintessential 20th-century works. The center features beautiful baubles, enticing art work and sculptures, majestic mirrors, dazzling light fixtures and an incredible range of furniture offerings. GREENWICH ANTIQUES & DESIGN CENTER 375 Fairfield Ave., Stamford, CT 06902, 203.274.5130

• ANTIQUES DEPOT, NANTUCKET ISLAND

Marine-themed décor, pottery, porcelains and more are in store for customers at this local favorite that also features folk art, China trade and scrimshaw. Of course, Nantucket-specific collectibles can be found here too, along with decorative decoys and a highend, wide-ranging mix of miscellaneous items such as a rare 19th-century copper eagle weather vane circa 1860. And we’d be remiss to omit the variety of furniture selections on hand from a multitude of lands and eras. ANTIQUES DEPOT 2 South Beach St., Nantucket Island, MA 02554, 508.228.1287

• AARDVARK ANTIQUES, NEWPORT

Since 1969, this 30,000-square-foot shop has specialized in “objects with stories,” including architectural antiques and monumental bronze hand-picked from around the globe that spans numerous generations. Its expansive collection showcases everything from lighting, furniture and sculptures to animal mounts and home décor including terra cotta planters and mirrors. Slab and root furniture, stoves and fireplaces round out the inventory. The shop boasts a clientele that includes architects, interior designers and film and theater industry pros. AARDVARK ANTIQUES 9 JT Connell Highway, Newport, RI 02840, 401.849.7233

Antiquing is the perfect activity for a brisk fall day, and these half dozen stores in New England are known for their one-of-a-kind artifacts.

• GRAND & WATER ANTIQUES, STONINGTON

Here, owner Deborah Norman is all about antiques with a modern twist. Her love of the category stems from the women in her family. For numerous years, Norman’s grandmother bought and sold antiques in Norwich, and her great-grandmother was a writer for The Magazine Antiques when it launched in the 1920s. Located in this historic seaside village for more than two decades, the shop features a curated selection of home décor objects, furnishings, lighting fixtures and more. GRAND & WATER ANTIQUES 135 Water St., Stonington, CT 06378, 860.535.2624

• ANDREW SPINDLER ANTIQUES & DESIGN, ESSEX

With a unique and diverse mix of art, decorations, lighting, fine period furniture and 20th-century design, this shop features alluring and uncommon objects too— including a range of curiosities from the 17th century to the 20th. A sense of wonder and wit pervades the space along with timeless good design in items that are modern in form and function. From Folly Cove Designs to Drusus Tabor Pillows, shoppers will find it’s all about craftsmanship and quality here. ANDREW SPINDLER ANTIQUES & DESIGN 163 Main St., Essex, MA 01929, 978.768.6045

• STANLEY WEISS COLLECTION, PROVIDENCE

Initially a collector, Weiss became a seller as well approximately 30 years ago. Since then, his goal has been to acquire decorative pieces that any museum would be happy to have. The vast collection includes the country’s largest selection of fine classical and colonial, 18th- and 19th-century American and English furniture, from desks and secretaries to beds, armchairs and sofas. The inventory also features clocks, mirrors, lighting, metalware, musical instruments, Asian items and visual art. STANLEY WEISS COLLECTION 212 4th St., Providence, RI 02906, 401.272.3200