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Voted one of the top 10 “choice antiquing destinations” by Midwest Living Magazine readers, Southeastern Indiana’s Antique Alley
- Lit by a 30-foot high candle, the Warm Glow Candle Company produces over 5000 candles, which come in whimsical assortment of shapes hand-stamped into the exterior, a day. The store, which has a cute café, also sells potpourri, scent chips and oils.
- The Huddleston Farmhouse Museum sits on a rise above the old highway just outside of Cambridge City. Built in 1841 and owned by the Huddleston Family, it was an inn for travelers on the National Highway and is now open for tours.
- Back in the early to mid-20th century, Cambridge City was also famed for the pottery created by the Overbeck Sisters, four sisters known for their unique work; they developed marvelous glazes whose formulas disappeared after the last sister died. Their work can be seen at Museum of Overbeck Art Pottery located in the town’s library.
The old National Road, once the main thorough fare first for horse and wagons and later for cars, connects such charming cities and towns as Richmond, Cambridge City and Centerville and branches out on to back roads forming two loops of seemingly endless antique stores. Pick up maps and ask questions at the Old National Road Welcome Center which features historical displays and gift items including locally made arts, foods and crafts such as honey, soap, lotions and chocolates from the great candy stores around here—Abbott’s, Olympian and Ghyslain. Choose your destinations and hit the road.
Now it’s time for the tough decisions–Antique Alley Trail 1 or 2? Or how about stops on both. Musts on Trail 1 are the 2-acre Centerville Antique Mall, the adorable Mockingbird Antiques located in an 1835 Federal style building (we so wanted the Art Nouveau Concrete Fountain Basin and the wooden hand store display for the days when ladies had their gloves fitted). There’s also the intriguing Old Storefront in Dublin (by chance or appointment) specializing in movie props–antiques from the store have appeared in over 50 films, advertising memorabilia and stuff found in a 19th century general store. Vintage pharmaceuticals, anyone?
Highlights of Trail 2 include High Hats Antique Mall & Gift Gallery in Richmond and Country Side Antiques & Architectural Salvage in Winchester. And while you’re in Winchester, you have to (trust us on this) stop at the generations old family owned Mrs. Wick’s Pies. There’s a long list of offerings but they’re probably best known for Indiana’s state pie—Sugar Cream.
