According to Mike Wolfe of Antique Archeology (and American Pickers on History Channel), the best states to find old stuff in are the ones that have been around a while. And that does make sense – seems like there will be more REALLY old stuff closer to Pennsylvania than you’ll find in Northern California… bless those sweet ladies’ hearts who climbed into those covered wagons and left all their family heirlooms behind!!!
That little bit of historical reality might explain why it took some work to make a list of places to shop for vintage and antique treasures in Alaska, our country’s second-youngest state. I mean, can you imagine how difficult it would have been to get your Alaskan home furnished with fine furniture in the early 1900s?? Yikes. A couple of Google searches didn’t turn up much, but when I followed some links on other shops’ pages, I was finally able to put together a little list to get your started. If you know of others, feel free to share them in the comments below!
Ozarks Alaska – Anchorage
Their photos are stuffed full of new and vintage home décor, and make it clear that their preferred style is definitely romantic cottage style. From the looks of it, the shop is perfectly curated and beautifully displayed. You’ll see lace and chippy paint and lots of sparkles – all the good stuff!
Alaska Vintage Co. – Eagle River
This little shop is full of painted vintage furniture, and from the looks of it, she loves to create custom pieces for her customers as well. The description also mentions clothing, so I am assuming that she’s got a full boutique with home décor and trendy clothes – one stop shopping!
Ginger’s Junk – Eagle River
This shop’s photo collection features a ton of repurposed home décor, gorgeous painted furniture and whimsical hand-painted signs. I love their tagline: “Turning not so pretty furniture and home décor into something beautiful.” Also, her logo includes an old pick-up truck, so it’s gotta be awesome, right?? I feel like Ginger and I should be BFFs.
Alaska Picker – Wasilla
The photos posted on their Facebook page show a store full of amazing antiques and vintage items, and quality architectural salvage and rusty metal letters as well. I suppose if you were furnishing a home in Alaska in the 1880s, you had the money to do it right, and bought only the best. Looks like a great place to spend a couple of hours filling up that Alaskan vacation cabin you’re planning to build.
The Rusty Bee – Wasilla
They recently announced that they will be the exclusive stockists of Miss Mustardseed Milk Paint in Alaska, so that’s awesome! Annie Sloan Chalk Paint isn’t even sold in Alaska, so “woot woot!” for Marian sending her product to the frozen north. They need cute chippy paint options too!
Blue Door Antiquities – Fairbanks
I put the Blue Door on the bottom of the list simply because they are not open yet (according to Facebook). But it looks like it’s going to be a cute shop when it is!
Feel free to add more places you think we should visit if we ever make the trip north – we’d love to see more folks making and selling gypsy caravan-worthy treasures!
Article Written by Laurie Marshall – Laurie is a writer and artist living in Springdale, Arkansas with her husband, son and three cats who think they’re people. She can’t keep her fingernails clean, prefers her tea unsweet, and is on a first-name basis with local thrift store employees. Follow her at See Laurie Write and Junk Rethunque.
'Vintage America: Alaska' has no comments
Be the first to comment this post!