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Central Massachusetts is begging for a day trip with boutiques that appeal to vintage seekers, home decor enthusiasts, and lovers of offbeat gifts. The businesses on this turf are proud and connected to the New England history around them while keeping in tune with the modern needs and desires of area residents. To guide us through this jaunt down the Mass Pike, we tapped the intimate knowledge of resident and Crompton Collective market owner Amy Lynn Chase. Here we've investigated her ten picks for the ultimate ride through Worcester and beyond for beloved clothing consignment to ultra cool succulent planters and even a Native American jewelry gallery.
Considered one of America's great flea markets, Rietta (or Rietta Ranch as it's often called) has a decades-long Sunday market tradition, now full of 650 vendors. It's open through November every week at 6am with free admission and free parking. Also, it has a full liquor bar. Oh yes.
This home consignment shop is ideal for folks who love to repurpose items, though you can also find an odd antique buy here and there. Its gigantic space is definitely a treasure hunt—not everything will be calling your name.
A family-owned business for over twenty years, Silver Buffalo specializes in handcrafted art and jewelry from Native American and regional artisans. Ogle Pendleton goods, turquoise baubles, beaded bags, dreamcatchers and more.
Head to this lovely 1867 farmhouse for country-inspired shabby chic handmade and vintage objects. The barn stocks distinctive furniture, dolls, artwork, and garden decor—as well as Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® if you like to DIY (they run workshops to show you the ropes).
Shopping in this two-level New England Colonial home yields a slew of gorgeous French-inspired decor, fine Victorian style linens, elegant light fixtures and select vintage items. Baby and hostess gifts are easy to pick out at this historic spot.
So many well-curated racks of secondhand gear at this shop. Trendy, bohemian, rock and roll—name a style and you'll find something here from shoes to apparel, jewelry, and all sorts of trinkets. Contemporary wears are also sold at a discount and it boasts a great consignment split for sellers.
While we wish Seed to Stem were stationed in say, the South End, we will happily trek it to Central MA for this lush temple to terrariums (they even have a glassblown terrarium ring), taxidermy curiosities, crystals, five foot diameter dreamcatchers, and striking things of that nature.
Did you know Worcester is home to the largest art, music, and performance festival in Massachusetts? The free event is held three times a year with over 200 artists and crafters producing work along Park Avenue. The next edition is Sunday, September 15.
Birch Alley is a Worcester newbie. Owned by a local interior designer, the shop in The Canal District is a joint venture between a florist and an antique picker to meld together the old and new worlds of decor.
Picture SoWa Vintage Market in Worcester, and you've got Crompton Collection—the brainchild of serial entrepreneur and vintage aficionado Amy Lynn Chase. Dozens of vendors and plenty of quirky items (as low as $10 and under) offer a fruitful shopping experience under one roof.
Considered one of America's great flea markets, Rietta (or Rietta Ranch as it's often called) has a decades-long Sunday market tradition, now full of 650 vendors. It's open through November every week at 6am with free admission and free parking. Also, it has a full liquor bar. Oh yes.
This home consignment shop is ideal for folks who love to repurpose items, though you can also find an odd antique buy here and there. Its gigantic space is definitely a treasure hunt—not everything will be calling your name.
A family-owned business for over twenty years, Silver Buffalo specializes in handcrafted art and jewelry from Native American and regional artisans. Ogle Pendleton goods, turquoise baubles, beaded bags, dreamcatchers and more.
Head to this lovely 1867 farmhouse for country-inspired shabby chic handmade and vintage objects. The barn stocks distinctive furniture, dolls, artwork, and garden decor—as well as Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® if you like to DIY (they run workshops to show you the ropes).
Shopping in this two-level New England Colonial home yields a slew of gorgeous French-inspired decor, fine Victorian style linens, elegant light fixtures and select vintage items. Baby and hostess gifts are easy to pick out at this historic spot.
So many well-curated racks of secondhand gear at this shop. Trendy, bohemian, rock and roll—name a style and you'll find something here from shoes to apparel, jewelry, and all sorts of trinkets. Contemporary wears are also sold at a discount and it boasts a great consignment split for sellers.
While we wish Seed to Stem were stationed in say, the South End, we will happily trek it to Central MA for this lush temple to terrariums (they even have a glassblown terrarium ring), taxidermy curiosities, crystals, five foot diameter dreamcatchers, and striking things of that nature.
Did you know Worcester is home to the largest art, music, and performance festival in Massachusetts? The free event is held three times a year with over 200 artists and crafters producing work along Park Avenue. The next edition is Sunday, September 15.
Birch Alley is a Worcester newbie. Owned by a local interior designer, the shop in The Canal District is a joint venture between a florist and an antique picker to meld together the old and new worlds of decor.
Picture SoWa Vintage Market in Worcester, and you've got Crompton Collection—the brainchild of serial entrepreneur and vintage aficionado Amy Lynn Chase. Dozens of vendors and plenty of quirky items (as low as $10 and under) offer a fruitful shopping experience under one roof.
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