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In Leisurely Pursuit of Antiques

Written by Ron Szustakowski

Have you ever embarked upon a journey without knowing exactly where you were headed? If not, you don't know what you're missing! In today's fast-paced world, nearly everyone has a 9 to 5 schedule to abide by—everybody but me that is! With a motorhome dubbed, “Gone with the Wind,” I manage to lead a fairly unscheduled lifestyle. Yes, I do work—scouring the countryside for unique antique shops for my company, Sunday Driver Directories, Inc. which composes directories to help enthusiasts locate antique shops throughout New York State. The result is a guided tour, county by county, pointing out the state's excellent antiquing potential. You can also find our guide in cyber-space at www.sundaydriver.com. Check it out some day!

Well, the wind is beginning to gently blow northeast off Lake Erie near the NY/PA border, so it's time to jump into the motorhome and start cruising in search of unclaimed treasures. Feel free to follow along! And don't worry about keeping up. Remember, we're `Sunday Drivers' and `Gone With the Wind!'

Erie County PA

Our excursion along the Seaway Trail beings on Route 5 in Erie County, Pennsylvania, which follows the shoreline of Lake Erie. Erie offers several shops scattered throughout the city. While we're in the area, we'll visit the Flagship Niagara, the Historical Museum and Presqu'ile State Park. Further east, in the very picturesque village of Northeast, we'll find quaint shops (such as Jan's Antiques), lovely B&Bs and four wineries—an antique lover's dream.

Chautauqua County, NY

Crossing into New York State's Chautauqua County lands us quite literally in the middle of antique heaven—known far and wide for its wealth of fine shops. Ripley, on Route 5, is a tiny community with a few great places to explore. Findley is a seasonal resort community at the southwest corner of the state, yet six local shops await, many open year round, including an antique museum. In keeping with our relaxed ways, we plan to enjoy a picnic on tranquil Findley Lake.

The next leg of our quest is a leisurely trip around Chautauqua Lake. With so many stops, this jaunt can easily take a whole day or weekend to accomplish. Start on NYS Route 430 East. Nearly every town on the loop around the lake has a shop or two. Watch for signs to antique shops and flea markets off the beaten path; they'll be worth the detour. From the several shops in Jamestown, it's back around to Mayville, where on weekends, you will find a large flea market complete with soaring flights and airplane rides. While you're in the area, don't pass up the tours and tastings offered by the regions' wineries.

The lovely village of Westfield, on Route 20, is one of the oldest antique communities in the state, with shops here in their second and third generation of ownership and catering to customers the world over. With twenty-some excellent shops in a five-mile area, we'll no doubt spend several hours here.

Erie County, NY

Here we are in Erie County—home of to several famous antique districts—each a treasure trove of quality and variety. While tempted by many side trips to Hamburg, Eden, Elma, Holland and East Aurora (with its outstanding Roycroft Campus and other national landmarks), the highest concentrations of antique shops are found in Buffalo and Clarence. One of the oldest and largest areas is the Allentown Antique District, an architecturally charming area abundant with some of the most beautifully restored houses and mansions of the 19th century. The eighteen plus shops in this small quadrant will give you a wide variety of antiques—from architectural artifacts to miniatures and furniture to glass and estate jewelry.

Another popular antique strip is on Hertel Avenue—an upscale retail and antique community located on the north side of Buffalo, with over a dozen specialty antique shops to explore.

Hopping back on Main Street (NYS Rt 5), we will head east through Snyder and Williamsville both of which host a couple of fine shops. Further out Main Street, we encounter serious antique traffic—the renown village of Clarence with 20 plus shops scattered along Main Street and throughout town. In addition, Clarence lays claim to two of the largest antique markets in the state, where over 600 dealers of antiques and collectibles convene every Sunday, indoors and out, and two annual weekend events with over 700 quality dealers from the entire northeast!

Niagara County, NY

Next comes Niagara County with its great rushing falls, Maid of the Mist Boat Tour, historic Old Fort Niagara, and, you guessed it—more antique shops. Lewiston, Youngstown and Ransomville are all well worth a look as are Lockport, North Tonawanda, and Niagara Falls.

orleans County, NY

As we head east along Lake Ontario's shoreline and into Orleans county, we find ourselves gazing into the vast farmlands and beautiful scenery that this region has to offer. Our quest here will concentrate along the two main east-west arteries: Routes 104 and 31. Numerous shops in Medina, Albion, Childs, and Holley might uncover an unexpected treasure or two. Many of these towns are picturesque, so bring your camera. The Cobblestone Museum Complex at Childs is a `must.'

Monroe County, NY

Our first stops in Monroe County will be in the towns of Brockport and Spencerport—both with their share of antiques! Spencerport shops are primarily located along Route 104 with a few side trips as usual. The Doll Emporium, now in its 3rd generation, is just one fine example of fascinating establishments to explore here. The college town of Brockport has most of its shops on Route 19 within the village limits. Moving eastward on Route 104, we'll take an important side trip to Hilton, near Routes 259 & 18. The Craft Antique Co-Op here boasts over 60 dealers in one location.

On Rochester's city streets and neighboring suburbs you'll find approximately 30 shops of all types. I'm planning to spend at least a day and maybe two here, as I don't want to miss the shopping opportunities or one-of-a-kind collections on display at the Strong Museum, the George Eastman House and the Genesee Country Museum (in Mumford).

East of the city, Webster is home to two large antique coops, both in the business district, as well as a handful of single shops.

Wayne County, NY

I think you'll agree by this time that the Seaway Trail is the land of great antiquing! And Wayne County is no exception. Starting with Ontario, a variety of shops await us, including the LW Emporium—a “village type” shopping experience with a mix of antique and craft boutiques. More shops and an antiquarian bookstore are close at hand!

Now it's on to Alton (Route 14, just north of 104) home to Wayne county's largest antique cooperative— the Alton Antique Center—a large complex with over 90 quality dealers open every day. If you still haven't found that item you're looking for, follow me along Route 31 through Newark, Lyons and Clyde where shop owners there are ready to serve you. In quaint Pultneyville we'll check out the Salmon Creek Antique House while enjoying a walking tour of the waterfront hamlet.

Cayuga County

Long, slender Cayuga County, where you'll find some shops in Fair Haven and Red Creek near the Seaway Trail, is also packed with shops south along Routes 20 & 5 in Auburn and Cayuga. These shops are just a trickle of what you will find if you take the time to travel around the lake. While there, we'll enjoy one of many winery tours or spend a day at the Sterling Renaissance Festival where you can slip into the Elizabethan era for the day.

Oswego County

Oswego County is next as we scour the Trail for that special item. The City of Oswego is the hub of antiquing here, with a few shops along Bridge Street (Route 104). The largest, most prestigious show and sale here is the Heritage Foundation Antique Show & Sale held the last weekend of July as part of Harborfest. If browsing for treasures at flea markets is your thing, you'll enjoy the Hillside Market near Port Ontario, on the Seaway Trail. While in the Oswego area, we'll visit the H. Lee White Maritime Museum, Richardson-Bates House and Fort Ontario—all very appealing to antiquey people like you and me!

Jefferson County

Jefferson County is sure to provide some unique finds, especially if you're in search of nautical, historical or duck hunting memorablia. While shops are scattered throughout Sackets Harbor, Watertown (with a few mini-malls), Cape Vincent, Clayton and Alexandria Bay, there are a number of annual shows not to be missed: The Can-Am-Tique Show in Sackets Harbor (July 2-4) and the Clayton Antique Show at the Clayton Arena. Also in Clayton, Up River Cargo Antiques offers 30 dealers under one roof.

If boating is a passion, you haven't lived until you experience the annual Antique Boat Show & Auction at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton always the first weekend in August—now in its 35th year. Meanwhile, the Northern New York Agricultural Museum in Stone Mills holds an Old-time Steam and Gas Engine Show & Antique Quilt Show the last weekend in August. So many antiques; so little time!

St. Lawrence County

With just one more county to cover, let's head downriver into St. Lawrence County where still more antiquing abounds. Massena, Ogdensburg, Potsdam and Canton all have a good supply of shops. Lisbon is home to Tilden Stage Antiques, while Gouverneur hosts a yearly show in the Village Park (August 28, 1999) and Massena's St. Lawrence Centre Mall organizes two small but excellent shows each spring and fall.

Most areas mentioned in this article have regional antique directories available via the local chamber of commerce or by visiting a local shop. If you know you're headed to a particular part of the trail, ask ahead. Numbers of tourism offices are on the inside back cover of this magazine. Several businesses that specialize in antiques and collectibles are listed in the Antiques section of the Seaway Trail membership directory. Happy hunting!

About the writer: An avid antique collector for over thirty years, Ron Szustakowski owns Sunday Driver Directories, Inc. His company pinpoints antique shops throughout NYS (and Virginia). For a current directory, send a SASE (with 55 cents postage) to: Sunday Driver Directories, Inc., 46 Pineview Drive, Delevan, NY 14042. Visit the Sunday Driver website at www.sundaydriver.com.