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Antiques Road Trip #1

I'm fortunate to live near many antique and vintage stores, flea and outdoor markets. When the need arises for a piece of furniture or home decor, we don't always run to a boring, cookie-cutter box store, or even to a local furniture or art shop, which we always prefer. Instead, we escape the city and take one of several circuits touring antique and vintage shops. Hitting the road gives us a chance to bird watch, drive along the Canadian Shield and view the watershed. Antiquing is also a fun quest to find that piece. There is a satisfying feeling when you buy a quality items for good value. And it's more environmentally friendly.

The Ottawa /Smiths Falls Antique Tour



There are a lot to choose from here for a one day or

multi-day road trip.


Road Trip 1 introduces five antique and vintage stores and one outdoor vintage shop in the Ontario towns of Crosby, Portland, Lombardy and Smiths Falls. Hwy 15 and the Rideau Canal waterway link the route. We began in Kingston and it was a leisurely five-hour round-trip of easy driving through a beautiful landscape.


Old World County Antiques


8525 County Rd 42, Portland, ON

613) 305-2024                 




I found the perfect crystal vase at Old World County Antiques, a well curated store with a variety of quality antique and vintage glass, stained glass, china, oil lamps, furniture and so much more.

We picked up their delicious maple syrup too.


If you love fresh-cut flowers, then buy a crystal flower vase. The brilliance of cut leaded glass and the heavier weight of the glass, makes it an ideal flower vase that won't easily tip over. It also compliments many design styles. Every cut flower lover should have at least one crystal vase.

Don't buy new. This is the perfect time to reuse and buy antique or vintage.

I bought this gem at Old World Country Antiques. It comes with two pieces and the glass kensin is well designed, enabling you to arrange the blooms easily.


Tip: Chances are, your new old crystal hasn't been used in a while so soak it in a mix of vinegar, mild dish soap and warm water. The crystal's brilliance will be brought back.

You will find some gems at Aunt Molly's Antique.

Comic book lovers will enjoy her extensive collection.

Aunt Molly's Antique 2800 Hwy.15, Portland, ON (343) 989-2649


Bernie's 381 ON-15, Smiths Falls, ON K7A 5B8 +(613) 283-7032


Bernie's did not disappoint. This solid wood and handsomely crafted antique table is ideal for small spaces. The drop-leaf table with storage allows for three configurations: a sideboard that takes up very little room, a table for two or a table for four. It comes with two solid wood chairs. All three pieces are reasonable at $369. I doubt this deal will last long. Bernie's was filled with fabulous furniture, home decor and collectibles.



Gallery 15 is an auction house, refinishing business and a multi-vendor flea market. We will come back for an auction and check out the online auction as well.

We purchased a very well made, small cookie scoop for only $4.00. Lee Valley sells this identical item for $21.00


                (613) 283-1020

                   260 Lombard St. (Hwy15), Smiths Falls, ON




Settlement House

240 Lombard St

Hwy. 15,

Smiths Falls, ON






I found vintage lead-free glass jars at Settlement House. I will use these for my homemade cocktail bitters.

Settlement House has a wonderful collection of fine furniture and collectibles. It is certainly worth the stop.



Rideau Antiques, 104 Rideau Ferry. Rd, Lombardy, ON (613) 283-6490












You may not be permitted to browse the over-stuffed interior of the shop at Rideau Antiques, but the outdoor yard is open year-round and has much to offer. As soon as I saw the vast collection of items, the artist in me became very excited. Artists, welders and up-cyclers out there—check it out. These photos show just a fraction of the organized piles and heaps that are waiting for you there. Open to the elements, there is a patina on all the items that means you need to check to see if they are rusted through or rotted out. There are gems to be had as well. Looking for old window frames? You will find them here. The driveway is semi-circular so park and take a wander. The owner and staff are very friendly and knowledgable.

We had a successful shopping day, and although I did not find a bench for my hallway, I did meet some wonderful shop owners and perused through some remarkable places. We packed a picnic and spent about $25 in gas. An added bonus—the bird watching was spectacular. We spotted an adult bald eagle and a Great Horned Owl along Hwy 15. I'm still on the hunt for that bench and a credenza to convert into a powder room for my cats. So stay tuned for Antique Road Trip #2.








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