MAYBE IT’S OUR DRY climate or maybe it’s our appreciation for fine craftsmanship, but New Mexico is a gold mine for antiques shopping. Support local businesses, do something good for the environment, and travel back in time—and throughout the state—with these beloved spots.
Browse Antiques & Things for fun treasures.
Photograph courtesy of Antiques & Things.
Antique Specialty Mall, Antiques & Things, and Classic Century Square
These three stops, cozied along Albuquerque’s Central Avenue, are a dream for both vintage hunters and history buffs. Each one showcases more than 50 booths, where unique sellers pack in art, books, clothes, cowboy boots, jewelry, glassware, and furniture. But some of the best antiques aren’t for sale. Take the Classic Century Square building. Originally opened as White’s Department Store in 1957, the three-story structure retains many of its original details, including the spiral staircase and glass wall facing Central. “It’s really neat when people come in and remember it as White’s,” says owner Megan Tinnin, whose grandfather was the original owner.
Camino Real Antiques
In business for over 25 years, the Bernalillo shop is full of turn-of-the-century wardrobes, wrought iron chandeliers, Southwestern figurines, and even back issues of New Mexico Magazine. Owner Fawn Dolan also founded the nonprofit Bound for Success, which operates Nearly New, a shop that sells gently used work attire to help women going through personal challenges transition successfully into a professional environment.
Find full dish sets at The Emporium.
Photograph courtesy of The Emporium.
The Emporium
Bring a trailer—this antique store in downtown Las Cruces specializes in furniture and home decor including wooden tables, chests, bookcases, collectible tableware, and hand-painted ceramics. All proceeds benefit the Mesilla Valley Hospice, which has received $500,000 from the store since it opened eight years ago. “A small group of us ladies—we’re all ladies of a certain age—thought it’d be fun to start an antique store, because we didn’t want to compete with thrift stores,” says co-founder Heather Pollard. “The community has been so generous. We don’t have anything on consignment. It’s all donated.”
Find an assortment of rings at Roswell Resale Emporium.
Photograph courtesy of Roswell Resale Emporium.
Roswell Resale Emporium
Roswell may be known for aliens, but bountiful earthly delights can be found at this family-run shop that opened in 2018. Turquoise lovers will find vintage sterling silver jewelry, watches, and other accessories. A corner of the store features cowboy hats, bolos, and kachina dolls. Owner Ashley Flores works closely with her father, William Robles, to create a unique mix of items. “About 90 percent of our stuff is just awesome things my dad picked up from around the state and wider travels,” she says. “I’m a sucker for all the little trinket boxes, and there are some old-school piggy banks that are just so much fun.”
Silver City Trading Co. Antique Mall
Nook after nook opens up with troves of treasure, like some magical cave, in this unassuming Silver City building near the Murray Hotel. Gems and rocks from the geologically rich area sparkle throughout the store. You can easily lose track of time hunting through vintage tools, candelabras, silver jewelry, leather vests and jackets, toys, books, and an abundance of Southwestern art and decorative items. “People are in love with the vinyl collection,” says owner Paul Castellano, who estimates it at more than 10,000 records. “Folks come here to have fun. It’s a lot of everything, and the inventory changes all the time.”
Read more: Julia Tait Dickenson dusts off found items to create beautiful everyday brooms and brushes.
