Saving Money and Sharing History: A Guide To Jackson's Antique Stores
BY OLIVIA CHIN
With the renewed focus on sustainability in our shopping habits, Christmas on its way, and COVID-19 making our pockets lighter, the art of thrifting and antiquing is essential today. Thankfully, we have several locally-owned antique and vintage stores in the Jackson area. The perfect gift for a friend, family member, or yourself is waiting for you right here in the 731. You may find some truly wonderful mid-century modern pieces, handmade local crafts like soy candles or macrame wall hangings, Southwestern blankets, Turkish kilim rugs, used books and vinyl, and more at these locations. All you have to do is be patient and look!
Butler’s Antique Mall
2213 Hwy 70 E, Jackson, TN 38305
If you want to spend several hours thrifting in a large venue, Butler’s is your place. Butler’s boasts many different booths in a building that stretches on for what seems like miles. They have custom tumblers, wood furniture, Christmas dinnerware, cast iron cookware, and more. Plus, they offer freshly popped popcorn!
Carriage House Antique Market and Cafe
195 Carriage House Dr, Jackson, TN 38305
If you’re thrifting while hungry, Carriage House Market and Cafe is the place for you. Stop by and enjoy a delicious lunch while you shop through the many booths. Local business owners and artisans like Wisdom House and The Rogue Chicken maintain booths at Carriage House. You’ll browse locally-made pottery; an assortment of snacks, jams, and desserts; jewelry and clothes; and vintage furniture and decorations.
Wisdom House inside Carriage House carries vintage rugs as well as a variety of housewares, both vintage and new.
Red Barn Antiques
2150 Hwy 70 E, Jackson, TN 38305
The cool thing about Red Barn Antiques is that their vendors have some older pieces that you wouldn’t normally see in your day-to-day life. On my last visit to Red Barn Antiques, I witnessed a draw blade, an exercise belt, and an antique bed warmer. I wouldn’t have known much about any of these interesting items from the past, but Red Barn Antiques could probably double as a museum for people of my generation. You’ll also find mirrors, collectibles, blankets, rugs, and more at Red Barn.
The Darn Yankee
2855 US-45 S, Jackson, TN 38301
The Darn Yankee is chock full of amazing collectibles and memorabilia. The store itself is painted in bright, happy colors and beckons passerby to stop in and find their next special buy. As you walk through the aisles, you’ll see posters from old shows and artists, funky dresses and coats, pocket and folding knives, cases of vinyl, and much more.
The Lost Reserve
1417 N Highland Ave, Jackson, TN 38301
Fans of vintage clothes and brands like Pendleton, Carhartt, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren will relish The Lost Reserve. This vintage store offers a curated collection of old-school jackets, hats, denim, and flannel; as well as beautiful jewelry and plants from Sonder Finery Co. Out of all of the thrift stores I’ve visited, I also think that The Lost Reserve plays the best music (St. Vincent, Vampire Weekend, and Boy Pablo were the soundtrack to my latest visit)- but that’s all relative to the shopper!
photos by Kristi Woody
Yarbro’s Antique Mall
350 Carriage House Dr, Jackson, TN 38305
Yarbro’s not only provides booths from various dealers filled with interesting antiques, but also houses a children’s consignment shop (Olivia’s Closet) and floor and ceiling services (Nerren’s Floor to Ceiling). You’ll find anything and everything, from chalk paint to VHS tapes to a 1960’s mid-century modern chair in great condition (true story).
Originally from Medon, Tennessee, Olivia Chin is the Circulation Manager at the Union University Library. Her best Halloween costumes (so far) have been David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. Her favorite hobbies include drinking local coffee, reading true crime novels, and going to emo concerts with her husband.