Why You Should Visit Antique Alley, Indiana

The eBay sensation is still sweeping the United States, bringing together buyers and sellers from across the nation and around the world, but sometimes antiques and collectibles need to be seen (and touched) to be appreciated, and that is why Antique Alley in historic Richmond, Indiana and leading through several other towns like Hagerstown, Green's Fork, Centerville, Cambridge City and New Castle. Antique Alley is one of the most exciting antiquing destinations in the Midwest with more than 1,500 unique antique dealers in shops and malls available for serious antiquing and collectible hunting.

To plan a trip down one or both of the two trails of Antique Alley is to plan for an extremely long weekend of treasure hunting. The entire vacation will take up quite a bit of time, and it is recommended that more than two days is allotted for the getaway. Plan to wear comfortable shoes, as some of the spacious antique malls boast more than a hundred unique dealers.

Not too long ago, Antique Alley was a line of 800 unique dealers dotting along Old National road from Richmond to Knightstown. In the middle, of Antique alley, you could find Centerville, the heart of Antique alley with beautiful 19th century architecture. Webb's Antique Mall, at 200 West Union Street in Centerville is reportedly the largest Antique mall in the US with two acres literally stuffed with fun stuff. There is even a restaurant in the middle for you to enjoy a slice of homemade pie and a sandwich.

National Road is an amazing thing in itself. It's the very first highway in America. There, you can check out several historic locations and immerse yourself in the rich history of Richmond and surrounding areas. After all, there is more to National Road than just Antiques.

Proposed by George Washington in 1784 and finally commissioned by Thomas Jefferson in 1806, the National road was to go from Cumberland in Maryland to Ohio. Most trip advisors suggest you begin your Antique Alley trip in quaint Knightstown. Once, Knightstown was a home to Michael Bonne, the famous coppersmith, but his shop was closed to the public in 2003, and he moved to Florida, which is a definite disappointment for Antique Alley. Knightstown also boasts an opera house and historic farmhouse once known as a traveler's rest stop.

Next Antique Alley town is Cambridge City. You can see Overbeck pottery there, as the old Overbeck house is located in the town. Then, you come to Centerville and Webb's. Centerville is also home to the Mansion House, which you can tour sometimes, usually during historic home tour events.

Richmond is probably the main stop for antique enthusiasts interested in Antique Alley itself. The historic buildings are a great backdrop for all of the shops, and they have a beautiful rose garden in Glen Miller Park that is beautiful when in bloom. I recommend staying in Richmond during your Antique Alley trip because there are other things to do when you're tired of looking at collectibles. The other half of Antique Alley loops into Ohio.

Trail two of Antique Alley carries you north on US 27. This path is not so much an extension of the old Antique Alley, but more an inclusion of other antique shops along the trek. With Trail two, the antiques of Portland and portions of Ohio are included in an Antique Alley getaway. This trail has over 600 unique dealers.

The actual trail (from Richmond) begins at US 40 to Knightstown and loops to Richmond along 38. Trail two runs from Richmond on US 27 north to Portland and east into Ohio and back. The largest malls to browse are The Jay Garment Antique Mall in Portland on Trail two and Webb's in Centerville on Trail one. Due to the popularity of the Antique dealerships along Antique Alley, tourism packages are available. My recommendation is to stay in one of the Bed & Breakfasts along the way. I highly recommend the Philip W. Smith or Martha E. Parry Bed & Breakfast for the lovely architecture of the structures and the delicious food. If you're not into atmosphere, hotels and motels are also nearby. Most of the stores along Antique Alley are open 9-5. For more details, check out the Richmond Visitor's Website at http://www.visitrichmond.org.