LFW Top Picks for Antique/Thrift Shops

Posted By Travis Bartlett on May 24, 2016

Do you need kitchen supplies for your very first apartment but are on a tight budget? How about a wacky outfit for an impromptu 90’s themed birthday party? The perfect vintage chair to set in your corner of the room?  Not only is Fort Wayne filled with churches, but we also have an unrecognized abundance of antique and thrift shops. The staff at Living Fort Wayne knows a good deal when we see one and we’re here to help you locate those once-in-a-lifetime finds.   Tim Zink picks… The Country Shops of Grabill (13756 State St. Grabill, IN) My favorite place to find antiques would be The Country Shops of Grabill. It’s just a short drive to the small town of Grabill, northeast of Fort Wayne in Amish country. There are over 150 vendors there selling antiques and other items. I usually pick up books there, but the place is full of other things like antique furniture, housewares, and other collectibles.   Emily Farmer picks… Terry’s Toys (1010 Werling Rd. New Haven, IN) My current favorite—being that I’m a mother of 3 young kids—is Terry’s Toys in New Haven! It is a locally-owned kids toy resale shop. They are very reasonable with prices, you can bargain with them, and they even buy toys. I always feel like I got a great deal when I leave!   Leslie Snare picks… Finders Keepers (2608 Calhoun St. Fort Wayne, IN) A total eclectic collection of furniture at all price points. They always have something hilarious to say on their sign on the side of their building. My personal favorite: It’s okay to come in just to stare at our nice chest. Furniture puns? Who knew!?   Rhonda Ladig Moxter picks… Nature’s Corner (2307 Spy Run Ave. Fort Wayne, IN) They are 3 stories comprised of tons of antique/collectible booths. The variety in Nature’s Corner is insane. Old comic books, furniture, old-timey clothes–you can find just about everything here!   Travis Bartlett picks… Salvation Army (6031 Lima Rd. Fort Wayne, IN, 1013 S. 13th St. Decatur, IN) I love visiting the Salvation Army for those quick, oddball items I may need for my kitchen or home décor needs. Where else are you going to find a vintage 1970s melon baller for a buck? These are the two locations I visit the most and can always count on having what I’m looking for: https://www.facebook.com/SalArmyLimaRoad/?fref=ts https://www.facebook.com/SalArmyDecatur/?fref=ts The Dove’s Nest Thrift Shop (6603 Stellhorn Rd. Fort Wayne, IN) Located on the Northeast side of Fort Wayne, this place has a lot more to offer than your typical thrift store. Every purchase you make goes to countries...