If the term “antiques” conjures up images of grandma’s attic and dusty, somewhat creepy objects and ephemera, imagine this: boutiques, stores and swap meets chock full of fun furnishings, funky clothes and all manner of interesting, one-of-a-kind items, from kitschy to classic. That and a lot more is what antiques mean in Long Beach, a curated sea of different eras and styles, a serious collection that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Have a look!
In the heart of Downtown, Long Beach Vintage Etc (737 Pine Ave) has a 7,000-square-foot showroom featuring an eclectic mix of antique and funky finds. Everything from artisan decor to MadMen-style barware, rhinestone jewelry to vintage clothes. There’s sleek ‘60s mid century modern to rock and roll gear. Curated into collective stations, mixing nostalgia with kitsch, fashionable with fabulous, every few steps bring promises of a new find.
The Long Beach Antique Market at Veterans Stadium (5000 E. Lew Davis St.) is simply one of the best flea markets in the nation. With more than 800 dealers, displaying about half a million items spread out over 20 acres, it attracts all types looking for all types of things. The market happens on the third Sunday of every month and, if the month has a fifth Sunday, it’s held on that day as well.
Are you in need of a vintage porcelain enamel cone-shaped fireplace or some Danish modern furniture for your 1970s A-frame in the mountains? Stroll 16,000-square-feet of mid century modern nirvana at Urban Americana (1345 Coronado Ave), a collective of vintage and antique dealers offering everything from groovy rugs and lamps to tiki sculptures and vinyl for your record collection.
Magnolia and Willow (490 W Willow St) can be a bit deceiving as its front exterior doesn’t communicate how big a space lies beyond. More than a few people have been very pleasantly surprised to find themselves walking further and further back into Magnolia and Willow’s amazing cache of items. Clothes, silverware, original art, jewelry, sports memorabilia, movie collectibles and religious items. And, as you’ll discover, lots more.
A fun space with an amazing and varied collection of items owing to the fact that Goods on Orange (3414 Orange Ave) is curated not only by its own staff, but also by an amazing assemblage of independent collectors/characters. All of that translates into a store offering a treasure trove that is both traditional and trendy, from lava lamps to vintage furnishing and clothes, Betty Boop to classic rock vinyl. Outside in the back, there’s a garden section with an array of plants and pots.
