Among the many fun pastimes on the Boothbay peninsula is the joy of hunting for unique items from our past. If "something old" is calling you, why not check out these stops? Who knows? You may find a treasure to bring back home.

Iron Horse Antiques and General Store isat the entrance to the Railway Village Museum on Route 27 in Boothbay.

It's the only multi-dealer antique shop in the Boothbay area and its large space includes items from 20 dealers, according to Cathy Blair, the store manager. Within its walls, you'll find antiques and collectables, glassware, sterling, jewelry, coins, linens and a gift store. "There's something for everyone," Blair said. Items also include work by local artists.

"Merchandise changes all the time," Blair added. With the Railway Village celebrating its 60th anniversary this year there will be lots of special events to see as well. Summer hours: Every day, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, visit:  https://railwayvillage.org/plan-your-visit/iron-horse-antiques-general-store/ or call (207) 633-4733.

Jewelry collectors will enjoy a stop at The Ritz, 33 Townsend Ave. In business since 1982, The Ritz offers estate and antique fine jewelry, vintage costume jewelry, high quality antique reproduction jewelry and some antique bric-a-brac. Jewelry lovers will find a little bit of everything to browse. Open most days at 10 a.m. until closing. For more information, call (207) 633-6484.

Boothbay residents Anthony and Laura de Haas operate East Boothbay Trading Company offering nautically themed items such as ships’ wheels, lamps, marine salvage pieces, Chelsea clocks, select furniture and smalls. They also offer fine art with a nautical focus by 19th and 20th century artists.

In addition to a space within Iron Horse Antiques, East Boothbay Trading Company sells through group shops in Wiscasset and Freeport and antiques shows. Check out http://eastboothbaytrading.com/index.html. Those seeking a specific item or more information can call (207) 446-5759 or email: eastboothbaytrading@gmail.com

ETC. Antiques, Collectables & More calls itself "Boothbay Harbor's Best Kept Secret." The store is full of interesting items and is easy to find at 44 Union St., next to Mama D's restaurant. Parking is immediately in front of the store.

ETC.’s owner, Cindy Hale, offers a mix of antiques, collectables, paintings, glassware jewelry, quilts and furniture. Summer hours: Every day 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, call (207) 380-9339.

Boothbay resident Richard Plunkett has operated his Wizard of Odds and Ends business for more than 65 years. A member of New England Appraisers Association, he provides formal and informal appraisal services for estates and insurance and can also give current market value of items. He is a frequent speaker at local organizations.

Plunkett offers a mix of 19th and 20th century antiques at locations in Alna and Wiscasset. Alna store hours: Thursday - Monday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information call (207) 633-7423.

On Southport, Lynn Schafer has owned Possibilities in the Shed at 476 Hendricks Hill Road for 25 years, offering vintage textiles, tablecloths, quilts, hand-crocheted and hand-braided rugs. The shop also has cottage furniture. Visitors are also welcome to browse the perennial gardens. Summer hours: Every day, 12:30 - 5 p.m. Call (207) 633-0788. 

Help the community while you shop!

Thrift shops can be a great place to find undiscovered antiques. The locations listed below offer a variety of items and are non-profit organizations managed by volunteers. Dollars from your purchases at these benefit our community, funding scholarships, the Health Center and other worthy causes.

Midcoast Humane Thrift Shop, (previously known as Creature Comforts), 153 Townsend Ave., supports the work of Midcoast Humane, which operates campuses in Brunswick and Edgecomb. As explained on its website, "Every animal that comes through our door receives excellent medical care, spay/neuter surgeries, vaccines, care and comfort while they’re with us."

The shop is filled with donated clothing, small decorative household items and other goods. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The store can be reached by calling (207) 449-1366.

St. Andrews Auxiliary Thrift Shop was awarded "Most Notable Non-Profit, 2023" by Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce. From its expanded location in the Meadow Mall at 185 Townsend Ave., the  shop sells clothing, household goods, jewelry, fabric, bedding, craft supplies, holiday accessories and furniture. There is a special section devoted to collectables. 

Purchases here contribute to nursing scholarships and financial donations to healthcare services and other health-related nonprofits in our region. Hours: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., closed Sunday. Call (207) 633-5014 for more information.

Area residents know the Big, Gray Rotary Barn is the place to be on Saturday mornings and there can be a line waiting for it to open. Operated by Boothbay Harbor Rotary Club, the barn is at 66 Montgomery Road.

Here, donated items range from used furniture to housewares, sporting equipment, boats, antiques, pottery and ceramics, paintings by Maine artists, glass, silver and pewter. Purchases here help Rotary support many local organizations like the food pantry, Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, the Veterans Appreciation Dinner and many others. Hours: Saturdays, 8:30-11 a.m.

If you are in the area on Saturday, Aug. 24, be sure to stop by the annual Southport Fireman’s Auction. Now in its 34th year, the auction raises money for fire equipment and offers up lots of fun as well as unique items. Fire Chief Gerry Gamage said, “In all the years of hosting this auction, we have raised over three quarters of a million dollars, with over half a million dollars going toward equipment purchases.”   

Last summer's auction included a cast iron cauldron, an antique bible stand, a fainting couch, a red sailboat, a Boston Whaler motorboat and a 1996 Harley Davidson Sportster.  Food is available at the event which begins at 9 a.m. and is held at the fire house.

Many other organizations have annual yard sales, auctions and flea markets throughout the summer, including American Legion Post 36 and Boothbay Region Health Center. Keep an eye on The Register each week for notices.