A Hot Day's Work: Antiquing In Central Florida

Front porch of a shop at Renninger's.

When it comes to antiquing, I've been high and I've been low. I call quite a few places home in this world, yet for all the antique shops, thrift stores, yard and estate sales I've been to I find that nothing quite compares to treasure hunting in central Florida. There aren't street-corner card-table antique dealers like you may find in downtown Montreal and there aren't barns and cellars waiting to be picked through like you'll come across on Long Island. You will, however, find Renninger's Antiques & Farmers Market in Mount Dora (about 30 miles north of Orlando) - a veritable makeshift town of vintage treasures. 

You'll know you're on the right track once you get off the Florida Turnpike and find an increasing amount of hand-painted signs advertising gator jerky and boiled peanuts. Ahh, the American south. Though your blood may boil in the omnipresent heat, there are dozens of indoor & outdoor shops to spend endless hours in. The real thrill of it is that you'll feel like you're on the back lot set of an old Western movie with many of the shops designed to look like general stores on a small town Main Street. 

Side street at Renninger's.

Within the shops, some of the items are organized on tables and shelves while others are merely piled onto the ground in giant heaps. It's up to you to accept the challenge and dig for buried treasure! Oftentimes you'll find something wonderful hiding under all the dust & grime so be prepared to get your hands dirty. Just remember to bring your hand sanitizer, your sunglasses and your adventurous spirit, and you'll be in for a fun day of antiquing in the good ol' South. 

Treasures just waiting to be found.

Antiques for sale!

Antique carousel horses fill one shop owner's trailer.

Hundreds of Ball jars line one seller's tables.

Beware the dust & splinters!

Just another day in paradise.