I was instantly captivated by one antique store in downtown Fayetteville last year during my 24 hour travel and food tour of the city. The store owner brought to my attention that her shop was just one of more than a dozen businesses that are a part of Fayetteville’s Antique Trail. I knew at that moment that I had to return for an antiquing expedition.
Expert shoppers may be able to tackle the Antique Trail in one day, however, I explored six Fayetteville antique stores over the course of two days. Before starting my journey, I programmed a visit to an art exhibit as well as checked into my accommodations.
Top 6 Antique Stores in Fayetteville, NC:
Fayetteville Antique Trail Day One
David McCune International Art Gallery
‘gallery goes POP: Warhol’ is on exhibit until April 12, 2019.
Upon arrival to Fayetteville, I stopped by Methodist University’s David McCune International Art Gallery. The premier art venue is home to ‘gallery goes POP: Warhol’, on exhibit until April 12, 2019. 34 silkscreen images by the artist Andy Warhol are on loan from the Cochran Collection in Georgia and the Ackland Art Museum from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. My favorites pieces on exhibit are from the Myths Series, including a gorgeous scarlet portrait of Greta Garbo in The Star. Joining Garbo’s portrait are images from the Cowboys and Indians Series, Icon Portraits, Ad Series, the Moonwalk Suite, and the Art and Sports Series. In addition to stimulating the visual senses, equally indulgent is the auditory voyage complements of the impressive soundtrack curated by musician Yaroslav Borisov.
Whether or not you find Warhol’s art appealing, the influence he had in American pop culture and vice versa is impressive. It is also uncanny to see how Warhol’s genius possibly foreshadowed and influenced social media. While the gallery’s admission is free, a $10 donation is suggested. The David McCune International Art Gallery is located on 5400 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28311.
Byrne’s Mill Place
The Bed and Breakfast is located on 3577 Blossom Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28306.
Did you know that Fayetteville has a bed & breakfast? If you were not aware of this fact, you are not alone. Many Fayetteville residents that I spoke to during my stay were surprised to hear that Byrne’s Mill Place Bed & Breakfast resides in their city. The beautiful, two-story 180 year old mill farmhouse sits on three acres of land. The gated property boasts a country charm that pays homage to the fours crops that were milled and farmed on the property. The Cotton Room, The Tobacco Room, The Corn Room, and The Pine Needle Room each feature authentic tools, and equipment used for the appropriate crop.
The Cotton Room
I was fortunate to be the only guest at the B&B during my mid-week stay. As a result, I chose to call The Cotton Room home for two days. White and French provincial blue hues adorn the bedding, wall accents, and furnishings. Guests staying in The Cotton Room also have the best view of the B&B’s countryside. While the property’s pastoral beauty can be enchanting, modern amenities such as heated tiled floors, electric fireplaces, Wi-Fi, and Netflix are a welcome surprise. Guests that plan to stay indoors have all of the comforts of home to make their vacation a pleasant one.
As well as operating as a B&B, Byrne’s Mill Place is available to rent as a special events venue. The property has been the site of both weddings and receptions. The bed & breakfast was a welcome alternative to a traditional hotel. Located on 3577 Blossom Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28306, Byrne’s Mill Place is approximately 13 miles from downtown Fayetteville.
Fayetteville Antique Trail Day Two
The Cotton Exchange and the Livery
Antique aficionados could easily spend an entire day at The Cotton Exchange and Livery. The two stores are home to antiques, collectibles, and repurposed items sold by approximately 30 vendors. The price point at both stores can range from $1 to $600, depending on the item. One of my favorite dealers at The Cotton Exchange is House Haberdashery. The dealer currently has an array of refurbished furniture for sale that would make a perfect addition to any home. Not to be missed, are the Livery’s sensational pieces of jewelry signed by Oscar de la Renta. The Cotton Exchange is located on 226 Donaldson St, Fayetteville, NC 28301. The Livery is located a couple of steps away from the Cotton Exchange on 147 Maxwell St., Fayetteville, NC 28301.
White Trash & Colorful Accessories
Wooden letter boards.
White Trash & Colorful Accessories is an eclectic shop that sells both new and vintage quirky home accents, accessories, and gifts. If I lived in Fayetteville, this would be my preferred place to shop for birthdays and other special events. Some of my favorite items sold at Molly Arnold’s store include artist created jewelry, quirky greeting cards, and wooden letter boards. Shoppers interested in refurbishing furniture should not miss the shop’s large selection of Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint. I must admit that I did not know this type of paint existed until my visit to White Trash & Colorful Accessories. Now that I have this knowledge, I am anxious to find a charming piece of furniture to refurbish using Milk Paint.
Downtown Fayetteville’s Love Locks wall.
In addition to the shabby chic accessories shoppers can purchase, a walk outside of the store is essential. The Love Locks art piece is mounted against the shop’s wall. Visitors can commemorate their love by placing a lock with their initials on the mounted metal mesh panels. Not only is the Love Locks wall a special opportunity to commemorate the love for a significant other or a family member, but it is also a great place to take a selfie. White Trash & Colorful Accessories is located on 223 Franklin St., in Downtown Fayetteville, NC.
Leclair’s General Store
The eclectic and modern establishment sells a thoughtfully curated selection of antiques.
Leclair’s is not your traditional mom and pop general store. First, I was immediately impressed with the sense of community that the store fosters. Second, the eclectic and modern establishment is home to a thoughtfully curated selection of antiques. It doesn’t look like a typical antique shop either, but rather a sexy and sophisticated man cave filled with ultra-cool collectibles. Fayetteville small business owners are also well represented in the store. Greeting cards, wall art, and milled soaps are some of the Fayetteville artisan items that are sold at Leclair’s.
Nightingale’s Chocolate Brownie Espresso Ice Cream Sandwich.
A general store is not complete without the sweet aroma of coffee. Small batch coffee fans will love Leclair’s featured roaster, Boone’s Hatchett Coffee. Among hot and nitro coffee, bottled wine, beer, and other specialty food and drink are also available for purchase. Ice cream aficionados must try Nightingale Ice Cream sandwiches sold at the store. I can confirm that every bite of the Chocolate Brownie Espresso Ice Cream Sandwich is fantastic. The General Store has been operating since 2017 and is located on 1212 Fort Bragg Rd., Fayetteville, North Carolina 28305.
The Pickin’ Coop Antique Mall
The Coop Cafe sells refreshments, pastries, and other snacks.
The Pickin’ Coop Antique Mall has more than 30 vendor spaces and more than 20 antique dealers that sell collectibles, refurbished antique furniture, vintage items, and gifts. To supplement the unique shopping experience, visitors can purchase a hot cup of coffee and other snacks at “The Coop Cafe”. Antique enthusiasts should stay abreast The Pickin’ Coop’s events calendar on Facebook, as they will host several events in March in celebration of their anniversary. The antique mall is located on 708 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301.
Lodestone Art & Antiques
The 4,000 square foot building is home to more than 30 individual antique dealers and artists
Lodestone Arts & Antiques is a 4,000 square foot building that is home to more than 30 individual antique dealers and artists. Shoppers will find furniture, military collectibles, paintings, kitchenware, china, and jewelry. Two of my favorite finds at Lodestone is their large selection of reclaimed doors and a gorgeous vintage farmhouse sink. If you are rebuilding a historic home or need to add character to your existing home, you may want to visit the art and antique emporium. Lodestone is located on 223 W. Russell St., Fayetteville, NC 28301.
The coffee house is located on 227 Hay Street, Downtown Fayetteville, NC 28301
The current home of this downtown coffee house was once a condemned building that Molly Arnold saved from demolition. After restoring the building, Molly and her husband began their journey as owners of Rude Awakening. The downtown staple serves espresso, drip coffee, specialty lattes, and other coffee creations using Jade Espresso from Charlotte’s Magnolia Coffee Company.
If you enjoy specialty coffee drinks, let me recommend the Dulce de Leche Latte. Coupled with the exquisite concoction, I was tickled pink with the impeccable latte art from Rude Awakening. The coffee shop uses the Ripple Maker, a Wi-Fi enabled countertop device that prints images on top of a variety of foam-topped drinks. Customers simply need to download the Coffee Ripples app from iTunes, and subsequently send an image from their phone to Rude Awakening.
Including the coffee shop’s selection of specialty drinks and latte art, I highly recommend indulging in their desserts. The Instagram worthy Blackberry Ombre Cake has soft blackberry notes with a sweet and creamy vanilla icing. My absolute favorite Rude Awakening dessert is the New York Cheesecake. There is no need for syrups, fruits, whipped cream, or any other accompaniments to complete the already exquisite dessert. The coffee house is located on 227 Hay Street, Downtown Fayetteville, NC 28301
Fayetteville Antique Trail Day Three
Byrne’s Mill Place
Traveling can be a little tiresome and there is often a point where I long to return home. Byrne’s Mill Place is an exception. I dreaded leaving the serene and quiet beauty of the B&B. Manager, Sabrina Paul, prepared a fantastic spread of pancakes, bacon, sausage, fruits, pastries, coffee, and other wonderful foods during my stay. Not only is the southern-style breakfast fantastic, but I love the strategic placement of refreshments, fresh fruits, and snacks throughout the first and second floors of the historic home. The Keurig and the stocked mini fridge on the second floor was incredibly convenient during my morning and evening routines. Once guests experience the farmhouse stay, they may find it a bit difficult to return home.
The Shops at 123 Hay Street
Silver punch bowl set.
The Shops at 123 Hay Street has a 5000 Sq. Ft. space that features 20 unique vendors. It is a challenge for me to walk into this specialty store and not fall in love with more than a handful of items. I purchased a vintage mink cape and an antique cake carrier during my first visit last year. This particular visit would not prove to be different. A set of crystal sorbet glasses, a vintage shrimp cocktail set, and an antique serving plate made their way home with me to Morrisville. People that love hosting soirées or dinner parties will find that this antique store has an innumerable assortment of dinnerware ranging from punch bowls to Waterford crystal. If you are in search of an item for your next dinner party, you are likely to find it at this store. The Shops at 123 Hay Street is located on 123 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301.
Fowler’s Southern Gourmet
Although I visited Fayetteville exclusively to explore its antique stores, my journey would not have been complete without a detour to Fowler’s Southern Gourmet. For a girl who was raised on Beef BBQ, I sure do love Fowler’s BBQ Pork Ribs. Not to be overshadowed are Fowler’s hand cut fries fried in Kobe beef fat. The fries are my favorite vessels to carry Fowler’s house made ketchup and house made ranch dressing. Depending on which day of the week you visit the restaurant, you may have a chance to indulge in their specialty tacos with avocado crema. Fowler’s is located on 723 W Rowan St, Fayetteville, NC 28301.
Fowler’s is located on 723 W Rowan St, Fayetteville, NC 28301.
Fayetteville never ceases to surprise me. My three-day visit consisted of a diverse itinerary that included a farmhouse stay at a bed & breakfast, an Andy Warhol exhibit, Mexican street-style tacos, specialty antique stores, and swoon worthy BBQ. Best of all, the experience is only a short one hour and twenty drive from The Heart of the Triangle, Morrisville, NC.
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