There are several towns in the mid-Atlantic region that serve as destinations for antiquers. Three such places include New Oxford, Pa.; Adamstown, Pa.; and Mullica Hill, N.J. Mullica Hill is South Jersey's largest antiquing area, with four multi-dealer shops and many more individually run antique, collectible, and vintage shops.
“The Yellow Garage Antiques Marketplace,” which was originally a bus terminal built in 1922 and was renovated in 1995, is home to 35 quality antiques dealers offering a full spectrum of antiques. Shop goers will find 18th and 19th century furniture, Americana, fine art, jewelry, dolls, folk art, pottery and more.
There are two new shops that just opened across the street from one another in downtown Mullica Hill. One shop is called the Boujie Basement, which artistically displays shabby chic and vintage material. The other is called the Tattered Dragonfly and offers various vintage and farmhouse antiques with flair.
Another shop in town is called the Gathering Room Interiors. It is an appropriate name, as it's a perfect place to gather and enjoy vintage traditional Americana and primitives. Outside is a large wrap-around porch decorated with seasonal displays.
The business Sisters is the place to shop for fine estate jewelry or a custom design. As a registered gemologist, the owner is available for jewelry appraisals. Across the street is the Old and New Shop, located in a log cabin, which features sports cards, jewelry, vintage clothing and accessories, and more. Next door is the Sign of St. George, where shoppers will find a diverse shop inside a Victorian residence. There is a large selection of antique china, porcelain, jewelry and accessories.
The building that houses the business Amelia's Teas & Holly was built in 1844 and serves as an elegant Victorian tearoom with an adjoining gift shop. Amelia's serves dainty tea sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, freshly baked desserts, and more than 40 varieties of teas. Customers can experience the art of teatime with family and friends and take the opportunity to sample a variety of fine teas. Loose teas are served in the tearoom and are also available to purchase to make at home.
The next stop can be the Front Porch Antiques, which is in a circa 1860 farmhouse. Shop goers will find several rooms tastefully decorated with 19th and 20th century furniture and accessories. There is always a large selection of quality antique desks, cabinets, tables, bookcases, upholstered pieces and more.
Now on to the Old Mill Antique Mall. The old restored grist mill houses 30 dealers. Mountains of vintage objects stacked from floor to ceiling cram the space as far as the eye can see. Items such as sports memorabilia, glassware, vintage clothing and oak furniture can be viewed via narrow labyrinths on two floors. Across the street is Naples Pizzeria and Ristorante @ the Warehouse, and next door is Turners Treasures @ The Warehouse, a shop filled with antiques and collectibles.
Heading north is Retro Station, a shop with vintage toys, collectibles, action figures, comics, LP records and oddities. Just a few doors away is the Kings Row Antique Center. The large glass windows make for a standout display area, and Victorian era furnishings and Americana from the early 20th century fill the interior. Each section is well decorated, and coffee is always brewing in this inviting country store setting.
Last, but surely not least, as there are numerous specialty shops throughout Mullica Hill, shoppers can go down Woodland Avenue to Country Critters for both crafts and antique textiles.
With so many antique shops packed within a few blocks, area merchants band together to host an annual Antiques Street Fair. This past year was the sixth annual Antiques Fair. The next one will be held in April of 2016. During the event, Main Street is transformed into an outdoor parade of fine furniture, estate jewelry, and accessories as Mullica Hill antiques shops display their wares alongside those of other Tri-State area dealers.
Another popular event is the Festival of the Antiques managed by The Yellow Garage Antiques Marketplace held in June. This large show highlights local vendors, as well as those from out of state, as they set up at the Gloucester County 4-H Fairgrounds. Another event is the Fall Festival, which brings out the town's residents during the Mullica Hill ghost walk and Civil War re-enactment.
Along with its antique shopping, specialty shops, and festivals, Mullica Hill is also known for its sense of history. The village was placed on both the National and New Jersey Registers of Historical Places in 1991. To learn more about the area’s past, visit the Harrison Township Historical Society in the refurbished Old Town Hall.
For directions or additional information, visit www.mullicahill.com.