Located just 34 miles north of Boston, it is a short trip from most areas of New England. Route 133 runs through the center of town and connects Essex with Ipswich and Gloucester. Along this route, you will find many of the antique stores that the town is famous for. For the serious antique lover, there are some first-class shops here. For those who like to browse through shops piled high with affordable treasures, there is plenty of that as well.
Alexander Westeroff Antiques is quite unique in its location, the owners have done a wonderful job of re-purposing the former Methodist Church. They specialize in lighting and dining furniture with a truly superb collection of well-documented pieces at all times. Not everyone can afford to shop here but browsing is free.
Another great shop in town is David Neligan Antiques. This writer was immediately reminded of the shops of the Cotswold village of Moreton in the Marsh. David has a good eye for something special and that may be the result of his years at Christie’s. The shop is filled with an eclectic mix or furniture and decor that is constantly changing. You need to return here often to see what new treasures have come in.
If maps and historic prints are what set your heart fluttering, a stop at The Scrapbook will be called for. Vincent Caravella the owner is proud of his shop and will be happy to give you a history lesson about anything that might catch your interest. The stock in the shop is always changing but you can expect to see great botanical prints, maps from around the world and some amazing art. Vincent also does quality framing so you can take home the complete package. There are also some gifts in the shop which coordinate with the prints; you have to see them to really understand.
Robert Coviello has two shops on Main Street, Main Street Antiques, and Robert Coviello Antiques. Main Street Antiques is as brash and bold as Robert Coviello Antiques is sophisticated and staid. Both of these shops warrant a visit and are very enjoyable, for totally different reasons. Main Street Antiques is chock a block filled with things you never knew you had to have and his other shop offers some wonderful collectible items from around the world as well as furniture at both locations.
The White Elephant is as eclectic a shop as you will find in Essex. While you are probably not going to find a rare and unusual antique here, there are abundant books, glassware, and bric-a-brac. The room with $1 books is guaranteed to keep most people occupied for quite some time. If you are really looking for a bargain, they have an outlet that is open on the weekend and is located on the road to Ipswich where everything is half price.
If you are looking for something to bring home that is made locally, the place to go is Sea Meadow Gift Shop. There are many great things to enjoy here even before you get into the shop. The yard is filled with birdhouses and wind art for your yard. Inside there is jewelry, soaps, books and toys and lots more. It is a great place to just poke around.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to antiques and shopping in Essex. There are over 30 antique stores alone and though this writer wanted to visit them all, it will take a couple more visits to accomplish that.
Be sure to book a room at the George Fuller House Bed and Breakfast and plan some wonderful dining at all the amazing restaurants in town. You can make a whole weekend out of antique shopping in Essex.
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