Six great antique and bookstores on the Jersey Shore

On the New Jersey shore, the beach isn’t the only attraction. Visitors can explore farmers markets, cafes, and a variety of shops, including those specializing in vintage furniture, china sets, and rare coins.

Browsing antique and thrift stores is part of the shore experience, says Christine Boardman, owner of Handlaget Design store in Ocean City.

Stocked with used furniture, clothing, kitchen supplies, knick-knacks and more, these shops not only offer a respite on cloudy and sweltering days, but also the chance to snag a beautiful piece to take back into town.

“It’s just fun – and sometimes you come home with something that looks beachy and is unique,” says Boardman, who also helps budget-conscious summer residents decorate their coastal rentals.

Whether you’re looking for a fun activity or a special second-hand find, the coast is full of antique and thrift stores with treasures.

Almost everything in Jeanne Hermann’s Cape May store costs less than $50. Out of the Past Antiques offers items ranging from vintage clothing, magazines and books to small furniture and sewing supplies dating from the 18th century to the 1980s. Hermann, a former librarian, began collecting items at public auctions in Lancaster and built her collection from there. “(There are) interesting things you’d like to take home from vacation,” she says.

📍394 Myrtle Ave., Cape May, NJ 08204, 📞 609-884-3357, 🌐 outofthepastantiques.com

Walk into this family-run bookstore in Atlantic City and discover shelves full of old books. Princeton Antiques BookShop offers a selection curated through book deals and library sales, including works from the 1850s to the 1960s. Its inventory of about 50,000 titles includes children’s books, Jane Austen and other classics, comic books and more. Limited editions, including signed copies of William Faulkner and Amelia Earhart, range in price from $30 to $4,000. Sidewalk books are $10, and books to browse are $10 to $50. Owner Bob Ruffolo’s selection even attracted actress Shirley MacLaine, whose new film will be featured on the store’s interior and exterior.

📍917 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City, NJ 08401, 📞 609-344-1943, 🌐 princetonantiques.com

This Cape May co-op store features booths with various vendors offering new and used items. At Antiques Emporia, you’ll find handcrafted jewelry, clothing, china sets, nautical figurines, books, wooden spoons, rolling pins, sea figurines and more. The store’s merchandise changes daily, prices range from $1 to $500, and “there’s something for everyone,” says owner Pam Patrick, who also runs a tea shop in the store with over 350 varieties.

📍 405 W Perry St, Cape May, NJ 08204, 🌐 facebook.com/antiquesemporiaw405

Visit this 46-year-old Ocean City store and discover a carefully curated collection of rare coins dating from the 1700s to the 1900s. Display cases include Morgan silver dollars from 1878 to 1921, Walking Liberty half dollars from 1916 to 1947, and Indian Head pennies from 1859 to 1909. Owner Elliot Arking collects coins from all over the world, including the United States, England, Mexico, Australia, and Switzerland, with prices ranging from $1 to $100. Have a rare coin to sell? Call to schedule an appointment.

📍506 East 8th Street, Ocean City, NJ 08226, 📞 609-398-8739

Handlaget Design specializes in restoring furniture collected from estate sales and thrift stores. Open for seven years, the Ocean City store offers vintage dressers, tables, chairs, custom artwork and more for $25 to $425 and up. Customers can purchase items from Ocean City thrift stores like Second Chance Thrift and Oh Sea Thrift and have them shipped to Handlaget Design for a refresh. The store offers delivery in Ocean City during peak season and beyond during off-season. Have some items to restore? Call or text the store for help.

📍744 Central Ave. Ocean City, NJ 08226, 📞 609-741-5212, 🌐 handlaget-norwegianforhandmade.com

For over 20 years, The Arc Makes Cents Ventnor Thrift Shop has been offering everything from kitchen supplies to clothing to books. All proceeds from this donation-based boutique shop go to The Arc of Atlantic County, which provides support and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sorted by item, you can snag t-shirts and handbags for $3.99 up to $400.

📍 6550 Delilah Road, Suite 101, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234, 📞 609-485-0800, 🌐 thearcatlantic.org/thrift-shops