News Summary
The antique markets in Floyd County, including River City Antiques, Over the Moon Antiques, and Hodge Podge Antique Mall, are thriving and fostering a passionate community. With dedicated vendors and a vibrant shopping experience, these markets attract treasure hunters from far and wide. The allure of unique home goods and collectibles keeps both buyers and sellers engaged, and interest in vintage items continues to grow. These local markets not only provide an avenue for sustainable practices but also contribute significantly to the local economy.
Rome, Georgia – Floyd County’s antique markets are flourishing, drawing both buyers and sellers who are passionate about unique home goods and the thrill of treasure hunting. Locations such as River City Antiques and Interiors, Over the Moon Antiques, and Hodge Podge Antique Mall are central to this local subculture, providing shoppers with a variety of antiques, collectibles, and home décor.
River City Antiques and Interiors, located on Spider Webb Drive in North Rome, boasts over 13,000 followers on Facebook and features around 40 vendors within its expansive 10,000 square foot space. Julie Higgins, the mall’s owner, passionately takes pictures of booths to engage her online audience. A notable aspect of this antique market is the long waiting list for aspiring vendors, with it being approximately six months for River City Antiques. Many of the vendors have established themselves there for around eight years, indicating the strong community ties and loyalty among sellers.
Over the Moon Antiques, situated in Central Plaza on Second Avenue, is operated by Roger Wade. The allure of treasure hunting keeps customers returning, and many shoppers are seeking items to furnish their homes, like newlyweds Josh and Jessica Comer. The store fits within a network of antique destinations in the area, contributing to the vibrant local economy.
At the Hodge Podge Antique Mall on Shorter Avenue, which has more than 100 booths, Frank Pharr organizes his space, while Rhonda Long and Patsy Madden serve as invaluable staff members. The mall, which moved from Shannon to its present location, also features a waiting list, reflecting the continued interest in vintage and antique goods. Lynn Bishop adds a creative touch by selling handmade wreaths, showcasing the diversity of products available.
The antique markets in Floyd County operate like mini-malls, allowing vendors to refurbish items and match them with buyers who appreciate unique decor and furniture styles. Vendors often specialize in distinct genres of art or furnishings, ensuring a steady stream of returning customers who seek specific items.
Local shops such as Busy B’s Boothtique on Redmond Circle further illustrate the area’s antique charm. This boutique features more than 50 booths and has a year-long waitlist for vendors. Employees like Carrie Martin manage customer interactions at the register, while Celina Russel from Trion recently purchased a sports-themed sign, highlighting the diverse interests of shoppers.
The treasure-hunting experience has been described by veterans of the market as addictive yet fulfilling. Barbara Capes notes the importance of recycling items through resale, reinforcing a culture of sustainability within the antique community. Many vendors, including Robin Williams who both sells and works at River City Antiques, are retired and enjoy the casual involvement in the business, contributing to a familial atmosphere.
Shoppers come from far and wide, with some even traveling from cities like Columbus, Chattanooga, and Nashville, eager to hunt for unique pieces in the local markets. Other treasure-hunting stores like Reimagined Interiors, Cotton Block Picker, and Antiques on the Square & Garden Center in Cave Spring further enrich Floyd County’s antique scene.
In summary, the antique markets in Floyd County not only serve as vibrant destinations filled with collectibles and furniture but also as community spaces where passion for history and creativity thrive. As vendors continue to delight customers with distinctive finds, the future of these markets remains bright, driven by a collective love for all things vintage.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Northwest Georgia News: Antique Malls in Rome
- Wikipedia: Antique
- Rome Sentinel: Cleveland Church Antiques Fair
- Google Search: antique markets in Rome
- Bloomberg: Torlonia Marbles
- Google Scholar: antique trade
- The Guardian: Bonhams Auction House
- Encyclopedia Britannica: antiques
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
