There are lots of junkin’ day trip options from where I live in Charlotte, NC. And one of them is Winston-Salem, which you’re likely familiar with for one thing or another. Maybe it’s the tobacco history (weren’t there both Winston and Salem cigarettes?) or being the home of Wake Forest University. But for me? Well, it’s another collection of antiques and thrift stores for me to check out!
There is a LOT of history here, more than I even knew about. Someday, I hope to return not for junking and thrifting, but to explore the Old Salem area. But until then, I’m ok with just focusing on secondhand stores that I found there!
And a few other vintage-y things, like this old Shell Oil clamshell gas station, which is the last one remaining in the United States. Isn’t it just darling?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I don’t do nearly as many of these travel posts as I used to. But it always feels so good to hit the road again and find new shops to share with you! And maybe next year, I’ll go further away for a change of pace, who knows.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
But until then, please allow me to introduce you to the antiques and thrift stores in Winston-Salem, NC that I fancy the most. And if you know the secondhand scene in this particular area and have other recommendations for me, I am definitely all ears! This post was originally published in November 2022, but has been updated with information current as of July 2026.
Antiques and Thrift Stores in Winston-Salem
Collage was one of those stores where I wasn’t sure to expect before we got there. I could tell that it had a great vintage vibe and was quite curious about what it would be like inside.
And I was not disappointed in the least!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
It was CHOCK FULL of great vintage and kitsch decor! Definitely the kind of store you have to wander a few times over, in different directions, in order to see everything. There was great stuff to see everywhere I looked, and I’m sure I missed treasures as I puttered around.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
The Art Shac is the local Creative Reuse Center in Winston-Salem. Now, when I first published this article in 2022, The Art Shac was in its early stages and was simply a pop-up market. But now, it’s a fabulous brick-and-mortar store full of arts and craft supplies.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
As someone who LOVES Creative Reuse Centers and will travel far to visit one, I’m so excited for Winston locals and visitors alike. Because The Art Shac is a wonderful destination for all sorts of creatives.
Since we’re transitioning to mid century modern decor in our own home, you *know* I’m going to seek out those kind of shops in our travels. Heck, I might even create a trip around a single MCM store! So, of course we had to check out JD Salvager while we were visiting Winston-Salem.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And boy, oh boy, did they have gorgeous stuff! Everything they had was in gorgeous shape, likely restored by the store owner. And while we left empty-handed, we swooned a great deal and agreed we’d need to come back many times as we shop for our home.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
If you’re interested in seeing their latest furniture inventory, their Instagram page is the best bet.
I’m sure there are national-chain thrift stores in Winston-Salem (such as Goodwill or Habitat ReStore), but I always prefer checking out the local thrifts when I travel. And the biggest one I visited in Winston was the Rescue Mission Thrift.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
This thrift store was GIGANTIC and nearly empty (of shoppers) when we visited, believe it or not. And they had one of the largest selections of used furniture that I had ever seen. I couldn’t help but think how lucky those Wake Forest students were having this in their backyard!
They had clothing and housewares, as well, but it was the quantity of furniture that truly blew me away.
If you’re a fan of used books AND antiquarian books- as well as other antique treasures- then The Eclectible Shop should be visited while you’re in Winston-Salem. It’s got old books, art, vinyl and more in a cozy two-story shop on Northwest Blvd.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
For those of us who grew up with grandparents who lived in old houses full of books, then the aroma alone is worth the visit. This shop was such a treasure trove, and I felt like I was in my grandparents’ Oak Park, IL bungalow all those decades ago.
Design Archives Emporium, located right in the heart of downtown Winston, is a most whimsical store with a boho-vintage vibe. It’s equal parts vintage clothing, retro decor, and boho gift store wrapped up in one.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
My husband and I both enjoyed strolling through this shop and we loved the funky mix of secondhand goods with cheeky artisan gifts. AND, turns out there’s one in Greensboro, NC, too, which I’ll definitely check out next time I’m in town.
Have you gone junkin’ in Winston-Salem?
Now, we did visit a few other stores while I was in town. Perhaps most notably was Lost in Time Antique Mall. I apologize for the lack of photos- I was too busy taking everything in while visiting this massive antiques store! But for any antique aficionado, this place should be at the top of the list of places to visit while in Winston.
For secondhand books and physical media, we made a beeline for McKay’s– and it was an amazing store to visit. And a quick run to TROSA thrift, too (we’ve also been to the one in Durham on a different visit). Because it was a Saturday, it was too crowded for me to really hunt for treasures- but I could tell it was a good thrift store!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
We also checked out a Mega Thrift (how could I not with that name?) and the Union Cross Thrift Store. While neither one was my favorite (though Mega Thrift had a HUGE clothing selection, if that’s your jam), they certainly may be worth a visit for you.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
As you know, stores open and close all the time- and these were my favorite secondhand shops that I found in Winston-Salem, NC at the time of our trip. However, it’s always possible that I missed places that deserve a mention.
So, if you have suggestions for future trips to the area, please let me know!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I hope you enjoyed my latest Junkin’ Journey and here’s hoping I hit the road more often in the coming year!
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Thanks for sharing the info!
You are very welcome, Jo!
I always enjoy “our” junkin’ trips.
😀 !
Hi! You should definitely go see Your Home Marketplace on Stratford Rd in Winston Salem NC. Just make sure you have the whole day. Many many fantastic finds! Oh it’s 11,000 square feet so wear comfy shoes. Michelle the owner is awesome! You’ll love it there!!!
Wow! Sounds great, thank you!
Thank you for sharing! We’re trying to get our name out there. Thank you for helping. -JD
You are very welcome! I love to do what I can to shine a light on vintage/secondhand businesses that I love.