The Antique Tobacco Barn served as an antique marketplace and seasonal tobacco auction house for decades, but today it’s solely devoted to antiques. The barn has won numerous awards for being the premier place to go antiquing in Western North Carolina.
The antiques inside the barn are numerous and varied, for they come from over 75 different dealers and cover more than 77,000 square feet of space. With such variety, there’s no end to what you might find here. Large tables, eclectic lamp shades, old-fashioned dishes and retro signs are just some of the goods that are likely available.
Prices here are about as varied as the wares, and you’ll find antiques for all different budget. There are high-end pieces of furniture that go for thousands of dollars and small trinkets that cost only a few cents. As you’d expect in any mall-like setting, some dealers price their goods fairly expensively while others have true deals that can be found.
The one thing that the Antique Tobacco Barn lacks is organization, but that’s partly what makes this place so much fun. While each vendor’s space and goods are clearly delineated, some vendors don’t attend to their wares’ arrangement much. If you go sorting through what’s available, though, you might be rewarded with a hidden gem.
Importantly, disorganization doesn’t mean you’ll have trouble actually getting around. Identifying the best vendors and pieces might be a challenge, but the aisles are kept clear and the place is well lit. Even in a wheelchair, it’s fairly easy to move about.
With so much variety, this is an antique lover’s dream and a place that even people who aren’t into antiques can appreciate. Plan on spending a few hours when you visit, and expect to take at least something home. Even if you don’t have a specific antique you’re looking for, there’s bound to be at least one good that will look good at home.
Insider Tips:
– While there are many true antiques, the barn doesn’t require all vendors to use the same definition of “antique” and some dealers sell replicas of antiques. If you’re looking for a true antique piece, ask the dealer about the history of an item and look for marks that may reveal when it was made. If the true age is less important to you, choose whatever statement piece catches the eye.
– As great as the Antique Tobacco Barn’s space is, it isn’t air-conditioned. The temperature inside isn’t too bad during fall, winter and spring, but you may want to visit early in the day or during the evening hours if you’re going during summer. You can also bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated in the heat.