From Richmond to Ridgefield, McHenry County is home to some of the best antiquing towns in the region. This summer is a perfect time to stroll the picturesque downtown antique districts.
Volo
Dubbed “Antiquer’s Heaven,” Volo Antique Malls and Collectibles (27640 Volo Village Road, 815-344-6062) features Antique Malls 1, 2 and 3 in a huge, 1860s barn that showcases more than 300 of the area’s best antique dealers whose inventory changes daily. Offered are countless 18th, 19th and 20th Century; Victorian; Art Nouveau and Art Deco; Eames Era, and ’60s and ’70s items. The fourth mall, the Mercantile Mall (815-344-2947), showcases a variety of unique merchants selling new and vintage crafts and décor. Visit voloshopping.com for more.
Richmond
Richmond is truly a step back in time with lovingly preserved and restored buildings to its time-honored holiday traditions and abundant natural beauty. It makes sense, then, that Richmond is also a major hub for excellent antique shopping in McHenry County. Make sure to visit the following shops when setting out on your day of antiquing in Richmond: Antiques on Broadway (5614 Broadway St., 815-678-7951); Auntie Libby’s Cottage (10331 N. Main St., 815-678-7733); Solid Brass Fine Antiques (5509 Broadway St. 815-678-4411); The Store (9908 N. Main St., 815-678-7300); Mulligan’s Treasures (5618 Broadway St., 815-678-4927); Serendipity Shop (9818 N. Main St., 815-678-4141); Fox & Finch (5611 Broadway St., 815-678-4740); Richmond European Antiques and Restoration (5626 Broadway St., 815-678-4950); Embellish (5603 W. Broadway St., 815-678-2386); and 1905 Emporium (10310 N. Main St., 815-678-4414). Visit www.richmond-il.com for more.
Hebron
Where routes 47 and 173 meet, so, too, do antique aficionados. The Hebron Antique & Specialty District, located downtown on Main Street, is a one-stop destination for myriad antiques and collectibles. So park the car and enjoy strolling from shop to shop: Lloyd & Leota’s Antiques (10103 Main St., 815-648-2202); Grampy’s Antique Store (10003 Main St., 815-648-2244); Abundance Antiques & Design (10002 Main St., 815-648-4112); Prairie Avenue Antiques (9936 Main St., 815-648-4507); Water Tower Antiques (9937 Main St., 815-648-2287) and J.W. Antiques (9911 Main St., 815-529-0888). Also, from June to October, enjoy the Hebron Country Market along Route 47 on the second Saturday of each month. For more information about Hebron, call 815-648-4507 or visit www.hebronantiqueandspecialtydistrict.com, which also lists great places to grab a bite to eat while you’re in town.
Woodstock
Woodstock is home to a three-in-one, 35,000-square-foot antiquer’s paradise at 890 Lake Ave. Open seven days a week, the Colonial Antique Mall (815-334-8960) boasts merchandise guaranteed to be authentic from 1759-1969. The Colonial Restoration Center offers furniture repair, caning, stripping and refinishing, and sells a complete line of hardware and restoration products. The Lake Avenue Bazaar’s dealers specialize in “old, new and in-between” merchandise. Visit, www.colonialantiquemall.com for more.
Ridgefield/Crystal Lake
Just northwest of downtown Crystal Lake is a cluster of good antiquing opportunities on Ridgefield Road, including Country Church Antiques (8509 Ridgefield Road, 815-477-4601), Java & Junque (8503 Ridgefield Road, 815-477-0901) and Goody 2 Shoes (8511 Ridgefield Road, Suite A, 815-477-9121). Have an heirloom portrait you need expertly framed? Consider The Framery (8404 Railroad St., 815-459-4540). In downtown Crystal Lake, hunt for “good stuff” at Carriage House Antiques (21 E. Crystal Lake Ave., 815-356-0240, www.thecarriagehouseantiques.com). The shop offers “fair and reasonable prices” on antique furniture, knick-knacks, odds and ends, accessories and jewelry.
SIDEBAR:
Experts’ Guide to Antiques, Art and Collectibles
Crystal Lake’s Carriage House Antiques owners Karen Hicklin and Di Harvel spoke with McHenry County Living about how to get the most out of antiquing.
MCL: How should a novice antique shopper get started?
DH & KH: Collect what you like. Let your passion dictate. Maybe you’re drawn to a certain era or a particular color of pottery — whatever makes you take a second look. You should collect things that make you happy.
MCL: What should antiquers look for in a piece? Are there any tips to identify a genuine antique from a fake?
DH & KH: You have to be knowledgeable. Read up on whatever you collect. On pottery, it could be a seam or a change of logos from one year to the next. Sometimes you can tell by the amount of wear and tear. But beware: some reproductions have been manufactured to give that “authentic appearance.” The best thing is to keep up with current books on the subject. “Kovels’ Antiques & Collectibles Price Guides” are just some of the great sources available to a collector.
MCL: What is popular among antiquers today? Trends?
DH & KH: Depression glass is always popular. Vintage quilts, sewing notions, buttons, architectural pieces, kitchen gadgets and pottery are all big! For everything out there, there is someone who collects it. We find at our store that anything primitive is very hot and rarely stays around long.
MCL: What is the best way to incorporate antiques into the home?
DH & KH: Mix and match, old and new — it makes for a great eclectic look. When you have a collection, sometimes your home décor gets too cluttered. It’s a good idea to pack some of the collection away — featuring some items one season and others at another time. It gives individual items more prominence and gives your home a new fresh look.
MCL: What are good buys for antiquers on a budget?
DH & KH: Generally speaking, teacups, plates, kitchen décor and vintage tablecloths are very affordable.
MCL: What is the best way to care for an antique?
DH & KH: Values can drop considerable if an item is not cared for properly. Always consult with experts before cleaning or refinishing a piece. Check online, in books and with other collectors. Everyone is more than willing to share his or her knowledge and passion.
