Hartford, CT

Good Ole Tom's is a small, friendly coin and precious metals shop in East Hartford, CT specializing in buying and selling gold, silver, and collectible coins. The store offers jewelry repair, cleaning, and watch battery replacement services. Known for fair pricing and exceptional customer service from staff members Wanda, Sue, and Megan, the shop is a quick-stop destination for those looking to sell inherited jewelry, coins, or precious metals. Spanish-speaking staff available.

Heck's Things and Things is a massive two-floor indoor flea market in Berlin, CT offering an overwhelming selection of vintage furniture, home decor, tools, collectibles, and unique finds at budget-friendly prices. Customers describe it as a treasure hunt with multiple rooms to explore, featuring everything from couches and recliners to vintage trinkets and seasonal items. The maze-like layout and constantly changing inventory make it a half-day destination for bargain hunters. Owner David and his friendly staff offer bundle deals and free coffee. While not wheelchair accessible due to steep stairs, the store's sustainability mission and incredible deals (customers report furnishing entire rooms for under $200) make it a beloved local gem.

KC's Gold & Collectibles is a small, appointment-only precious metals and collectibles shop in Newington, CT, owned and operated by Fred Carter. Specializing in gold and silver jewelry, coins, vintage records, comics, and sports memorabilia, the shop offers fair market prices and expert appraisals. Fred's low overhead and word-of-mouth business model allow him to pay premium prices for items. The shop is known for transparent transactions, honest valuations, and Fred's extensive knowledge of collectibles and precious metals.

Nature's Art Village is a sprawling family entertainment complex featuring two full floors of shops specializing in fossils, minerals, crystals, and gemstones, plus antiques and vintage collectibles. Beyond retail, visitors enjoy interactive experiences like gem mining, gold panning, and geode cutting. The complex includes museum exhibits with vintage barbershop, dental office, and farm implements, alongside a 60-acre dinosaur-themed adventure park with trails, splash pad, playgrounds, mini golf, and ice cream shop. Staff expertise, particularly Brandon's knowledge of fossils and minerals, enhances the shopping experience.

The Junk Shop packs a treasure trove of vintage items and collectibles into a surprisingly dense space that feels 'bigger on the inside.' Narrow aisles filled with eclectic finds invite treasure hunters to spend hours browsing. The owner, Eric, brings 25 years of experience and helpful service. While some find prices high, others appreciate the unique items ranging from rare comics to nostalgic pieces that evoke childhood memories.

The PAST Antiques Marketplace is a vast 14,000 square-foot multi-vendor antique mall in Oakdale, CT, featuring more than 90 dealers offering eclectic artifacts, vintage clothing, retro collectibles, and rare items. The two-floor layout includes a well-organized main floor and a basement level with excellent deals, all accessible via elevator for convenience. Customers praise the clean, spacious booths, wide price range ($$ mid-range), and museum-quality finds spanning multiple eras. Perfect for extended browsing—visitors often spend hours exploring the extensive inventory. Located adjacent to Nature's Art Village attractions with ample parking and amenities.

The Shops at Marlborough Barn is a vast multi-vendor antique destination in Marlborough, Connecticut, housed in interconnected barn buildings that create an expansive browsing experience. With 21+ individual vendor shops, the store specializes in antique furniture, vintage collectibles, home decor, and locally made products across multiple rooms and floors. Customers consistently praise the massive selection, friendly staff, and reasonable prices, with many spending 2+ hours exploring the ever-changing inventory. The property, originally a 19th-century dairy farm, has been family-operated since 1960 and voted #1 Best multi-dealer antique center by Best of Connecticut Magazine.