From the famous Cherokee Street Antique Row to the popular St. Charles historic district, antique and collectibles shops have a long history in the St. Louis area. In fact, it was a 1950′s antique dealer from St. Louis who first led the restoration movement on Main Street in St. Charles. Over the years, Hollywood legends such as Errol Flynn, Vincent Price and Ernest Borgnine shopped in St. Louis and the surrounding towns for antiques. Today, the best shops for antiques and collectibles in St. Louis still offer a step back in time for shoppers who value a blast from the past.

Quintessential Antiques

5707 Manchester Street
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 531-9701
www.antiquesstlouis.com

Quintessential’s 4,500-square-foot showroom is open to the public only at the beginning of each month. Potential buyers can also make an appointment or take a chance and stop by other times — just in case. The owners both buy and sell antiques, but they do not offer appraisal services. Inventory changes rapidly as it is bought and sold, although Quintessential’s headliners are antique furniture, mirrors, frames and glassware. Antiques can be rented for photos or props; a fee and deposit is required. Hours: first seven days each month from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Haffner’s Antiques

2100 Cherokee Street
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 772-6371
www.haffnersantiques.com

You’ll find no elaborate Web site for Haffner’s Antiques. Don’t plan to shop online. What you will find, however, is a knowledgeable seller of antique furniture, china, artwork and other unique items. Haffner’s both buys and sells antiques, as well as records and music-related collectibles.

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Antiques & Oak

319 North Main Street
St. Charles, MO 63301
(636) 946-1898
www.antiquesnoak.com

One of the best shops for antiques and collectibles in St. Louis is a charming storefront in the popular historic district of old St. Charles. This award-winning shop buys and sells lamps, furniture, glassware, clocks and more — and is home to a picture gallery. You never know what you’ll find at Antiques & Oak, from a gramophone to a snuff bottle to a 1940′s camera. Stop in and browse for a trip back in time. Hours: The Antiques & Oak phone greeting will tell you “We’re open seven days a week, but not right now.” Call ahead if you want to make sure to catch the store open.