Old dinnerware, typewriters, film cameras or even an old leather couch. Name an old item, and an antique store’s probably got it. These are places where people can go into the past and enjoy something new to them that could have just as easily been thrown in a landfill. Antique stores of many types can make for a fun day to visit and explore alone or with people, and in the Macon area there are four well known ones.
1. The first, and largest place on the list is Smiley’s Flea Market. Be ready to spend some money and put some sunscreen on because if you’re looking for a full day of fun outside, Smiley’s is the place to go. Smiley’s is a large flea market inside and outside that claims you can find “Anything and Everything under the Sun.” On top of the flea market shopping you’d be doing, Smiley’s also has eight restaurants, including anything from ribs to snowcones. Smiley’s also has fun stuff to do with your family, such as the carousel and bumper cars that can be ridden every weekend for just $1 or for $5 for unlimited rides. Smiley’s is open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday and is located at 6717 Hawkinsville Road.
2. If you love going into a warehouse to browse old antique items for hours, then Payne Mill Village Antique Mall is the place to be. Payne Mill is in a 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse and is full of old collectible antiques, vintage art and furniture for you to browse. Payne Mill also has a Facebook page where they post new items being sold as well as their prices. Payne Mill is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is located at 342 Rose Ave.
3. If Payne Mill sounds like your place, then Big Peach Antiques Mall will also be. Big Peach Antiques isn’t directly in Macon, but is just outside of Macon if you head south toward Byron on I-75. Big Peach Antiques is also very large, with an 33,000 sq. ft. indoor climate controlled space, Big Peach Antiques has over 200 dealers selling anything from “antiques, gifts, collectibles, jewelry and furniture.” Big Peach Antiques wants people to come and browse, as their website says “Bus tours welcome.” Big Peach Antiques also has a Facebook page where they post their new and fun items being sold as well as their prices. Big Peach Antiques Mall is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays and is located at 119 Peachtree Pkwy, Byron, GA, United States, Georgia.
4. Although it may not be in a warehouse or huge outdoor space, Ingleside Village Antique Center still has much to offer. Their website says, they have “a wide variety of antiques and vintage items-American, Asian, English, & Continental” and in their “ever changing selection,” you can find “fine furniture, glass, porcelain, lamps & lighting, rugs and art.” With their wide “ever changing selection,” Ingleside Village Antique Center is a place to be for those who love to browse a large selection of different types of antiques. Ingleside Village Antique Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekdays and is not open on the weekends and is located at 2340 Ingleside Ave.
