Antiquing Arizona

You've likely heard the refrain, "One man's junk is another man's treasure," and it's not wrong. While shopping for antiques, you may be delighted to rediscover beloved childhood toys—now considered "vintage"—or knick-knacks considered too kitsch for some and must-have for others.

If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, check out the treasure troves at these antique and vintage shops, malls and boutiques in central Arizona.

Arizona's "Antique Capital" in Phoenix's West Valley

Two adjacent historic districts in the former farming hub of Glendale are chock-a-block with antique shops.

In Old Towne Glendale, Glendale's original retail section, the shops tend to occupy turn-of-the-century brick storefronts, while the adjacent Catlin Court, the town's first residential subdivision, is known for its 1920s and 1930s Craftsman bungalows. All total, there are roughly 70 antique shops and specialty stores spread across 10 blocks in this charming walkable district.

Mid-Century Modern in Phoenix's Melrose District

In central Phoenix, the stretch of Seventh Avenue between Indian School and Camelback roads known as the Melrose District was first settled after World War II. That era's furnishings and clothing are highlighted in the many secondhand shops that have cropped up in this increasingly trendy neighborhood.

Most of the merchandise at Retro Ranch dates from the 1950s to the 1970s—with an emphasis on the funky and fun. Don't miss the Arizona-centric items, including cocktail shakers decorated with cowboys and postcards of pristine desert scenes.

At Modern Manor, high-end mid-century modern furniture shares a spacious showroom with Valentine, a restaurant and bar serving up wood-fired fare. Celebrate your fabulous MCM finds (think Herman Miller chairs designed by Charles Eames) with a glass of wine and elote pasta.

Once a month, the team at Sweet Salvage put on a four-day vintage market with goods and decor inspired by that month's special theme, such as "Color Crush," "Comfort & Joy," and "Sweet Retreats." Sales happen on the third Thursday through Sunday each month.

Small-town vintage spotting

The discovery of silver and copper near the Pinal Mountains in the second half of the 19th century gave rise to two bustling mining towns: Globe and Miami, about an hour and a half east of Phoenix.

Occupying a 1905 warehouse built to house the Old Dominion Mine's drilling equipment, Globe's expansive Pickle Barrel Trading Post carries a little bit of old and new, and a front-yard full of colorful rustic yard art. (Pictured above)

Other shops on or near Globe's Broad Street include Turn the Page Vintage and Western Apparel, Yesterday's Treasures (a former boarding house turned store), and the Globe Antique Mall (set aside a few hours for this one).

Further north in Prescott, Arizona's first (1864) territorial capital, shoppers and history buffs flock to the town known for its 800-plus sites on the National Register of Historic Buildings. Most of the antique shops are concentrated on and around north Cortez Street, just off Courthouse Square.

Top-quality Native American and Southwestern wares, including antique jewelry and Arizona memorabilia, are beautifully arrayed and displayed in Ogg's Hogan. Owner Jeff Ogg studied anthropology at Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona and has served on the board of Prescott's three major museums.

Those with specialized interests might want to check out Bayberry's Antique Dolls, with more than 35 years of experience in acquiring vintage dolls; and Lost in Sports, where the figurines are bobbleheads and the selection of baseball cards is immense.