Lancaster PA is becoming a popular destination for vintage clothing shops and vintage shops with decor from yesteryear. The revived river town of Columbia, PA is located on Susquehanna River and easily accessible from Route 30. That means York County shoppers and Lancaster County tourists can easily visit the vintage clothing shops that have filled the historic storefronts along the beautiful streets of historic Columbia, PA.
A Vintage Shops Destination
Here’s an overview of some of the vintage clothing destinations, as well as the vintage shops and places you can find some incredible vintage decor at amazing prices! The recent revival of Columbia’s business district is thanks to both the entrepreneurial spirit, local downtown merchants groups (MAC) that organize events to drive foot traffic to shops, and the Columbia Economic Development Corporation that gives out grants to help create a thriving retail destination.
Oh, and while you’re here…
Of course, like any small town, there’s plenty of coffeeshops in Columbia and places to eat downtown that will keep you coming back for more! There is even an Civil War era Mansion that serves as a great AirBnB place to stay if you want to make a weekend out of your visit with friends and family.
A recent article in Fig magazine highlighted some vintage destinations, but there’s also many more to see!
Let’s get to those vintage destinations downtown!
** Please note – there are some amazing antique shops in Columbia and they may not be listed here if their vendors don’t have some exclusively vintage wares, clothing, or decor. You can read about the antique shops in Columbia here! **
In no particular order – here is your guide to vintage destinations in Columbia, PA:
Burning Bridge Antique Market |
304 Walnut Street
Burning Bridge Antique Market is known by its fans as BBAM (bee-bam!) and the three floors of treasures make it a must-see destination when you come visit Columbia. Now if you are on the hunt for vintage clothing, you’ll have to head up to the 2nd floor to check out some of the great vintage vendors there. However, if you are hunting for vintage decor and wall art, accent furniture, or vintage housewares, then explore all three floors and you’ll find treasures everywhere! Their staff is very helpful and always close by to help you out. Of course, don’t leave without saying hello to the owner – Cindie is sure to make you laugh and eager to help you enjoy your visit.
Columbia Re-Uzit Shop |
363 Locust Street
Columbia Re-Uzit is nestled in between a few shops on Locust Street and is mostly donated items that are usually more vintage than they are gently used. You can beat the prices, and you’ll probably find some old school shirts or pants, or baskets, lamps, and other things that you might recall from your mother’s kitchen or living room. The staff and volunteers couldn’t be nicer – and if you have some items to donate, they accept donates from their back donation center most days of the week!
Wild Briar Vintage |
425 Locust Street
This exciting new space is located directly next to State Theatre Vintage Emporium, but is its own destination. Wild Briar Vintage is owned by mom-friends Lindsey Bascelli and Alyssa Inch who started Wild Briar in 2021… and the rest is history. Their first store front retail shop is here in Columbia, PA but you can also shop their online vintage wares on their website. As soon as you walk in their storefront on Locust, you’ll be amazed at the moody colors and serene vibe that is perfectly setup with each items seamlessly woven together in beautiful displays. Come see their latest vintage decor items – you won’t be disappointed.
Strange Daze |
17 S 3rd Street
Strange Daze is a vintage clothing lovers dream – and the funk and flavor you walk into is just… fun! The vendors have each carefully selected their vintage clothing, home decor, vintage shoes, wall hangings, and handbags so you can have an endless shopping experience. The storefront is right next to the historic Columbia Market House, and just steps from the other shops in town so you can easily walk to Strange Daze when you are here in town. The shop owner and vendors are super kind and helpful and clearly passionate about all thing vintage. They are also involved in the Rivertown Retro Fest in May each year.
State Theatre Vintage Emporium |
421 Locust Street
The State Theatre Vintage Emporium was a long time dream that is now a reality – which means you can shop one location with over 40 vintage vendors. Think large booths, high ceilings, vintage and funky, video game and care bears, movie posters and 70s furniture, on and on and on! You can spend hours in here and still not see it all. Recently featured in Fig Lancaster as a must-see vintage destination in Lancaster, this newly revived theater was once home to famous films, boxing matches, and now its the home to the largest square footage of vintage treasures under one roof in Columbia. Wait till you see the custom mural artwork at the entrance, or walk up the enormous stairs into the theatre. You’ll love every step.
Thistle & Sage Creative |
208 Locust Street
Thistle and Sage is one of the most well setup stores in town. Owner Jaimie pays attention to every detail and you’ll be inspired the moment you walk in the door! Her displays are amazing and you’ll find some throw-back vintage home decor, or simply leave with some cool artificial flower bouquets too go in that special place in your home.
Vicious Circle Vintage |
262 Locust Street
Vicious Circle has two locations – one in Lancaster but the cool storefront is on Locust Street in Columbia. The owners were recently featured in Fig, and they do alterations to vintage-up those cool clothes right there in the store! It’s full of funky and fun clothes, shoes, jackets and has something for everyone. You’ll find some vintage jewelry and some other inspiration there too – get ready for some vintage mojo! You can also shop their clothing online here.
Think Big Think Small We Have It All |
345 Locust Street
Marisol has grown her store and vendors as she has now taken over a bigger location on Locust Street in the heart of Columbia. Think Big Think Small has parking available off street behind her shop too. Her collection of vintage wares, wall hangings, decor, and even watches and some old school books and magazines is a fun place to stop. There is vintage furniture and the vendors are always bringing in new merch to check out, so pop in and say hello to the shop owner Marisol and see what she has.
Obscure Relics |
236 Locust Street
Obscure Relics is one of those places you will not soon forget – due to the special care given to both the setup and displays, but also to the specifically curated and sourced items you’ll find there! It feels like you are walking into someone’s tastefully designed living room or personal library that keeps you going deeper inside to discover more. It’s a beautiful place to visit and you’ll find some cool vintage decor, period specific inspirations, or styles you won’t find anywhere else. Follow her on IG and FB as well to see what the latest arrivals are and come see this unique shop in historic downtown Columbia.
Keystone Artisan Werks |
199 Bridge Street
This incredible warehouse conversion into a destination shop is one you must see. Featuring artwork, collectibles, vintage decor, and over 60 vendors of woodworking, apparel, and miscellaneous craft and trades booths – this is one cool shop to visit. With constant new pieces and partnerships, you can wander here and see things you’ll never see again – from vintage to hand-made, you’ll have to stop by and see it to believe it. Visit Keystone Artisan Werks online here to learn more.
Bootleg Antiques |
135 Bridge Street
Right next door to Keystone Artisan Werks, you’ll discover Bootleg Antiques. Connie will greet you as soon as you enter their historic warehouse with over 70 dealers and vendors of antique and vintage wares. The husband and wife owners are so kind and you’ll leave with a smile and likely a full armload of vintage charming items! There is not vintage clothing here, but many vendors have some incredible vintage furniture, decor items, and glassware. The vintage vendors are mostly on the second floor of this historic prohibition era warehouse, but the main floor has a few with great books, wall art, and special finds. It’s such a fun building to wander, and has a vintage jeweler shop attached, along with a small cafe and coffeeshop inside too!
Tollbooth Antiques |
215 Chestnut Street
Don’t let the name fool you – Tollbooth has some funky vintage vendors in this huge warehouse! You can enjoy off street parking and find some vintage old school toys, games, pictures, decor, and even some furniture items in this warehouse. The staff is friendly and you can put your finds on holding tables so you can keep browsing and picking! There is also cold drinks (for purchase) and coffee (free) so you can keep your energy going while you pick for some vintage rare finds. I even saw a sweet vintage bike in there I almost went home with. The two floors of warehouse finds will keep you there a while!
Kindred Collections |
452 Locust Street
They may be last on our list, but they might be MOST when it comes to vendors! Kindred Collections has 90 artisans that proudly display their collections in this massive one-floor destination. Voted numerous times as one of Lancaster’s favorite spots, you’ll find 5,000+ square feet of handcrafted items, upcycled creations and professionally curated vintage goods. The owners are very helpful and there’s sure to be a gift for your friend, a special one-of-a-kind item for your collection, or some artisan crafted find that will be the conversation piece you love. They also have a new workshop area that features classes and an event space to enjoy with your friends. Come see all the vendors and their awesome creations and vintage collections.
All things Vintage are in Columbia!
Hopefully you can tell our incredible river town is a place to keep you shopping for days! Stop by local shops to eat and drink while you are here – whether you are hunting for great coffee or some drinks to enjoy with friends after a full day of shopping – it is all here! Share this article with your friends and follow @DiscoverColumbia on IG and FB to stay tuned to giveaways, deals from local shops, and all things Columbia.
