Antique shopping is like having a window into the past, where you may find many unique and unexpected trinkets to collect. Some make antiquing a pastime and explore every little town they come across while traveling in the hopes of discovering hidden gems among them. If you enjoy antique shopping, you might be surprised to learn that a little town in Colorado is the unofficial antiques capital of America, and it is chock full of history, too.

With a population of fewer than 4,000 people, the little town of Florence, Colorado is an unassuming town that is full of charm and history. Just take a drive through its historic downtown center, and you’ll see for yourself. But don’t just drive through, you’ll want to stay a while and explore its over 20 antique shops that make it the unofficial antiques capital of America.

Florence began initially as a transportation hub with three railroads responsible for nearby coal transport. When oil was discovered in 1862, the town experienced a burst of population growth as the first significant oil town to develop west of the Mississippi River. And as of 2017, its adorable downtown area has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With all its unique old shops, diners, and parlors, it’s easy to see why.

If you only have time for one antique shop stop, we suggest you visit the Mezzanine. Located in historic downtown Florence, it is one of the most unique and frequently visited antique shops in the area. It boasts 8,000 square feet of priceless antiques and heirlooms.

The interior of the Mezzanine is expansive and well-stocked with jewelry, delicate Fine China tableware, and even framed wall art. They also carry a vast array of precious collectible trinkets, as well as craft and sewing items and kitchen supplies. There are sure to be items of interest for everyone in this shop.

Loralie’s Antique Mall is another delightful stop that you must visit if you’re on the hunt for the best of the best antique shopping in the area. Customers rave about the friendly staff and the wide variety of unique finds discovered here. Once you step inside, you’ll see why this shop is a local favorite.

What makes Loralie’s Antique Mall so unique? There are so many special touches given to every corner of the shop, and their offerings are always of the highest quality. Even their rustic furniture is in great shape and still holds all its rustic charm. Be sure to explore the whole store as there are adorable and priceless collectibles everywhere you look.

There is an incredibly unique antique shop that doubles as a fine art gallery in Florence, and you should not pass up the opportunity to stop in. Visitors to Blue Spruce Arts and Antiques call it a diamond in the rough, and for good reason: it’s so much more than just another antique shop.

You may come to Blue Spruce Arts and Antiques shop for the antiques, of which there are plenty! But we guarantee you’ll be enamored with the wide array of beautiful fine art that spans the shop’s walls. The best part is that these pieces are created by local artists, so if you do collect some art for your home, you’ll be supporting artists of the region as well.

Oil City Merchants is another must-visit antique shop in Florence, Colorado. Located along historic Main Street, this shop stands out as one of the best antique shops in the area. You’ll be quite surprised by all the unique finds you’ll discover inside.

This adorable antique shop is truly a gold mine when it comes to rustic – yet beautifully preserved – antique furniture. But that’s not all: inside, you’ll also find a plethora of precious trinkets and collectibles that are looking for their next forever home.

These are only a few of the roughly 20 antique shops nestled in the little town of Florence: view this list for even more shop recommendations. Have you visited the unofficial antiques capital of America? We'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

And while you’re in the area, you should go for a soak in this underrated hot springs pool.