Here’s The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Illinois’ Best Antique Stores

Do you enjoy exploring the best antique stores in Illinois? If you said "yes," then you may want to plan a weekend getaway just to go antiquing! We have taken care of all the planning with a weekend itinerary to some of the state's best antique stores, along with a couple of restaurants and a place to spend the night. So, pick a weekend, pack a bag, gas up the car, and use this itinerary to follow along!

This trip covers 162 miles and just over three hours of driving time. You can find a link to our interactive Google Map. Our itinerary starts in the small town of Sandwich, Illinois, which is known for its antiquing. You can spend a day or two visiting all the shops here, but we handpicked just a few to get you started.

1. Olde Timers Antique Centre, Sandwich

We begin our journey in the town of Sandwich, a town that's home to numerous antique shops. One must-visit antique store in town is Olde Timers Antiques, which happens to be the largest antique mall in the area. Open seven days a week, the store features plenty of antique, vintage, and collectible items from over 130 vendors. Visit the Olde Timers Antique Centre on Facebook for more information.

2. Sandwich Antique Mart, Sandwich

Down the street from Old Timers is the Sandwich Antique Mart, the oldest antique store in town. You'll find anything and everything from furniture to pottery, glassware, and more! Visit the Sandwich Antique Mart Facebook page for more information.

3. Bull Moose Bar & Grille

After spending a good amount of time at the antique stores around Sandwich, you'll probably work up quite the appetite! There are plenty of restaurants close by, including Bull Moose Bar & Grille. You can enjoy a variety of American fare while dining in the historic 1893 Pullman dining car that's part of this underrated restaurant in Illinois. Visit the official Facebook page for Bull Moose Bar & Grille for more information.

4. Pops Pop Up Shop, Pontiac

Get your kicks along Route 66 at Pops Pop Up Shop, a one-of-a-kind store providing refurbished antiques as well as collectibles and custom light fixtures. You can even pick up some Route 66 souvenirs here. Read all about Pops Pop Up Shop and what you can expect at this one-of-a-kind flea market in Illinois.

5. El Paso Antique Mall, El Paso

Whether you're in the market for antiques, vintage items, collectibles, glassware, or just about anything else you can think of, El Paso Antique Mall is the place to browse. You will love the variety and quality of the goods sold here. Visit the El Paso Antique Mall website for more information.

6. Old Log Cabin, Pontiac

We're headed back into Pontiac before our last stop for a great place to grab a bite to eat. The Old Log Cabin sits along Route 66 and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The home-cooked food is absolutely delicious and you must have a slice of pie while you're here! Visit the Old Log Cabin website for more information.

7. Paraphernalia Antiques, Wilmington

The last stop on our epic flea market road trip in Illinois is Paraphernalia Antiques, a store that specializes in estate jewelry as well as antiques and European imports. Choose your next treasures from a wide selection and if you need help, just ask the wonderful, knowledgeable staff. Visit the official Facebook page for Paraphernalia Antiques for more information.

Would you take this road trip to some of the best antique stores in Illinois? What are your favorite antique shops around the state? Tell us in the comments!