If you love vintage finds and rare, one-of-a-kind pieces you'll definitely want to spend some time antiquing. Did you know that New Hampshire has the oldest antiques shopping district in all of New England? Perhaps it's because families have stuck around in the Granite State generation after generation, or maybe it's just the state's long history. Either way, spending a day along this famed region in the state will give you access to some of the best antiques in New Hampshire. For full directions to access the route mentioned below, click here.

You'll find New Hampshire's "Antique Alley" along Route 4 connecting Portsmouth and Concord.

It's been the go-to destination for all things vintage and antique since the 1970s. And, whether you're looking for something rough and tumble or an upscale, perfect period piece you'll find it here.

While there are a number of shops in the area, many are part of a larger network all combining to be "members" of the Antique Alley association.

Antique Alley runs for about 47 miles and a great way to begin the journey is by heading West on Route 4 from Chichester.

From I-95, head about ten miles off of Exit 6 onto Route 4 West. From here you can choose to stop at all of the stores, or just a few. Be sure to keep an eye out for food and snacks, as you'll surely build up an appetite shopping!

Pumpkin Hollow Primitives: 152 Gile Rd., Nottingham

This shop is housed in the Major John Gile House, which dates back to 1763. Also a bed and breakfast, the shop carries antiques, period lighting, candles, American folk art as well as seasonal decor. They're open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 3 p.m. Their hours vary in the winter, but you can call them on (603) 734-4402.

Firebird Farm Antiques: 46 North River Rd., Lee

This store is two and a half floors (just having half a floor makes it worth checking out!) and is stocked with a large variety of finds. They've got just about every genre covered, but we especially love that they have a wonderful art gallery. They're open Thursday through Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Call them on (603) 659-6180.

R.S. Butler's Trading Company: 102 Route 4, Northwood

You can't miss these two sprawling pink barns! They're both filled to the brim with neatly organized furniture, garden and decorative antiques, historical items, collectibles and much more. They even have vintage clothes and music memorabilia. They're open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give them a call on (603) 942-8210.

Fern Eldridge and Friends Antiques: 800 Route 4, Northwood

With a specialty in country and formal furniture as well accessories, this is the place to go when you know exactly what you're looking for. All of these special finds are displayed in room settings and cases, which makes it easy to access what you're after. They've got two buildings and one is a lovely 18th century barn! They're open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until November, then they begin winter hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Give them a call on (603) 942-5602.

Parker-French Antique Center: 1190 Route 4, Northwood

This shop is actually an entire group of dealers number over 135 spaces. They've got everything from jewelry to glass & china to memorabilia and garden ware. You won't find any crafts or reproductions here, though. They're open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give them a call on:

(603) 942-8852.

Bailey's Not So Slim Picken: 148 Catamount Rd., Northwood

The inventory here is always changing, which is not surprising since they're constantly recycling old tools, furniture, art, household items, hardware and building salvage. A stop here will be one of the more unique experiences on your journey along Antique Alley! They're open "most days" from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give them a call on (603) 608-6624.

Coveway Antiques: Highlights info row image1557 Route 4, Northwood,

This is another wonderful combined shop with a number of different sellers. Here you'll find period wrought and cast iron, stoneware, various pieces of ephemera, along with toys, collectibles, artwork and books. They're open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can give them a call on (603) 942-7500.

Rustique: 1022 Dover Rd. #3, Northwood

Somehow, this shop is both modern and vintage. They've got a great selection of reclaimed furniture and home decor, including painted and re-purposed furniture as well as lighting that all use reclaimed materials. They're strong supporters of recycling and re-purposing to create one-of-a-kind pieces. They're open Sunday and Monday from 12 to 5 p.m. and from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They're closed on Tuesday. Give them a call on

(603) 219-6116.

Concord Antique Gallery: 97 Storrs St., Concord

This final spot can be found in historic Concord, right downtown. The gallery features 125 different dealers sprawled across two floors. To make it even more compelling, they've been voted best antique shop in region every year since 2005! They're open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give them a call on

(603) 225-2070.

For more information, check out the association's list of members and map.

There are plenty more shops to be found along this wonderful and historic route, so be sure to plan for plenty of time and stops along the way. For more information on Antique Alley, check out their website and visit them on Facebook.

For more ways to shop for fun, old finds check out this list of awesome flea markets in New Hampshire.