Four places to find really cool old stuff

Cool stuff never goes out of style.

That’s why spending your day browsing Elkhart County’s antique shops can yield a rich and rewarding bounty.

Here are our top picks for antiquing:

Beardsley Avenue Antiques District, Elkhart This stretch on the west side of Elkhart was once a hub of manufacturing and, while some factories remain, several of the spaces have new life housing valuable treasures. Three shops - 820 Antiques, Antiques on Beardsley, and Tchotchkes, Antiques & More - are clustered within a few blocks and offer access to nearly 100 antiques vendors. From china and glassware to furniture and vintage tools, you’ll find it here.

Goshen Antique Mall, Goshen Right in the heart of downtown and a few steps from the county seat, the 25,000 square feet of this space serves up a cornucopia of dealers offering toys, pottery, coins, jewelry, furniture and more.

Old Creamery Antiques, Middlebury This antique mall packs its shelves with books and collectibles, automotive memorabilia, fishing gear, and kitchen and glassware. The name says it all - the place was once a creamery and the 14 rooms there have been converted into an antiquer’s paradise.

Dutch Lady Antiques, Nappanee The vendors at this antique mall showcase their finds in the midst of the historic Coppes Commons, where the famous Hoosier cabinets were once made. You can find collectibles and vintage items in this restored industrial space. You won’t have to leave the building either for lunch or a flash-frozen concoction from Rocket Science Ice Cream.