The Joy of Antiquing 'Antiques.' Those signs that proclaim, 'Old things for sale here,' are as common in our villages and roads as the signs advertising maple syrup. Perhaps for no other reason than the affordable cost of space, country settings seem to make for some great antique deals. As the 14th U.S. state, Vermont is one of the first parts of America to be inhabited by Colonists. This means that Vermont is loaded with treasures from the earliest days of America. “Real Vermonters” save things and pass them along from generation to generation. Eventually, these treasures come to the surface for new owners to cherish. The 'Antiques Dealers' section of our Yellow Pages takes up almost a whole page. But that is only the beginning. Antiques in our region can be found at yard and garage sales, flea markets, gift shops, thrift shops, antique shows, auctions, galleries, and specialty shops. Antique shopping, in its many venues, provides that rewarding challenge of finding the undervalued... a piece that until recently was just taking up space in someone's home or shop may be the capstone to your collection or the accessory that rounds out your decor. Even if you're shopping for an investment, it will be an enjoyable experience. Check the local papers for announcements of antique and estate auctions which are held quite frequently in the summer. Daily papers normally have auction ads on Thursdays. Not only do these auctions offer treasures for you to take home with you, but they often provide you with a great opportunity to get off the beaten path to explore rural Vermont at its finest. Feature Antique Shop • Riverside Farm Antiques, Rt. 100, Pittsfield, (802) 746-8544, www.riversidefarm.com. We offer a stately red barn c. 1888, overflowing with country antiques, collectables, primitives and a whole lot more. Only seven miles north of Killington on scenic Rt. 100. Turn right just before the covered bridge.