FIND WHAT
YOU LOVE.
Claudine Blankenship knows a thing or two about antiques. As an antiques dealer in Tazewell, Blankenship has had a lifelong affinity for the rare and obscure.
“I developed a love for antiquing when my husband and I were in college,” Blankenship said. “We didn’t have any money, but we loved to visit and just browse and learn and study the antiques and the heritage behind them. I’ve always had a love for history and older things.”
That love for historic items followed her throughout adulthood. By the time their last child had moved off to college, she and her husband took the opportunity to travel together in search of unique finds for their own business.
She’s spent nearly five decades in Tazewell County, but pre-pandemic, Blankenship and her husband traveled across the United States to flea markets and vintage stores, hunting for unique finds to bring back to their shop. Currently, Blankenship’s shop spans three spaces in Bargain Bob’s Flea Market.
For incoming visitors, Blankenship recommends visiting these five stores across Tazewell County. Each shop offers its own specialty, she noted, which is what makes the antiques scene here so exciting. Check out her suggestions below!
Address: 36769 Governor G C Peery Highway, Bluefield, VA. 24605
“Hunt and Chase has an excellent variety of upscale items,” Blankenship said, specifically noting owner Saprena Noel’s “magnificent” painted and restored pieces of furniture. Here, Blankenship said customers can find a wide variety of smaller items for the home and beyond, like pottery and porcelain.
1225 Front Street, Richlands, VA 24641
The Tazewell Mercantile Co. artfully combines vintage dinnerware, modern decor, and locally sourced foods and gifts. Blankenship praised owner Virginia Warner’s talent as a painter and artistic abilities demonstrated through her store’s “beautiful” displays. The mercantile, she said, is like a convenient one-stop shop where one can find foods, housewares, and craft supplies. Plus, the mercantile offers classes for customers, too!
173 Fincastle Turnpike Tazewell, VA 24651
“Steve Miller has been an auctioneer and a collector for years,” Blankenship said. “He’s probably the most knowledgeable antiques person I have known in my lifetime.” With a collection ranging from pottery to furniture and primitives, Blankenship described Miller’s finds as “fabulous.”
713 Claypool Hill Mall Rd, Claypool Hill, VA 24609
John David’s Antiques and Home Decor hosts a combination of genres. Here, customers can find vintage furniture from various decades, seasonal items, art, pottery, and decorative flags for the home exterior. Often, furniture can be purchased in sets, like matching bookcases!
38425 Governor G.C. Peery Highway, Bluefield, VA, United States, Virginia
This fairly new addition is a must-see according to Blankenship. Blue Mountain Rustic is owned by Allen Hatfield, a long-time businessman in the community and a fellow antiques picker, Blankenship said. “They have a great collection of retro [items], more ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and maybe ‘80s era collectibles,” she added.
No matter what you’re looking for, Blankenship said we can all learn a lot from the antiques we encounter, particularly about the era in which the items were made, the makers themselves, and often the heritage of the trade. Plus, she added,finding regional pieces also provides a great opportunity to learn and celebrate our own culture and traditions.
With so many suggestions to check out, you can make a day trip (or two) and visit them all. Grab a shopping buddy and embark on your antiques adventure!
Tazewell County, Virginia is nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Founded in 1799, the county has a rich history spanning generations and is home to some of the best outdoor recreation experiences available in the region!
