Montana. For most out-of -towners, the word conjures up images of vast landscapes dotted with old homestead cabins and cowboys. For locals, the word means a home rich in the tradition of hard work and family. But as the state’s cities and towns quickly evolve into modern cultural centers, more and more people seek to hang onto Montana’s important and distinct past. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the rapid growth of the Flathead Valley’s antique market. Whether you’re looking for something kitsch and retro, a memento, or a piece of fine furniture to add to your home collection, the antiques featured in the valley are sure to give you a piece of vintage Montana to hold onto.
Bigfork
Recognized for its posh and eclectic galleries, shoppers will be pleased to discover the same level of quality and diversity in its handful of top-notch antique shops. Start off on Electric Avenue, where lovers of fine, rare furniture will appreciate Timeless Asian Art & Antique. Owners Steve and Lei Anderson have been collecting furniture and accessories from China for the past 20 years. Most of the pieces date back to the Ming and Ching Dynasties. Next, pop into The Stone Chair a few doors down and one flight up at Twin Birch Square. This store boasts fine, classic and stylish antiques for the home and garden. The Barn at 100 Hill Road is just a short drive away from Bigfork’s main drag off of Highway 35. The Barn specializes in consignment items and unique and hard to find collectibles.
Columbia Falls
Columbia Falls has seen a surprising amount of growth in the niche market of antiques. With the debut of four new antique shops within three years, the town is fast-becoming Flathead Valley’s antique hot spot. Nucleus Avenue in downtown Columbia Falls is a great place to begin your antique shopping spree. Step Back in Time for colorful collectibles owners Jeff and Lynn Chase 13 years gathering to display in their “Retro Room.” The room houses vintage furniture, old eight-track players, lava lamps and Elvis memorabilia. Funtastic Finds is true to its name with eclectic, unusual antiques and clothing. The store specializes in everything vintage and also has a large outdoor area showcasing antique lawn ornaments. Just around the corner on West 5th Street, Charmaine’s Antiques has furnishings for the home, including artwork and rare collectibles. On Highway 2, near its junction with Nucleus, Montana Iron Works Arts and Antique Gallery is a great spot to purchase western art and bronzes. The Shops at Station 8, in the former Linc’s Automotive building, is an antique-enthusiast’s dream. The 100-year-old recently renovated building rents space to over a dozen different vendors selling Montana-made products, home and garden décor, and rare, unusual antiques.
Kalispell
From Persian rugs to an old Skoal chewing tobacco can, Kalispell’s antique merchants give shoppers a little bit of everything. Main Street is home to many of the city’s vintage retailers. Antiques of Kalispell has a large collection of distinctive vintage pieces and furnishings. An array of vendors makes up Big Sky Antiques Mall, where you will find a diverse selection of rare collectibles. Kalispell Antiques Market, just below Western Outdoor and Norm’s News and Soda Fountain, is a must-visit in the historic McIntosh Opera House building. The market represents 35 antique dealers selling toys, jewelry, furniture and first-edition books. For shoppers interested in vintage clothing, check out My Secret Treasures, which offers unique consignment clothing and jewelry. Just off of Main, on East Second St., Riel Antiques displays high-end fine furniture, antique accessories and Persian rugs. A few miles from town, but definitely worth the drive, Redneck Chic offers high-end designer clothing as well as a colorful assortment of antique knick-knacks and western gifts. The large store is on US Highway 93, and shoppers will discover everything from a tobacco can to jewelry and chocolates. The store also hosts a live auction once a month. Stageline Antiques, at 2510 Whitefish Stage Road, sells “the unusual and unique,” including vintage Coca-Cola paraphernalia and old gas pumps.
Whitefish
Whitefish is the perfect place for vacationers to find that unique Montana gift to take a little piece of the Big Sky home, and locals will appreciate the regional arts and crafts represented. Big Sky Antiques gives shoppers a variety of antique furniture, stained glass and other collectibles. Those interested in Montana’s western culture will not want to miss the Cowboy Cabin at 845 Wisconsin Avenue. The store, housed inside a unique log cabin, sells western antiques and furniture for cabins and lodges. Owners Ron and Eila Turner are also available to decorate your vacation home or residence.