It doesn’t matter what part of Kentucky you visit, there is always that hidden treasure available if you check out the local antique stores. Some areas are more well-known for their antiques and we are going to give you a sampling of where to begin your search for the perfect fishing lure (let’s get the men involved), antique toy or maybe a piece of silver or china.

More and more old schoolhouses are becoming antique malls, but Irish Acres Antique Gallery located in Nonesuch just southwest of Lexington, is one you don’t want to miss. Besides 32,000 square feet filled to the brim with antiques, this school built in 1936 offers a unique dining experience in its Glitz Restaurant located in the lower level. Location: 4205 Ford’s Mill Road, Versailles, 859-873-7235, closed Sunday and Monday. http://www.irishacresgallery.com/index.html

Once known as Science Hill School—one of the preeminent girls’ preparatory institutions in America—Wakefield-Scearce Galleries now houses one of the largest collections of antique English furniture, antique silver and home décor in the United States. Divided into three sections, there is the gallery with its original retail area, the courtyard, with five shops and the dining room which is located in the original dining hall and kitchen of the school. Plan to spend the day exploring and dining. Location: 525 Washington St

Shelbyville, 502-633-4382, closed Monday.

http://www.wakefieldscearce.com/home.aspx

Hazel, Kentucky is not just one store; it is a town of antique stores! Journey nine miles south of Murray on U.S. 641 in western Kentucky and you will find this gem. Once a booming railroad town, the town was brought back to life in the 1990’s when closed storefronts became antique stores. With nearly a dozen shops representing over 500 dealers, you can spend a day or a weekend searching for that treasure.

http://www.hazelky.com/antiques.htm

Owensboro sits on the Ohio River and offers great entertainment year-round, but it also has three antique stores right in the downtown area just waiting for you. The Owensboro Antique Mall is located at 500 West Third Street, phone: 270-684-3003. The Peachtree Gallery is located at 104 West Second Street, phone: 270-683-6937. And Spend A Buck Antiques is located at 210 Allen Street, phone: 270-685-5025.

Another Ohio River town west of Owensboro is Henderson. This town is know for its Blues and Bar-B-Q, but also has some very good antique shopping. Memories Past & Present is located in a 1928 vintage home in downtown Henderson and offers 12 rooms of unique antiques, gifts and garden deco. Location: 425 N. Main St., Henderson, 270-844-0014, open Wednesday through Saturday. The Princess Mall Antiques slogan is “Give the Past as Your Present” and everything from furniture to dolls is packed into two floors. Location: 238 N. Main St., 270-830-8444, closed Sunday and Monday.

Spending some time at Lake Barkley and maybe the weather or fishing aren’t cooperating? Head east to Hopkinsville where you have a good choice of antiques shops. Aunt Mary’s Antiques & Collectibles is located at: 129 East 7th Street, Hopkinsville, 270-885-9623. Betsy Fentress Antiques & Interiors is on 885 Fentress Lane, 270-886-2740. Butler’s Antiques is located on 601 E 17th St, 270-889-9603 and Forget-Me-Not Antiques is on 110 E 6th St, 270-885-5914.

Paducah is another river town that has revitalized its downtown area along the Ohio River and that offers a nice selection of shops within walking distance of each other downtown. American Harvest Antiques is located at 632 N. Sixth Street in the LowerTown artist district, 270-442-4852. Anthony Barnes Antiques downtown on 111 South Second Street is more upscale, 270-442-1891. Antique Cards & Collectibles covers three floors and is located downtown at 203 Broadway, 270-443-9797. Creatures of Habit is a costume shop with some antiques and antique clothing located at 406 Broadway, 270-442-2923. These are just a few of the wide variety of antique stores in Paducah.

Historic Danville, Kentucky is home to the Antique Mall of Historic Danville which is housed in a Gothic style Presbyterian Church built in 1868 at 158 North Third St, 859-236-3026. Other antiques stores include C. Vickers Antiques located in Fishers Row at Constitution Square State Historic site, 859-326-0356; Battlefield Antiques at 420 Mackville Road, phone 859-332-7261; Itchy Dog Antiques at 344 Buell Street, phone 859-583-4302; Peddlers Mall at 1560 Hustonville Road, phone 859-238-9400; and Antique Junction on Old 127 near Airport Road in Junction City.

At the top of the Country Music Highway U.S. 23 in eastern Kentucky you can start your shopping at the Madacsi Siloam Auction on State Route 3117 in South Shore, phone 606-932-4990. Head south to Greenup and browse through Rivertown Antiques and Collectibles at 406 Main Street, phone 606-473-3388. Just down the road in Russell on Belfonte Street are Antique Junction of Downtown Russell, 440 Belfonte Street, phone 606-836-3238; White Eagle Collectors Mall, 515 Belfonte Road, phone 606-836-2830; Diamond Furniture Restoration, 519 Belfonte Street, phone 740-533-0624; and This Old Couch, 342 Belfonte Street, phone 606-836-0800.

Head further south on U.S 23 the Country Music Highway. Stop in Staffordsville and visit the Vendors Mini Mall, 1711 KY Rt 40 West, phone 606-297-6276. You might just pick up an old Loretta Lynn album or a slightly used guitar. Just east of Staffordsville in Paintsville, you can “shop until you drop”. Try Louise’s Treasure at 212 Euclid Avenue, phone 606-788-0046; Something Old Something New at 1057 Broadway, phone 606-788-0006; or Yesterday’s Memories at 10th and Jefferson Street, phone 606-789-3101.

Don’t forget the larger cities for your antiquing adventure. Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky have an abundance of stores to choose from. Located in old homes, schools and warehouses, stop at the local visitor’s center to find locations in the area.

This “Discover Your Own Back Yard” travel column is produced twice monthly by the Department of Travel to help promote Kentucky events and travel destinations. For more information about these and other tourism opportunities, visit www.kentuckytourism.com