Given the Old World natural beauty of Orlando North and its seven historic cities, it is no wonder that the destination has become a must-visit spot for antiquing.

History and preservation loom large here. The area was put on a map at the turn of the 19th century by E.W. Henck, who played a major role in establishing the South Florida Railroad that opened up Orlando to new settlers. Thanks to a recent donation to the Museum of Seminole County History, Orlando North now has on display the largest museum collection of horse-drawn buggies in Florida.

Whether you want to discover a particular jewelry piece, or are in the market for house furnishings or decor, make Orlando North your antique shopping destination. Unique vintage shops come in all sizes – from cozy neighborhood boutiques selling specialty treasures; to larger shops in historic downtown Sanford and Longwood; to large antique malls with dozens of vendors.

Singular boutiques include charming The Old Red Barn of Geneva, which in addition to rustic farmhouse and French country decor, regularly updates its exciting inventory with local jams, jellies, salsas and handmade items. Family-owned Wirewood Market in Altamonte Springs brings together some 50 vendors and local artists in its large, 6,000-square-foot showroom to display vintage, antique, and hand-crafted home decor and furnishings. Also in Altamonte, Adjectives Market seeks to dazzle your imagination with its collection of modern and vintage furniture and home decor – everything from handcrafted and hand-painted furniture to vintage designer handbags and fashion, historic memorabilia, vintage linens, handcrafted jewelry, vintage records and more. The market is curated by an eclectic community of artists, craftsmen and home decor experts passionately creating and restoring one-of-a-kind interior decor for you and your home.

Explore more gems in Oviedo at Busby Antiques & Collectibles, started by a former comic book and toy dealer, and Hidden Treasures Antiques, with 11,000 square feet of everything vintage. Then head to the Oviedo Antique Mall and its extensive collections of antique, vintage, and collectible treasures. This is definitely the place to look for that 1895 antique Wilcox & Gibbs Sewing Machine!

Downtown Sanford is always a great choice for walking, eating and shopping – and its countless, boutiques, galleries, crafts stores and markets line up one after another in a dazzling array of temptations. Even with such high standards, Washburn Imports always impresses.

Washburn’s globe-hopping founder frequently travels to exotic destinations, including Indonesia, India, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, to discover the treasures you’ll find in the store, one of three in the area. The items available for sale are exquisite, beautifully aged and all hand-crafted by skilled artisans. At night, Washburn turns into a neighborhood bar specializing in boutique wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails.

So grab a drink, think about where to put that vintage Indian cabinet, and enjoy your antiquing adventure in Orlando North!