The Charm of Southern New Hampshire’s Antique Trail: A Vintage RV Weekend

Every August, my husband and I celebrate our wedding anniversary with a vintage-themed getaway. This year, we packed up our RV and hit the road for a weekend along New Hampshire’s Antique Trail, exploring charming shops, quiet lakes, and local favorites—all just an hour from home.

We stayed at Lake Forest RV Resort, an adults-only campground tucked along the water in East Wakefield, New Hampshire, and spent our time browsing vintage treasures, relaxing by the lake, and enjoying casual bites at the well-loved Poor People’s Pub. It was a simple and memorable anniversary trip—just how we like it.

“Even if I don’t come home with a trunk full of antiques, I always come back from these road trips feeling inspired.”

Exploring Southern Stops on New Hampshire’s Antique Trail

While only one of our stops was officially part of New Hampshire’s Antique Trail, the spirit of vintage treasure hunting carried through each southern shop we visited. From a massive two-story antique barn in Wolfeboro to a cozy secondhand shop in East Wakefield, this RV weekend getaway was full of small-town charm and unique finds. Whether you’re planning your own stop along the trail or just looking for new-to-you places to explore, these southern New Hampshire shops are absolutely worth the drive.

Wolfeboro Antiques: A Must-Visit Stop Near New Hampshire’s Antique Trail

If you’re exploring New Hampshire’s Antique Trail, don’t miss a detour to Wolfeboro Antiques in the lakeside town of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Just 15 minutes from East Wakefield, this massive two-story red barn is packed with vintage charm and over 75 unique vendor booths. It’s the kind of place you can get lost in for an hour or two—searching through old signs, dishware, linens, furniture, and more.

As soon as we walked through the door, I was greeted with the warmest hug from Caroline, a longtime follower of Dabbling & Decorating. What a surprise! We took a few selfies and chatted about our shared love for vintage. It was such a fun and unexpected moment that made this stop even more special.

I left with a sweet little antique wooden shoe, which I styled atop an old cobbler’s shoeshine box back at home. But honestly, even if I hadn’t found a thing, this antique shop was a joy to visit. With friendly faces, fair prices, and room after room of vintage treasures, Wolfeboro Antiques is the kind of hidden gem that makes southern New Hampshire’s antique scene so memorable.

The Treasure Trove: A Quaint Stop Along New Hampshire’s Antique Alley

Just outside the charming little town of East Wakefield, New Hampshire, we made a casual stop at The Treasure Trove after lunch at the iconic Poor People’s Pub. I had heard this shop was worth a peek, and it absolutely was. It’s the kind of place that feels like a friendly neighborhood secret, filled with eclectic secondhand finds ranging from dishware and baskets to vintage rugs and quirky glassware.

I didn’t come home with a haul, but I did spot a green and white striped Sunbrella pillow tucked on the porch for just one dollar! It couldn’t have been a more perfect match for our outdoor space back in Maine. Not bad for a quick walk to walk off lunch, right?

While I didn’t grab any interior photos, the exterior alone is worth a snapshot, just one more reason this sweet little stop belongs on your next vintage road trip through New Hampshire’s Antique Alley.

R.S. Butler’s Trading Company: A Must-See Stop on New Hampshire’s Antique Trail

No trip along New Hampshire’s Antique Trail would be complete without a stop at R.S. Butler’s Trading Company in Northwood. This wildly creative, jam-packed shop is as much an experience as it is a place to shop, filled with nostalgic displays, mannequin vignettes, and all sorts of quirky, well-curated vintage.

It’s where I picked up the daisy pin now proudly hanging inside our RV, Pearl. The story behind that little find, and the whole shop itself, was just too good not to share in full.

→ You can read the whole story here: R.S. Butler’s Trading Company: A Colorful, Retro-Cool Antique Shop for All Ages in New Hampshire

Where We Stayed: Lake Forest RV Resort in Southern New Hampshire

For our anniversary weekend, we chose to stay at Lake Forest RV Resort in East Wakefield, New Hampshire, just about an hour from home, which is our favorite kind of getaway. This 50+ adult RV community is nestled right along the lake, with peaceful water views, a golf course, kayaking, and a cozy clubhouse that made us feel right at home.

It was the perfect place to unwind between antique stops, and Ella loved it too. Quiet, clean, and close to everything we wanted to see, Lake Forest RV Resort is a great option if you’re planning an RV weekend in southern New Hampshire. We’d definitely go back again.

Where We Ate: Poor People’s Pub, a Local Favorite in Wakefield, New Hampshire

No visit to East Wakefield is complete without a meal at Poor People’s Pub, a laid-back local gem that’s been serving up delicious, affordable food for decades. My husband and I actually ate here years ago, before we were even married, on our way home from a ski weekend in North Conway. So returning here for our anniversary felt like the perfect full-circle moment.

With a fun, casual vibe, generous portions, and a menu full of comfort food classics, Poor People’s Pub is a must-stop if you’re antiquing or RVing through southern New Hampshire. We ate here twice on this trip, and would’ve gone back again if we’d had another day!

Vintage Finds from Southern New Hampshire’s Antique Trail

Even though I didn’t come home with a carload of treasures this time, I found a couple of vintage pieces that made the trip feel complete. One was a cheerful daisy pin with that fun retro vibe from the ’60s or ’70s, the perfect addition to our growing pin collection for the RV, Pearl. I picked it up at R.S. Butler’s Trading Company as a little souvenir to remember the shop and the charm of this weekend.

The other find? A worn antique shoe from Wolfeboro Antiques that instantly reminded me of my mother, who has a pair of similar vintage boots I’ve always loved. That’s what makes antiquing along Southern New Hampshire’s antique trail so special; it’s not about how much you bring home, but how meaningful each little find can be.

Planning Your Own RV Antiquing Trip to Southern New Hampshire?

If you’re thinking about hitting the road in search of vintage charm, southern New Hampshire is full of hidden gems, cozy campgrounds, and antique shops that make for a perfect short getaway. Here are a few helpful tips to plan your own trip along New Hampshire’s antique trail:

• Best days to go: Wednesday and Thursday are ideal for avoiding weekend crowds and traffic. Many antique shops and restaurants are closed Monday–Tuesday, and Fridays can get busy with weekend travelers.
• Where to stay: We stayed at Lake Forest RV Resort in East Wakefield, which was peaceful, pet-friendly, and close to several of the shops we visited.
• Shops we loved: Don’t miss R.S. Butler’s Trading Company in Northwood for vintage oddities and old-school charm, Wolfeboro Antiques for classic finds, and The Treasure Trove for a thriftier, dig-around vibe.
• Where to eat: Try the local favorite, Poor People’s Pub in Sanbornville, casual, lively, and full of character (with great sandwiches and a loyal following).

This corner of New Hampshire is perfect for a relaxing RV trip filled with vintage inspiration, scenic lakeside towns, and the kind of shops where you just might find your next favorite piece.

Why We Love These Quick RV Antiquing Getaways

There’s something so refreshing about hopping in the RV and heading out for a low-key weekend of antique hunting. No strict schedule, no big expectations, just the joy of discovering charming little shops, grabbing a bite at a local pub, and seeing where the road takes us. Southern New Hampshire’s antique trail is full of small-town character, scenic drives, and vintage stops that make even the shortest trip feel like an adventure. These quick getaways remind me that sometimes, the best finds aren’t just the antiques, they’re the moments we collect along the way.

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More RV Antiquing Adventures You Might Enjoy

Love hitting the road in search of vintage treasures? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or mapping out a longer route, these RV antiquing road trips are packed with scenic stops, hidden gem antique shops, and cozy vintage inspiration from across New England. Explore more of our favorite routes below and start planning your next adventure.

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