What should I thrift on my vintage-filled RV road trip? Help me choose the antique treasures to hunt for from Maine to Newfoundland—cast your vote now!
We’re packing up the RV and heading north—way north—to Newfoundland’s Iceberg Alley!
It’s going to be three weeks of exploring, sightseeing, and of course, thrifting.
But here’s the twist: what should I thrift along the way? I’ve got my eye on vintage treasures from Maine to Nova Scotia and beyond, but I want you to help guide the hunt.
Here’s Where We’re Headed
Our journey begins in Maine, winds through Nova Scotia, and finishes in Newfoundland where the icebergs are floating by and rustic, coastal charm is everywhere. We’ll be traveling in our RV (with Ella, of course!), making stops in small towns, thrift stores, flea markets, and antique shops whenever we can.
As I planned this Newfoundland road trip, I realized how few people have explored this route—especially Iceberg Alley. Sharing the route and asking you what to thrift along the way felt like the perfect way to bring you into the adventure.
“They say it feels like standing at the edge of the world—and looking out, I believe it.”
A Quick History Nugget: “What Is Iceberg Alley?”
Iceberg Alley is the nickname for the stretch of ocean from Labrador to the northeast coast of Newfoundland where 10,000-year-old icebergs drift each spring and summer. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see these natural wonders from shore—and I’ll be there with my camera in hand!
Vintage and Thrift Shopping Adventures Across New England (and Beyond)
Join me as I explore the best vintage and thrift stores from Maine to Vermont—and even Paris and Canada. It’s your go-to guide for planning your next treasure-hunting adventure.
Traveling with Ella (and What We Pack)
RV travel wouldn’t be the same without Ella, our beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. She’s a seasoned traveler and surprisingly easygoing on long road trips. Her setup is simple: a Vermont Flannel dog bed with a non-slip bottom that stays put on the RV floor, her favorite stuffed animal, and two bowls—one for food, one for fresh water that’s always available. I keep a stash of treats by the door and reward her for staying calm while we drive (which she always does like a champ).
We also pack a harness, a couple of leashes, and a dog first aid kit, which I recently picked up and highly recommend for peace of mind on the road.
But if you’re crossing the border, there are a few important must-haves for your dog:
As of August 2024, U.S. regulations require your dog to be microchipped in order to re-enter the United States. You’ll also need proof of up-to-date vaccinations and must complete a Canadian import form online before travel. These steps are all required to return to the U.S.—traveling into Canada is generally more relaxed, and only vaccination records are needed.
Before you go, be sure to check the CDC’s current pet travel guidelines to make sure everything’s in order.
Ella’s a go-with-the-flow kind of gal, and with a little prep, she’s ready to roll—whether it’s the Vermont mountains or the iceberg shores of Newfoundland.
What Should I Thrift for on This Road Trip?
I’ve narrowed it down to a few fun things I’d love to keep an eye out for—and I’d love your input! What’s your favorite from the list below?
And I most certainly want to find an authentic fisherman’s sweater!
What vintage treasure would you hope to find on a Newfoundland road trip? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments.
How to Vote
Leave a comment right here on the blog! Or send me a quick reply to my weekly email if you’re reading this in your inbox. I’d love to know what you’d choose and why.
Why I’m Writing This Post
One of my favorite things about blogging is connecting with you all—and what better way to do that than letting you help guide what I look for while thrifting across the northeastern coast? Your input means so much, and I’m excited to take you along for the ride.
Explore what we thrifted and what we brought home with us in these next posts:
Help steer my vintage hunt! Leave a comment below or reply to this week’s email and tell me what I should look for. I’ll share updates, finds, and stories from the road with you as we travel so be sure to follow along on Instagram, too.
Recommended Reading
Eplore some of what I found in this 7 Vintage Coastal Decor Finds to Start a Charming Guest Bedroom Makeover post.
Your Guide to Embracing Eclectic Style, Vintage Finds, and Thrifted Home Inspiration~
Love decorating with vintage finds, thrifted treasures, and eclectic charm? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, share this post with a vintage-loving friend, or join our Reader’s Showcase Series — where we feature your favorite thrifted and antique finds. Email me at [email protected] to be part of it!
Want to follow along on our road trip in real time? Sign up for the newsletter to get updates and vintage finds delivered straight from the road.
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Ann, your adventure sounds so fun. I’ve been to a few places on your itinerary, but on a cruise. Have no idea what thrifting is like in your part of the world. The scenery will be beautiful, I’m sure. Have fun and be safe.
Hi Carol, wow, you took a cruise to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia? We’re in line now boarding the ferry to Newfoundland. I’ve so been looking forward to this journey. Thanks for your sweet note!
Enjoy your trip! I agree with you…definitely get an authentic fisherman’s sweater! ❤️
I recommend the Clutter Shop in Lubec, ME for antiques, and you should check out the rug hooking museum in Cheticamp, NS for rugs and quilts. They might point you to shops with vintage rugs.
As for what I’d like to see, rugs, folk art, and sea glass! I’ve not been to Newfoundland, so pics would be lovely. Looking forward to your trip!
Some places to consider, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, tides are projected online so one can plan, highest tides in the world; if you imbibe at all, there are some very cool and unusual distilleries on PEI and Nova Scotia,[ Ironworks in Lunenburg NS, Glen Breton Whisky NS ] ; Cape Breton island, NS, has the Cabot trail drive, which I’m told is the same terrain as Scotland, hence the name; the Acadian regions of NB; the Citadel in Halifax NS. There are antique places most allover, but, there are thrift stores in Halifax and Lower Sackville that I have scored some great items. Enjoy the trip. Kim
Hi! Are you going to St. John’s Newfoundland? My favorite place! Take a walk down Water Street. There are a few antique shops but it is the old buildings that I love. Make sure to have Jiggs Dinner or Fish and Chips. Listen to the accent and feel the vibe of the old city. Icebergs can be seen up on Signal Hill this time of the year. Have Fun!!!!
Love your posts! And now I am planning a trip north and put Iceberg Alley on my bucket list. We are cruising to Iceland this year, but I bet they don’t have antique shops there. Will be watching your posts closer now!
Sending hugs. and safe travels,
Alda
I am a Canadian living in Ontario and feel you should keep an eye out for quilts,
knitted or embroidered items from the east coast as each area has it’s own history.
Enjoy your trip and I look forward to reading all about your travels.
Linda
Thank you so much for contributing Linda! I would absolutely love to find an old Newfoundland handmade quilt. It would make my trip!
I make my own hooked rugs.. not a fan of Grenfell mats…
Hi Lynda, wow so talented, I bet they are beautiful. I haven’t seen Grenfell mats yet, but I’m looking forward to browsing. Thanks for stopping by!
I once had a pen pal in Newfoundland who lived in a fishing village. I had the chance to visit when I was a pre-teen and she gave me a genuine glass fishing float that her family had used. We lost touch as adults but over the years, as I moved to different areas, the float was always a treasured item for many reasons. The village no longer exists so the float is even more rare and significant to me. So as you may have guessed, my vote is for nautical finds and fishing gear that is part of a fast fading way of life.
Happy hunting and adventures!
Andrea
Wow Andrea, what a special momentum to have. I wish I could be so fortunate. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story here!
find me a bar cart
Hi Ginger, you’re too funny, I’ll be on the look out for you, LOL.
Ann,
Please take me with you and we can decide together! I’m a good traveler and am willing to stop at every place! I am lured by the red, blue and white pieces also. Just love old things with a story to tell.
Enjoy!
Hi Karen, wouldn’t that be so fun, as my husband isn’t as excited as I’m sure you would be, LOL. I love red, blue and and white too!
Old maps are phenomenal to have and display, but quilts and locally made furniture are a must. Have a sensational trip and by all means a journal/diary of your adventures would be awesome and pics of Ella!
Hi Sarah,
I’ll do my best to manage it all! We think alike on the quilts and maps and furniture too. Just not sure I’ll have that much room for furniture pieces unfortunately.
Hey Ann, Looking forward to all the posts you will create from this trip. Here are my thoughts on collecting. I enjoy finding jewelry,( silver and natural stones), from local artisans but also have fun thrifting vintage jewelry. I bring back local papers, postcards, old and new, printed pieces from places we’ve been, if ya find match books too. I usually buy a piece of art, also pottery and handmade baskets. We have brought plants and seeds back. Linens, scarves, wine from local wineries, jellies, candies. I have memories of flying from California home to Pa with a Mexican pot in my bag i was carrying. Lastly I suggest a diary that you write in every day, after your home they bring such great memories
What beautiful selections Barb, these are treasures. Love the jewelry and scarves and I’m thinking pottery too. I’m so looking forward to this adventure. Thanks so much!
My favorite antiques to hunt for are ironstone, crockery, pressed flowers,
Baskets,and little stools. Also love copper pieces.
Thanks for contributing Helen! I adore all of those things as well. And stools, what a fun new idea!
I think suitcases are always a good item to look for. They can be very decorative and always good for storage.
Oh yes, I agree Claudia, thanks for sharing!
All of the above 🙂
A gal after my own heart I see!
Well of course you should thrift for all of the above! Have a great trip. I can’t wait to see the goodies you bring back. We are headed to Nova Scotia after our annual trip in June. Can’t wait, but sadly since we are flying I won’t be able to bring back much!
LOL, thanks Sara for contributing! You know you can bring back a number of suitcases on the plane, LOL!
I’m so excited for you! This trip sounds fabulous! Can’t wait to see what treasures you find! Happy hunting and safe travels.
Thanks so much Ellen, it’s going to be an adventure for sure!
Since I’m a quilter I think you should be looking for vintage or antique quilts. I would definitely not be looking for a fisherman’s sweater. Happy hunting! Can’t wait to hear about your trip.
LOl, thanks Ann yes quilts for sure, but I do love a fisherman’s sweater, LOL Happy Saturday.
Have a great trip, Ann! Can’t wait to see what you find! Safe travels!
Thanks so much Molly! See you when we return.
Nova Scotia is a treasure trove of anything nautical!
It truly is, and so authentically antique too! Thanks for following along!
Good morning, Ann! I just joined your email list and I’m so glad I did, just in time for your trip! I love that you’re doing this- so fun! I personally love vintage quilts, vintage aprons, all vintage linens actually. So I’d say definitely keep your eye out for quilts, you can never go wrong with a vintage quilt. I would also look for a camera and books. It will be interesting to see what you come across, especially if you can find postcards, letters, even advertising me material. It will be so neat to see how different life was/is in an area called Iceberg Alley. I pray that you have a safe trip and make wonderful memories along the way. Thank you for taking me along!
Welcome and thanks so much for your note Karen! I think quilts would be fabulous too, but I love the idea of aprons too. Stay tuned, I’m so looking forward to this adventure. Best, Ann
What a wonderful adventure!
I would be looking for unique wicker pieces, handmade nautical pieces. Blue and white dinnerware pieces. I found a whirlygig (spelling?) In a thrift store in Meredith NH. it’s a fisherman in a boat and looks to hand carved. My grandfather was born on Prince Edward Island. His father was a fisherman. Have a wonderful trip/adventure. We head north to NH next month to get away from the horrendous Florida heat!
Those sound like amazing finds, I’m so looking forward to this adventure and save travels on your road trip to NH!
I would love to hunt for vintage quilts; can’t wait to see your pics from “iceberg alley”!!! Also, love the pic of the family with the iceberg, whales tails & puffins!!!!
Thanks so much Janet! I’m so looking forward to it too. Stay tuned:)
Have a fun trip!!! Be safe and looking forward to all the pictures. See you in maine soon. xoxo. Trisha
Thanks Trisha, it’s going to be an adventure!
I would definitely look for regional books but also vintage post cards that might be framed later. Easy to tuck onto a shelf as a reminder of a fun trip. (I have a small house so I think small)
I like that! I think small too Kacie, as we won’t have a lot of room. Love the postcard idea, thanks so much for the ideas!
Check out Prince Edward Island. There is a bridge, so it’s easy access. Charming place and plenty of campgrounds. We found very good food there, which I located thru Trip Advisor. A very helpful app.
Have fun!
It’s definitely on my list of places to visit, so looking forward to it, thanks Melissa!
Vintage quilts for sure and regional art!
YES! I couldn’t agree more Marileigh!