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Vintage Design & Architecture
Kingston and Frontenac
Treasure Hunting and Architectural Wonders in Kingston and Frontenac County this Fall and Winter
South Eastern Ontario is brimming with historic charm, and Kingston and Frontenac Country is no exception. From quirky thrift stores to vintage vinyl shops to beautifully restored hotels and inns, everything you need to get a blast from the past is right here and waiting.
With on-going developments regarding the global pandemic, please visit each location’s website, or connect with their staff via email and telephone, for updates on COVID-19 procedures such as guest capacity, sanitization methods and mask requirements.
The Revolving Door
Address: 500 Gardiners Road, Kingston
Website: www.therevolvingdoor.com
Highlights: Good Selection | Great Prices | One of A Kind Finds
If fashion is your thing – check out The Revolving Door considered to be the best upscale ladies fashion consignment store in Eastern Ontario. The friendly upbeat shop has a great variety of brands all in excellent condition.
Montreal Street Collective
Address: 1-39 Montreal Street, Kingston
Website: https://www.openstudioskingston.ca/about
Highlights: Curated Thrift | Instagram Style | Sewing & Art Classes
A truly unique vintage and thrift shop in beautiful downtown Kingston started by two friends – one a visual artist and the other a sewer. This one of a kind shop features a curated fashion selection from different collectors as well as local, hand made goods.
What I’ll Wear
Address: 338 Princess Street, Kingston
Website: http://www.whatlliwear.com/
Highlights: Funky Thrifting | Accessories Galore | One of a Kind Finds
Started in 1995, What I’ll Wear offers quality vintage and retro clothing for men and women at affordable prices including gowns, suits and all kinds of accessories – even masquerade items.
Phase 2
Address: 353 Princess Street, Kingston
Website: https://phase2kingston.com/
Highlights: Queen’s Gear | Vintage Tees | Unique Finds
Phase 2 specializes in used clothing and uniforms and has been a Kingston landmark for over 40 years. A popular back to school destination for the young and the young at heart – big selection and great prices.
End of the Thread Vintage Emporium
Address: 201 Princess Street, Kingston
Website: https://www.facebook.com/endofthethread
Highlights: Industrial Chic | Eclectic | Vintage
This is not your traditional antique shop – it’s a carefully curated mix of vintage and new pieces and unusual one-of-a-kind items including vintage, repurposed industrial furniture and an eclectic mix of curiosities of clothing, home decor and fun accessories. A great gift shopping destination.
Antique Alley
Address: 207-B Wellington Street West, Kingston
Website: https://antiquealley.ca/
Highlights: Fine Antiques & Curios | Vintage Clothing | Lighting
A truly hidden gem – nestled inside the back buildings of historic downtown Kingston, Antique Alley is a truly unique antique and collectible shop in the same location for more than 20 years; most people who have never visited us are surprised when they enter the shop – it’s 4500 square feet of fun discoveries.
Brian’s Record Option
Address: 381 Princess Street, Kingston
Website: https://www.facebook.com/briansrecordoption/
Highlights: Vintage Vinyl | Unique & Quirky | Friendly Staff
This dusty, 33 year old institution is a place where you can spend hours on end, and with a little patience, discover amazing finds you never knew you wanted in the first place.
Montreal native Brian, of Brian’s Record Option, is somewhat of a hero to his loyal customer base, who flock to his Hub-based shop for posters, vinyl, 8-track and the like. His store may seem a bit overwhelming to first timers, however one need only ask the man behind the counter for help finding a certain item, and miraculously Brian will know exactly where to find it.
Zap Records
Address: 20 Montreal Street, Kingston
Website: https://www.facebook.com/zaprecordskingston
Highlights: Great Selection | Band Tees | Garden Good
Music lovers will feel right at home at Zap Records. The store is full of new and used records, tapes, CDs, posters and music memorabilia that will delight even the most discerning of music connoisseurs.
Salvage Gardens
Address: 2900 County Rd 14, Enterprise
Website: https://salvagegarden.ca/
Highlights: Salvaged Industrial | Architectural Elements | Garden Urns
Salvage Garden offers an eclectic mix of factory windows, mid century industrial doors, vintage industrial and mid century lighting, architectural accents, industrial tables & cabinets, vintage sinks, garden gates & statuary, urns and benches.
Collins Bay Flea Market
Address: 666 Collins Bay Road, Kingston
Website: http://www.collinsbayfleamarket.com/
Highlights: Open Year Round | Large Selection | Canadiana
This is Kingston’s oldest flea market with 6200 square under one roof and one level, heated and air conditioned for year round shopping comfort. On offer is a wide range of antiques & collectibles including stamps, coins and mid-century housewares. A treasure hunters paradise.
Kingston Sunday Antique Market
Address: 216 Ontario Street, Springer Market Square
Website: https://kingstonsundayantiquemarket.com/
Highlights: Eclectic Mix | Unique Vendors | Beautiful Outdoor Settting
At Canada’s oldest market every Sunday you’ll find vintage furniture, product signs, jewelry, toy cars, books, sports cards, trunks, art work, books,, pottery, records, retro kitchen stuff, old intricate teapots and more.
Historic Inns
Frontenac Club Inn
Address: 225 King East, Kingston
Website: https://www.frontenacclub.com/
Highlights: Exquisite Restoration | Boutique Hotel | Lovely Outdoor Spaces
Over the last 18 months, the historic Frontenac Club Inn has been restored and re-envisioned – virtually every space within the Club has been transformed. The innkeeper’s goal was to create unique and intimate spaces for guests and Kingston neighbours that would give them both a window to the past and a chance to make new history, including a brand new rooftop lounge/patio with lakeviews.
Rosemount Inn
Address: 46 Sydenham Street, Kingston
Website: https://www.rosemountinn.com/
Highlights: Charming Neighbourhood | Boutique Hotel | Modern Amenities
Elegantly shifting throughout the decades, the limestone manor at The Rosemount Inn has sat nestled within the historic Old Stones district of downtown Kingston since 1850. Today, The Rosemount seamlessly blends historic craftsmanship with modern comforts and amenities to create a beautiful and unique tribute to a bygone era.
Whitney All Suites Manor
Address: 8 Starr Place, Kingston
Website: https://www.allsuiteswhitneymanor.com/
Highlights: Spacious Suites | Luxury Hotel | Spa Bathrooms
Built in 1817, this designated heritage building is one of the oldest limestone structures in the Kingston area. Originally built as a single family dwelling, the Manor has kept its original design and structure intact after being split into five equally distinct and luxurious suites.
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