5 Antique Shops on Hilton Head Island to Explore

Local shops where history and charm are waiting to be found

Story by Mackenzie Lionberger

When most people think of Hilton Head and Bluffton, they picture beaches, fairways or a favorite restaurant. But just off the main roads are other kinds of attractions: antique shops brimming with history, atmosphere and the occasional surprise you never knew you needed. Browsing these spaces feels more like a treasure hunt than shopping, with every corner offering the possibility of a quirky lamp, a delicate set of china or a chair that seems meant for your home. To make the hunt easier, we’ve mapped five favorite shops in an order that unfolds perfectly as a day trip. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply someone who loves the thrill of discovery, these stops prove the past is alive, well and waiting to be found.

Antiques & Garden Collectibles

The Greenery, Hilton Head Island

Tucked inside a historic 1873 church at The Greenery, this shop pairs antiques with a flourishing garden. Even before you step inside, the scent of roses and daisies sets the tone. The creak of old wood floors leads you through rooms filled with hand-stitched linens, weathered garden tools, iron planters, carved side tables and delicate glassware. One corner might hold a rustic bench perfect for a porch, while another offers silver candlesticks ready to dress up a dining table. Every piece feels collected with care, creating a mix that’s equal parts home, garden and history.

Fabulous find: A French upholstered chair stitched with blossoms that echo the flowers blooming outside. Equal parts conversation piece and cozy reading nook. $395

Michael & Co. Antiques

138 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island

Michael & Co. is a must-visit for anyone with a taste for high-end antiques and collectibles. Stepping inside feels a bit like entering a grandparent’s home, only with the pieces carefully curated and beautifully staged. The shop is filled with one-of-a-kind furniture, distinctive artwork and unique finds that reflect both history and craftsmanship. Each vignette is thoughtfully arranged and accompanied by helpful details, making it easy to imagine how a piece might fit into your own home. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill antiques store; it’s a gallery of quality items where every corner offers something special for the discerning eye.

Fabulous find: A set of light blue china tableware that brings a breezy coastal touch to any table. Each piece is sold individually, allowing you to build a collection that feels personal and just right for your style. $20-$50 each.

Branches

88 Arrow Road, Hilton Head Island

Family-owned for nearly 30 years, Branches is now in the hands of sisters Sarah Perry and Lauren McAvoy, who continue their mother’s tradition of blending design with discovery. Step inside their Arrow Road shop, and the warm scent of pumpkin spice and cinnamon instantly sets the mood. Seasonal greenery drapes across shelves and doorways, giving the space a fairytale quality. Every display is carefully arranged: glassware etched with delicate florals, tables topped with eye-catching lamps and walls blooming with artful arrangements. You’ll find silk florals so lifelike, you have to touch them twice, hand-painted pottery ready to brighten a kitchen and playful décor pieces that spark a grin. It feels like wandering through a miniature museum, except here the exhibits are yours to take home.

Fabulous find: A vintage cocktail glass set etched with hand-painted daisies. Charming, whimsical and ready to make your next cocktail party shine. $69

The Store

56 Calhoun St., Bluffton

A Bluffton institution since 1978, The Store hardly needs an introduction. Even so, it still manages to surprise with every visit. In the heart of Old Town, the shop blends rustic vibes with eclectic flair. Weathered beams and creaking floors set the mood for an ever-changing mix of antiques, vintage treasures, chinoiserie, décor and candles. Owner Babbie Guscio, who moved to Bluffton from Paris in 1972, has filled the shop with her signature style and Southern hospitality, making it as much a gathering place as a shopping stop. It’s the sort of spot where you’ll stumble upon something you never knew you needed until you see it.

Fabulous find: A whimsical crab lamp topped with a stitched shade of local wading birds. Equal parts conversation starter and work of art. Lamp $150, shade $50.

Coastal Exchange 

1230 May River Road, Bluffton

Coastal Exchange blends modern presentation with an old soul. Even before you step through the doors, the outdoor showroom catches your eye with Lowcountry-inspired furniture and art. Inside, the gallery-like space is filled with glassware, sculptures and paintings that celebrate the coast, along with displays that are beautifully organized and color coordinated. This high-end shop offers a wide variety of furniture and décor, ranging from contemporary and vintage to primitive and coastal chic. Prices reflect the quality of the items, so while you may not find thrift-store bargains, you will find well-made, distinctive pieces. The selection includes antiques, artwork by local artists, handcrafted furniture and locally made gifts, which makes it a favorite for shoppers looking for something special.

Fabulous find: Stacked together like a travel to-do list, these playful road signs point the way to local favorites such as Bluffton, Palmetto Bluff and Tybee Island. Perfect for a porch, hallway or beach house wall, they’re a fun way to show your local pride. $14.95 each.

Antique shopper’s glossary

Shopping for antiques is a lot like learning a new language. Dealers and collectors often use terms that can sound mysterious if you’re not familiar with them. Here are a few phrases you’re likely to hear while browsing local shops.

Chinoiserie: A decorative style influenced by Chinese motifs and imagery, especially popular in 18th-century Europe. Think pagodas, florals and intricate patterns.

Primitive: Simple, handmade furniture or décor, often rustic in look and feel. These pieces celebrate craftsmanship and the beauty of imperfection.

Patina: The natural sheen or aging that develops on wood, metal or leather over time. Collectors prize it as proof of character and history.

Provenance: The documented history of a piece, showing its origin and ownership. Strong provenance can add value and interest to an antique.

Faux bois: French for “false wood.” A decorative technique that imitates the look of wood grain, often used in painting or concrete garden furniture.

Gesso: A plaster-like coating used to prepare surfaces for painting or gilding. Antique frames and furniture often feature gesso under gold leaf or painted details.

Marquetry: Intricate designs created by inlaying pieces of wood, shell or other materials into furniture surfaces. Think tabletops with detailed floral or geometric patterns.

Ormolu: Gilded bronze, often used as mounts or decoration on fine furniture, clocks and lighting fixtures.

Vernacular: Everyday objects crafted in a local or regional style, often by unknown makers. They reflect cultural traditions more than fashion trends.

Patination: A cousin of patina, often referring to the green or brown surface layer that forms on metals like bronze and copper over time.