We recently returned from a wonderful little family getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains, and while some were buzzing about roller coasters and all the amazingness that is Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, I had a slightly different kind of treasure hunt in mind. 

That’s because I know where there’s a small town, there’s a good chance of finding an antique shop brimming with forgotten gems.

And let me tell you, this trip did not disappoint!

I have a little theory when it comes to antiquing, and this trip proved it in spades. My favorite places to hunt aren’t necessarily the well-known antique meccas.

Instead, especially I love exploring the shops in smaller tourist towns that are famous for other things. 

While most visitors in Pigeon Forge are rushing to Dollywood or any number of the other amazing attractions around town, the antique stores are quiet sanctuaries. The inventory is often less picked-over, the prices can be surprisingly reasonable, and you find pieces that have been waiting patiently for the right person to come along.

This time, it was me. I was that person. 

I walked into a particularly charming shop just off the main parkway, and my heart did a little flutter. It looked small from the outside but was filled to the brim with hidden gems.

My mission, as always, was to find beautiful milk glass. And this trip, I scored big time. Unbelievably, every single piece I walked away with was colored milk glass!

For any fellow collectors out there, you know that finding colored milk glass feels like finding a four-leaf clover. It’s more rare and has such a unique charm. And the most magical part? I found pieces that have been on my personal wishlist for ages.

The first thing that caught my eye was a stunning Cambridge Glass Crown Tuscan “Flying Lady” compote. It’s on the larger size, but I literally gasped when I saw it nestled on a shelf with too many other things.

It’s been on my “holy grail” list forever, and I never dreamed I’d find one “in the wild” in such perfect condition.

Then, just a few shelves lower, I spotted a brilliant, jewel-toned ram’s head bowl that’s also been on my wish list. It’s an antique, likely from the 1920s, Cambridge pedestal bowl with Rams Head handles.

I’d call the color teal, as this one has a definite blue undertone, but technically I think the color is called jade. It was also in immaculate condition with no chips (my personal requirement). 

With this being fall, I’m a sucker for jewel tones and immediately started dreaming up arrangements in this one. 

Those two alone set me back a pretty good amount, but that didn’t stop us from hitting up the store across the street.

There, I picked up a few more small pink pieces–Jeanette shell pink footed juice glasses and a stunning Cornucopia vase–that will be perfect on my nightstand or on the corner of the bathroom counter. I also scored a Fenton turquoise silver crest ruffled pedestal bowl/candy dish that I KNOW will be gorgeous in some of my styled photos.

Heading home at the end of this trip with a box full of these colorful treasures felt like a sweet little victory. Not only do I have these beautiful new additions to my collection, but they’ll forever be tied to the memory of our fun family trip to the mountains. They’re more than just glass; they’re souvenirs of a successful hunt and a happy time.

Now, as I find the perfect spots for them in our home, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for the quiet joy of treasure hunting off the beaten path.

What are some of the best treasures you’ve found in the most unexpected places? I’d love to hear about your finds in the comments below.

Happy hunting, everyone!

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