As expected of any large city with a colorful history, Chicago is a top–notch destination for antiquing. It offers pieces from just about any period and price range. Try the historic River North warehouse district, which houses many high–end, stand–alone antiques stores that are often tapped by renowned designers. Here you’ll find The Antiquarians Building (159 W Kinzie St, 312–527–0533). Boasting five floors, this acclaimed antiques center showcases 30 dealers who specialize in a host of decorative furnishings.

On the north side of the city, along Belmont Avenue between Ashland and Western avenues, is a popular strip known as Antiques Row. Here you’ll find independent stores featuring everything from sports memorabilia to fine Victorian antiques. Combine shopping on Belmont Avenue with a visit to the handful of antiques stores along nearby Lincoln Avenue and you’ll have the perfect afternoon. On Lincoln, between Diversey Avenue and Irving Park Road, you’ll find antiques stores, as well as the Lincoln Antique Mall (3141 N Lincoln Ave, 773–604–4700). Expect 11,000 square feet crammed with estate jewelry, mid–century modern pieces and a large collection of furniture. Swing back over to Belmont Avenue, near Southport Avenue, and you’ll discover Uncle Fun (1338 W. Belmont Ave., 773–477–8223), a treasure trove of affordably priced nostalgic toys and gag gifts collected from around the world.

The affluent North Shore contains several pockets of antiques stores in the suburbs along Lake Michigan. Start in Wilmette at the Heritage Trail Mall (410 Ridge Rd, 847–256–6208), housed in two vintage buildings, one of which was formerly a stable. This mall represents more than 75 wholesale and trade dealers who specialize in home furnishings, Oriental and European imports. These dealers have supplied sets for many locally shot movies, including Road to Perdition. Next, head north to Hubbard Woods and Lake Forest, both set along Green Bay Road, which feature a handful of stores specializing in European antiques and other home furnishings. Northwest of Lake Forest is Gurnee, a mecca for antiquers. The Gurnee Antique Center (5742 Northridge Dr, 847–782–9094) showcases a diverse assortment of furniture and all sorts of collectibles from 200 dealers. Head a bit south to Long Grove where, among the many specialty shops, you’ll find the Emporium of Antiques (227 Robert Parker Coffin Rd, 847–634–0188), offering the wares of more than 15 different dealers.

About 35 miles south of Chicago are several towns noted for their local charm, not to mention they’ve been acclaimed as "antiquing hubs."Blue Island, Frankfort, Orland Park, Crete, Beecher and Wilmington each contain noteworthy antiques stores. Spend the day visiting all of them and you’ll discover shops offering railroad memorabilia, lamps, toys and architectural fragments.

Four of Chicago’s near west suburbs–Oak Park, Forest Park, La Grange Park and Riverside–contain more than a dozen antiques stores, all within a few miles of each other. For the best collection of shops, hit Oak Park Avenue and Marion Street in Oak Park; Madison Street in Forest Park; 31st Street in La Grange Park; and Forest Avenue in Riverside. These multi–dealer and specialty shops offer an eclectic mix of wares.

West of the city, nestled along the Fox River, is St. Charles. Settled more than 150 years ago, this town features restored buildings, quaint storefronts and charming restaurants. There are more than a dozen antiques stores located in the downtown historic district. Altogether, nearly 100 dealers are featured at the Antique Markets I (11 N Third St. 630–377–1868) and III (413 W Main St, 630–377–5599). Be sure to visit the nearby Kane County Flea Market (630–377–2252), which is held on the first Sunday and preceding Saturday of every month at the Kane County Fairgrounds. You can call the St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800–777–4373 or 877–9–ANTIQUE for a free copy of its Antiques Guide. Make time for a side trip to the nearby towns of Batavia and Geneva, which both feature charming antiques shops along old–fashioned tree–lined streets.

Sandwich is one of the best places in the state to find inexpensive antiques and collectibles. The popular Sandwich Antiques Market (815–786–6122), held one Sunday a month from May through October, features more than 500 dealers at the Sandwich Fairgrounds. Antiques stores in town include the Olde Timers Antique Centre (131 E Church St, 815–786–6430), with more than 100 dealers.

In Rockford you’ll find larger antiques centers, such as the East State Street Antique Mall I (5411 E State St, 815–229–4004). Together they showcase items from more than 300 dealers offering everything from porcelain sinks to jukeboxes. There are also some 50 other independent shops scattered throughout the area. Toad Hall (2106 Broadway, 815–226–1259) specializes in rare books, records and movie memorabilia. Funderburg Antiques (4650 Newburg Rd, 815–547–8186) in Belvidere (three miles east of Rockford) specializes in European furniture and English stained glass.

In Stephenson County are two towns that antiquers shouldn’t miss. Downtown Freeport and Lena, as well as the nine–mile stretch of Highway 20 joining the two towns, boast a wealth of stores. In Freeport, visit the American Barn Antiques (Rte 20 West, 815–297–8255), and the multi–dealer Luecke’s Antique Mall (10–1/2 E Main St, 815–233–0021). In Lena you’ll find independent stores such as DJ’s Antiques (326 E Lena St, 815–369–4888), which specializes in vintage license plates and unusual collectibles.

Many of Galena’s smaller antiques shops are found along Main Street, but the large Galena Antique Mall (8201 Rte 20 W, 815–777–3440) is on the outskirts of town, housing 60 dealers specializing in everything from 1800s lamps to Hall pottery.

Then head south to the tiny town of Savanna, which is home to the Pulford Opera House Antique Mall (324 & 330 Main St, 815–273–2661), offering everything from furniture to collectibles from 150 dealers.

While visiting the state capital and the many memorials that pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln, it’s also fun to explore a few antiques shops in the Springfield area. Located in the midst of the heartland, central Illinois harbors many country antiques. In addition to quaint stores, some of which are located in Victorian houses, there are also several antiques malls. Visit the Barrel Antique Mall (5850 S 6th Rd, just off I–55, 217–585–1438), a 27,000–square–foot center representing more than 100 dealers from across the state. Or try Lisa’s Antique Mall I (217–628–1111) and II (217–628–3333) in Divernon (I–55 and Rte 104), where you’ll find 175 dealers in two buildings selling furniture, jewelry and more. The Stanis Sayre Antique Store in Petersburg (511 S 6th St, 217–632–2058) is a gem worth finding.

From Springfield, take Route 54 northeast to a small town called Clinton. Founded in 1835 and known as the city where Abraham Lincoln practiced law before entering politics, Clinton also houses the Clinton Antique Mall (at the junction of Rte 51 and Rte 54, 217–935–8846), featuring 100 dealers within a 15,000–square–foot space.

From Clinton, head south on Route 51 to Decatur. Here you’ll find the Wabash Depot Antique Centre (780 E Cerro Gordo St, 217–233–0800). Housed in a newly restored historic depot, it features 10,000 square feet of porcelain, furniture, vintage hats and clothing, linens, railroad memorabilia, golf antiques and other fine collectibles.

Along the Wabash River, the tiny burg of Palestine (whose downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places) is another place to search for age–old treasures. Try Wonderland Antiques (217 S Main St, 618–586–2334), which showcases 6,000 square feet of fine and primitive pieces displayed within a range of interesting themed rooms.

Just north of where the Mississippi and Missouri rivers meet is the town of Alton. Known for its antiques district along Broadway and Third streets overlooking the Mississippi River, this area boasts more than 50 dealers. Try the Alton Antique Center, which offers a potpourri of unusual antiquities (401 E Broadway St, 618–463–0888), or the shop just above it, Country Meadows (401 E Broadway St, 618–465–1965). Here you can browse through more than 5,000 square feet of fine furniture, bedding and vintage clothing.

From Alton, don’t hesitate to explore nearby towns such as Grafton (which features the seasonal Boatworks Flea Market), Godfrey, Jerseyville and Wood River for more great antique hunting.

Celebrated for its lush state parks and panoramic views, Southern Illinois is also known for its trail of antiques stores winding through seven towns, all within easy driving distance of one another. The Southern Illinois Treasure Trail loops through Pinckneyville, DuQuoin, Campbell Hill, Oraville, Murphysboro, Carbondale and Makanda (for a map call 800–526–1500). The 10,000–square–foot Pinckneyville Antique Mall (7 E Jackson St, 618–357–8963) represents dozens of furniture and houseware vendors. Smaller independents include Oraville’s Village Antiques (3427 State Rte 4, 618–684–3707), which carries pieces from the 1800s to the 1920s, including furniture, clocks and claw–foot tubs. It’s best to allot a day to cover the trail, or maybe two if you want to combine the drive with stops along the scenic Shawnee Hills Wine and Orchard Trails.

Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River is Moline, part of the Quad Cities and home to John Deere, one of the largest farming manufacturers in the world, since 1847. The town boasts more than a dozen antiques stores spread across a 13–square–mile area. Victorian House Antiques (1925 6th Ave, 309–797–9755) sells cookbooks, cut glass, china, toys and restored furniture.

Sixty–five miles east of Moline is Princeton, where 19th century storefronts and antiques shops line Main Street in this small, historic town. Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past (513 S Main St, 815–875–1944) offers more than 100,000 varieties of discontinued china, crystal, stoneware and flatware dating back to the 1800s.

South of Princeton check out the Illinois Antique Center (311 SW Water St, 309–673–3354), which has been located on Peoria’s riverfront since 1986. More than 230 quality dealers showcase their merchandise on two large floors filled with items from the 1800s to the 1960s.