I recently took a trip to Glendale, Kentucky, and this little town knows how to charm visitors. Tucked just outside of Elizabethtown, Glendale may be small, but it is the perfect place if you love antiques, vintage vibes, and a good treasure hunt.

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Booths, Bargains & Color-Coded Charm

When you arrive in Glendale, you can just park down by the railroad track and walk to several of the shops. There are several antique malls within walking distance, and each one has its own personality. One shop had booths styled by color—literally grouped by whites, golds, pinks, greens… which made browsing feel like walking through a curated Pinterest board.

Of course, I had my eye out for the usual suspects—vintage Pyrex bowls, Fiesta dishes, and anything that might be tucked away with a bargain price tag. And yep, I found a few that made me pause and consider clearing space in my kitchen cabinets.

Local Favorites & Small-Town Charm

1. Glendale Antique Mall
103 E Railroad Ave, Glendale, KY 42740

• Historic building with creaky floors and tons of charm
• Wide variety: furniture, quilts, glassware, seasonal décor
• Don’t miss the upstairs “Christmas room”

2. The Mercantile
215 E Main St, Glendale, KY 42740

• Mix of vintage finds and modern farmhouse décor
• Jewelry, soaps, home goods, and curated gift items
• Bright, clean, and easy to browse

3. Antiques by The Whistle Stop
Right next to The Whistle Stop Restaurant

• Small but fun shop full of primitives and unique collectibles
• Great stop before or after a meal

I didn’t get a chance to eat while I was there, but The Whistle Stop came highly recommended by just about everyone I talked to. It’s a longtime favorite for southern comfort food. Next time, it’s definitely on my list.

4. Green Top Antiques & Collectibles (Just outside Glendale)
Check local maps for nearby location

• Packed shop with tons to see
• Known for eclectic treasures—and free popcorn!

There’s also a cute little mercantile filled with gifts, home goods, and local treats. It’s the kind of place where you find candles, jams, and maybe even a new favorite coffee mug—all tucked into a cozy storefront that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

As a canner, I have lots of mason jars sitting in my cabinets – too many to use in one canning season. I even have some of the vintage blue jars that are beautiful sitting out on my cabinets. But I hadn’t thought about using them for a soap dispenser. Did you know you can buy the lids that fit on the jars? Guess what I’m going to order this week?

Worth the Detour

Glendale may be small, but it’s big on personality. If you’re passing through central Kentucky or looking for a unique day trip, it’s worth the stop. Whether you’re treasure hunting, shopping for a one-of-a-kind gift, or just wanting to slow down and explore, Glendale offers a peaceful pace and plenty of reasons to linger.