Achin' for Antiques in Chamblee

Downtown Chamblee has changed a lot over the years. What was once little more than a collection of junk shops and motorists driving too fast along Peachtree Road has burgeoned into an antiques browsing corridor complete with cafes and a small-town feel.

Much of the shopping is clustered near the intersection of Broad Street and Peachtree Road (not to be confused with New Peachtree to the east or Peachtree Industrial to the west). A propitious first stop for an afternoon of antiquing is the venerable Rust 'n' Dust antiques (5486-5492 Peachtree Road, 770-458-1614). Comprised of four rooms and numerous vendors, Rust 'n' Dust has everything from vintage bait and tackle to antique trunks, china and rhinestone jewelry.

Across the street, you'll find art deco delight at Antique Factory (5505 Peachtree Road, 770-445-7570), where they specialize in turn-of-the-century antiques, including lighting, furniture and metalware. Ever wonder where the heck they find all those deer heads, wacky milk shake makers and vintage neon signs when brand-new old-fashioned diners open? Step into Moose Breath Trading Co. (5461 Peachtree Road, 770-458-7210), where such oddities are their specialty.

Head south on Peachtree Road for a consignment fix. At Hanger Roo (5352 Peachtree Road, 770-451-8911), new moms and moms-to-be can find lots of new and slightly used toddler and children's clothing, as well as maternity clothes and nursery furniture. For those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt, My Sister's Closet (5350 Peachtree Road, 770-458-8362) offers a wide assortment of consignment clothing and accessories. Among the items we had to leave behind: a vintage prom dress in gold, a pair of multihued blue Enzo Angiolinis, and more purses than our closets could handle. www.antiquerow.com.

- Layla Bellows