Father and Son Antiques

Don’t let the rack of vintage clothes plunked down on the sidewalk – or the store’s name, for that matter – mislead you. Inside the two-story emporium of vintage-ness on West Hargett Street, Father and Son Antiques also stocks a revolving assortment of sought-after mid-century modern furniture and accessories without the typical high-dollar prices. For nearly two decades, owners Brian and Kiyomi Ownbey has been selling these in-demand pieces along with vintage clothing, records, and “a little, kitsch too” to customers not only in Raleigh, but all over the country.

Chosen by The New York Times in 2009 as one of the must-visit places for 36 hours in Research Triangle, N.C. (before Raleigh was considered a destination of its own), the store has attracted mid-mod devotees – and celebrities like actress Hilary Swank – who keep up with new arrivals via Facebook and Instagram feeds. Savvy out-of-town dealers snap up bargains from notables like Bertoia, Eames, Knoll, and Saarinen and have them shipped sight unseen. Raleighites get to see what’s new in person while – vehicle permitting – taking home what they’ve scored instantly. So while loading up the George Nakashima chair, consider grabbing a ’70s Disco dress or a puffy ’80s one-piece ski suit for that upcoming Halloween party. -J.R.

Father and Son Antiques: 107 West Hargett St.

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