Adamstown known across the globe as Antiques Capital USA
The first flea market opened in Adamstown in the 1960s. Since then, the borough has become famous for its 7-mile stretch of antique stores, earning it the nickname of Antiques Capital USA. “The antique stores are a big draw,” says Wendy Stauffer, a Realtor with Kingsway Realty who has been selling homes in the region for more than 30 years. “We get quite a bit of tourism with people coming from all over the world.” Sitting on the edge of Lancaster County’s northeastern countryside, the small borough of 2,000 people is home to some of the oldest businesses in the state. It's also home to Stoudtburg Village, a European-inspired community that attracts homebuyers and tourists alike.
Renningers and other shops make Adamstown an antique hub
Antique stores of all kinds line Reading Road, including several multidealer complexes with hundreds of vendors. Renningers Antique Market is one of the largest in town, featuring more than 500 vendors at its indoor and outdoor center. Renningers is only open on Sundays, whereas Time Matters Antiques and Heritage Antique Center sell treasures seven days a week. Bollman Hat Company is a treasure of its own: It's the oldest hat manufacturer in the country, operating since 1868.
For everyday shopping, locals head to Weaver Markets and Willow Creek Discount Grocery. National big-box stores like Walmart and Aldi are about 9 miles away in Ephrata. Adamstown has several restaurants, including Boehringer’s Drive-In, a classic for eating comfort food by the Little Muddy Creek. “Boehringer’s has been family owned since 1936, and it’s a local favorite for ice cream and cheesesteaks,” Stauffer says. “You can’t drive by it and not think about going in.” Dave’s Diner offers a retro 1950s vibe. And over at Stoudtburg Village, The Village Haus serves German food, staying true to the community’s aesthetic.
Historic homes downtown, newer developments and the Stoudtburg Village
Main Street is lined with homes dating to the late 1800s, featuring a mix of Colonial Revival, Victorian, Italianate and other architectural styles, some single-family, some attached. Home prices range from around $120,000 to $280,000. In recent years, two multiunit properties that can be used for rentals sold for $370,000 and nearly $700,000. More modern developments have New Traditional homes built in the 1990s and 2000s, typically selling for $250,000 to $500,000. Stoudtburg Village features Tudor-style homes built in the 2000s, reminiscent of an old German town with red-top and pebbled walking paths that lead to small shops and restaurants. In recent years, only two homes have sold in the village: one for $335,000, the other for nearly $400,000.
Highly rated schools through Cocalico School District
Students attend Adamstown Elementary School, which receives a B grade from Niche. They’ll travel about 6 miles to Denver to attend Cocalico Middle School and Cocalico High School, each rated B-plus. In 2025, the Cocalico School District was honored for its student-led American Sign Language program, which was one of seven in the country to receive the District of Distinction Award from the District Administration Leadership Institute.
Celebrating Antique Extravaganza and Adamstown Community Days
Every April, June and September, people from all over the world come to Adamstown for Antique Extravaganza. For five days, all the antique shops offer discounts and stay open longer than usual. Locals gather at Adamstown Park every May for Adamstown Community Days, a three-day event featuring carnival rides, live music and fireworks.
Adamstown Park is the recreational hub for swimming and more
Adamstown Park, also called the Adamstown Grove, is home to an outdoor community pool with a water slide, diving board and lap section. While locals have to pay to swim in the pool, the park features picnic pavilions, a playground and basketball and tennis courts that are open to the public.
30 minutes to Lancaster and within 60 miles of three major cities
Locals can easily access U.S. 222 and Interstate 76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike). Downtown Lancaster is about 20 miles away, about a 30-minute drive. Philadelphia, Allentown and Harrisburg are all within 50 to 60 miles from Adamstown. All three cities have international airports.
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Written By
Nicolas Stuart
