Norfolk purveyors revitalize “Antique Alley” as trendy shopping district dedicated to the lost and found
By Grace Silipigni
Norfolk remains a leader in our region’s arts and culture scene. Scattered throughout the port city are a plethora of museums, galleries and colorful murals. Paintings and sculptures aren’t the only form of art the city has to offer though.
A cultural corridor spanning several blocks between Granby Street and Colley Avenue has become a haven for collectors of vintage goods. The recently revitalized Antique Alley is a district comprising 10 shops (and counting) showcasing and vending a wide variety of antique finds curated by shop owners. Each storefront offers its own unique collection of goods sourced from global furniture designers, estate sales, auctions and local artisans.
Spearheading the rebirth of Antique Alley is Ryanne Shields, Chief Fig Officer of The Fanciful Fig, a purple brick-and-mortar that opened in Norfolk in September 2023. Shield collaborated with neighboring antique shops to establish an official map for the district.
“When I discovered there was nothing in circulation [to promote Antique Alley], I jumped at the opportunity to fill the gap and create a much-needed resource for local antique lovers and Norfolk visitors,” explains Shields. “I was also excited to collaborate with and support other small businesses.”
Like her counterparts, Shields is a self-proclaimed collector of beautiful things and constantly seeks creative ways to breathe new life into old finds. The building that houses The Fanciful Fig was no exception.
The Granby Street storefront has seen its fair share of transformations, serving originally as a motorcycle repair and sales shop and later a beloved local antique store named Urban Castaways. Shields and her partner, Beau, a seasoned woodworker, renovated much of the current shop themselves, installing shelves, painting and reimagining the store’s two showrooms.
In fact, Shield’s journey to opening The Fanciful Fig began in 2018 when she sold handmade signs and other repurposed home decor out of Mrs. Pinkadot, a longtime resident of Antique Alley. As Shields outgrew her space at Mrs. Pinkadot, branching out on her own seemed like the next logical step. Now joining her selection of handmade goods is a carefully curated collection of hand-picked finds.
“We find our beautiful pieces from the history of local families—whether that be directly from estates, consignment or from people that have contacted us directly about items they are ready for the next person to discover and love,” says Shields.
All vendors in Antique Alley are united by the same goal—to cultivate a community around nostalgia, an appreciation of handiwork and a passion for repurposing forgotten treasures.
Shields says, “We continue to see artistic interpretations of antiques like reimagining candy dishes as jewelry holders, turning embroidered linens into artwork and using glass goblets for candle making.”
Discover your newest treasure in one of these must-visit shops:
The Fanciful Fig
1904 Granby Street
Every second Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., browse 20+ vendors during the outdoor Antique Market.
Mrs. Pinkadot
1914 Granby Street
Procure upcycled home decor at this charming boutique specializing in contemporary and vintage furnishings.
Attic Treasures
1918 Granby Street
From vintage clothing and costume jewelry to home decor and furnishings, this antique mall has it all!
Hunt and Gather
110 West 21st Street
Unearth leatherbound reads, stained glass fixtures, antique radios and other funky finds.
Michael Millard-Lowe Antiques
242 West 21st Street
Marvel at centuries-old European and American antiques including mahogany chests, dining tables, arm chairs and more.
The Gilded Shoestring
241 West 22nd Street
Upgrade your living space with rare pieces from this luxury furniture consignment store.
Ghent Antiques
1414 Colley Avenue
Explore a rotating selection of one-of-a-kind relics, consigned goods and global fare.
Antique Design Center
833 West 21st Street
Shop chandeliers, fine furniture, gilded mirrors and more in-person or online.
The Industrial Cottage at Furniture Classics*
835 Philpotts Road
Peruse beautiful furniture made from recycled wood, antiques, linens, kitchenware and décor.
The Village Mermaid
3900 Granby Street
From seasonal picks to everyday necessities, purveyors are sure to find something new during every visit.
*Industrial Cottage at Furniture Classics showroom is open on the first Saturday and Sunday of every month.
Photo at top courtesy of Fanciful Fig on Facebook.
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
