Thrifting is no longer just an economical choice—it’s the fun choice! Nothing brings me greater peace than hunting through shelves at a thrift store with the smell of antiques in the air. Honestly, I prefer it to a spa day any time.
The area surrounding Fort Bragg is so rich with thrift and antique stores that it was hard to narrow it down to just five! But after lots of shopping (for research, of course), I’ve chosen the top five locations that any thrift-obsessed military spouse new to the area should hit up immediately.
The Beatitude House
Located just outside the post in Spring Lake, this ministry-run local gem is my little slice of heaven. I’ll admit, I gatekeep this place hard. With racks upon racks of clothes ranging from XS to 3X, I have found pieces from every era that made my friends drool with envy.
My signature porcelain strawberry lamp by my bed? A classic find from my favorite place. I easily spend two or three hours here taking advantage of the stellar deals, discounts, and memories I have yet to make with my new favorite items.
Thrift Tique
Have you ever stopped at a thrift store just because of the storefront? This is one of those amazing finds! On every shelf is a treasure: a Cabbage Patch doll here, a collectible comic book there, a prized Disney dollhouse around the corner. It’s actually unbelievable how much time I can spend looking up and down every rack and still discover something new. The prices are reasonable for such high-quality finds, and every piece of furniture I’ve seen is unique.
Maverick’s House
Not just another thrift store, Maverick’s House is a place with heart. Started by a sweet pair of grandparents, the profits from this store go to their grandson, Maverick, and others like him born with Down syndrome. This store feels magical; you walk in and see shelves upon shelves of collectible trinkets, household items, DVDs, and a toy corner—and then you realize you’re only in the FIRST room! In the back, you’ll find a board game corner full of 2000s goodies, multiple shelves of books and crafts, and, most surprisingly, a third room full of furniture and clothing.
This is truly the store that keeps on giving, and their rewards program will definitely keep you coming back.
The Coop DeVille Mercantile
Yes, that’s right—Fayetteville has its very own antique mall, and it is glorious! There are stalls upon stalls of everything you can dream of. Stalls of artistically restyled pencil sharpeners? Check! Stalls full of vintage Coca-Cola bottles and merchandise? Check! It’s a picker’s paradise. From toys from the ’80s and ’90s to well-preserved vintage furniture, bags, vases, and trinkets—I really could go on and on.
Prices vary since vendors set their own rates, but haggling is often acceptable. If you’re lucky, you might even run into a stall owner while you’re there and snag a discount.
The Re-Store Warehouse
While not your typical thrift store, this ginormous warehouse is full of recycled and thrifted furniture, both modern and vintage. It is a dream come true in a world of overpriced, low-quality furniture. You can find anything you need for your home there—and I mean anything! Sofas, cabinets, flooring, gently used mattresses, refrigerators, and washers and dryers are all available at prices that will make your jaw drop. As someone who bought a fixer-upper, this is one of my favorite places to visit when I’m ready for an upgrade.
Military families know that turning a house into a home isn’t cheap, and our pockets aren’t always deep. Stores like this make life easier and our homes much richer.
So, what’s your favorite thrift store near Fort Bragg?
