Trip Ideas

Rare Retro Finds And Treasures Aplenty At Vintage Stores In Nevada County

Being an artist's hotbed it's no wonder the clothing stores and vintage shops in Nevada County are a MUST when visiting the region. You'll find everything from a 90's iconic knit sweaters to a traveling pop-up boutique that will come to you. Shopping here is an experience not to be missed.

Tips & Resources

Take a stroll through the historic downtown Grass Valley’s merchants.

Discover clever, unique, and sometimes one-of-a-kind items in historic downtown Nevada City and the 7 Hills Business District.

Support Truckee’s local community by picking up a sustainable Truckee Gift Card – 25% of EVERY card sold is matched by Visit Truckee-Tahoe for Sustainable Truckee stewardship projects.

 

By Laura Petersen

Sure… collectors know that Nevada County is an oasis of thrift stores, antique shops, book stores, and yard sales. But did you know our downtowns are also a gold mine of creative types with a skill for curating vintage?

From Zany To Sophisticated

Image appears courtesy: Valhalla Vintage

Nevada County is unique in California as the only rural county home to two state-designated California Cultural Districts—Grass Valley-Nevada City Cultural District and Truckee Cultural District. With that kind of designation, you can bet our community is full of creators offering up everything from the weird and zany to the sophisticated classic.

No Two Shops Alike

Many local vintage sellers are celebrated artists and musicians in their own right. No two shops in our community are the same with each collection as unique as the proprietor. So what is vintage? Typically vintage goods are authentic items dating from another era, at least 20 years ago while antiques must be at least a century old. Whether you are looking for 1980s roller skates or mid-century modern furniture, our little towns are sure to thrill the nostalgic hobbyist and connoisseur alike.

Nevada City

Image appears courtesy: Parlour Vintage

Solstice

104 N. Pine Street
Visit Solstice Nevada City Facebook Page

Looking for a banana suit for Halloween or some steampunk garb for Burning Man? This thrift and consignment store has all the wacky dress-up attire you’ll need complete with accessories like masks, make-up, shoes, wigs, jewelry, and hats. They’ve been selling an eclectic mix of goods since 2009 including housewares and vintage clothing for every day use. They also buy and trade.

Rainbow Rocket Vintage & Apparel

550 Searls Ave
Visit Rainbow Rocket Vintage & Apparel Website

This new, local and woman-owned vintage and retro clothing exchange in Nevada City is a sanctuary for people who love funky threads and kitschy knick-knacks. Check out this next-level little shop located behind SPD next to the bike shop.

The Parlour Vintage

1 Everywhere
Visit Parlous Vintage Website
Instagram: @theparlourvintage

This traveling vintage clothing pop-up boutique is owned and operated by Shawna James who takes her eclectic collection on the road in her renovated RV adorned with painted California poppies. Though she holds her show on the road to share with vintage collectors throughout the state at festivals, fairs, and sidewalk sales, we are lucky to call her a Nevada City resident. Follow @theparlourvintage on Instagram to find out where she will be popping up next.

Grass Valley

Image appears courtesy: Sunchild’s Parlour

Sunchild’s Parlour

126 West Main Street
Visit Sunchild’s Parlour website

Now a Bay Area transplant in historic downtown Grass Valley, Sunchild’s Parlour first bloomed on the legendary Haight Street in San Francisco. Be sure to follow on Instagram for fashion shows, DJ events, and funky soirees. Shop sustainable vintage finds at their brick-and-mortar store on Main Street or head over to their online depop shop for rare gems posted weekly.

Lost and Found

156 Mill Street
Instagram: @lostandfoundgv

Vintage and contemporary objects, clothing, art, and paintings by Frank Callozzo, textiles, ceramics and more at this gorgeous shop. Did we mention the quilts? Known for their artsy pop-ups in the East Bay.

Vintage on Mill

117 Mill Street

Located in Foothill Flowers, this collection includes all things vintage for your home with furniture, lighting, “shabby chic” items in white, locally handcrafted jewelry, and a fabulous mens’ section. Inventory changes daily. 

Cosmic Shark Clothing

129 Neal Street
Visit Cosmic Shark Clothing Etsy Site

Artisan apparel that is quirky and affordable made and found in Nevada County with love. Specializing in vintage wear, jewelry, printed tees, hoodies, totes, and stickers. When you’re not fortunate enough to be visiting beautiful Grass Valley, you can still get the flavor. Be sure to check out their Etsy shop.

Truckee

Image appears courtesy: Adele’s Attic

Unique Boutique – Viviane’s Vintage and Vogue

10925 West River Street
Visit Facebook page

Whether you are costuming for a theme party or looking for accessories, this shop has a treasure for everyday or date night. Look for sassy footwear, wigs, lingerie, one-of-a-kind jewelry, festival wear, and even wedding dresses.

Adele’s Attic

10064 Donner Pass Road, Suite 2
Visit Adele’s Attic Website

Specializing in hand-selected luxury vintage and pre-loved designer clothing and accessories. This shop emphasizes the bright colors and bold silhouettes of the 80s and the casual chic style of the 90s. Are you someone that values wearable art through fashion and has a concern for the sustainability of our planet? This is the place for you! Whether you’re looking to shop or consign, Adele’s Attic is worth a stop.

Valhalla Vintage Co.

10736 Pioneer Trail Suite 5
Visit Valhalla Vintage Co. Website

Established in 2017, this shop features Americana heritage brands, timeless classics, and one-of-a-kind pieces from years of collecting during travels across the U.S. Located in the Pioneer Center “hip strip” next to Truckee Brewing Co., Love & Lupines, Sierra Bakehouse, and Pacific Crest Coffee. Head over to their Etsy shop when you’re not hanging out in our favorite mountain town.

Laura-Petersen

Laura Petersen

Laura Petersen has a passion for storytelling and for two decades has chronicled the people and places of Northern California. Fascinated by folk who make a rustic livelihood from the land, her writing examines the complexities of human relationships with nature through topics such as sustainability, food and farming, arts & culture and outdoor recreation. In 2018, she founded Hiking For Good and can regularly be found hiking on trails in Nevada County. Read her work at https://muckrack.com/lpetersenmedia and contact her at laurapetersenmedia@gmail.com

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