Green Oak Antiques – A Hidden Gem
The first time I walked through the doors of Green Oak antiques, it instantly became one of my favorite places not only to shop, but just to visit. Green Oak was a short drive from where I grew up so my mom and I would go there quite frequently. It’s hidden away down a nondescript country road and, though there is a billboard, it can be very easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. That made it feel all the more special, like a hidden gem where you could browse through the mad collection of odds and ends.
I remember bundling up in the winter so that we could walk around and look at all the eclectic pieces outside of the main heated building. I also remember coming in from the cold to find free hot coffee and cookies. How lovely! Then you almost have no choice but to just wander, feasting your eyes on the wild variety of goods on every surface and wall. It’s like a museum experience where you don’t know what to expect around the next corner.
Our Trip to Green Oak Antiques
I still feel that magical sense of wonder when I visit Green Oak today. Michael and I were traveling through that area earlier this month to pick up an exciting purchase (which we will be sharing soon), so I knew that we had to make a stop at Green Oak as we were passing through. I hadn’t been there in years and was so excited to visit it again and to share it with Michael.
It really hasn’t changed much, although I think they may offer a few more new goods than before (Green Oak has always offered new pieces along with their large selection of antiques). They hadn’t cut down on their antique offerings though. They are one of the largest independently-owned antique stores in Indiana so they are loaded to the rafters with antique finds. See for yourself all that Green Oak has to offer in the photos from our trip below.
The giant tin man greets you at the entrance to Green Oak.
You’ve got to love a place that gives you free coffee and cookies while you are browsing!
A look down the walkway at Green Oak.
You can also find all sorts of small odds and ends like photos and old candlesticks at Green Oak.
The antique brass looks great paired with colorful silks in this room at Green Oak.
The main Green Oak building is organized into different themed “rooms”. This room features a lot of animal pieces and dark wood.
This is another example of how Green Oak is organized into rooms. This “white room” features whitewashed and light-colored antiques.
Ornate dark wood, geodes, and antique brass create a bohemian feel in this section of Green Oak.
You can find large and small treasures, like these geodes.
Green Oak features new items as well, such as these bunnies and chicks that were out in force for Easter.
That’s some pig! I love the odd metal sculptures you can find at Green Oak, like this pig that’s full of personality.
There is a never-ending array of odd art pieces on the walls of Green Oak.
Old photos can be so haunting, but they also add to the authentic antique charm of Green Oak. I love that they put so many oddities out on their shelves.
There is a good mix of old and new oddities on the walls of Green Oak. Check out the bedazzled deer head.
This WWI doughboy helmet was found among a variety of old tools and antique metal goods.
Indiana certainly is a state of surprises. It seems like Green Oak has a surprise around every corner.
Antiques That Need Refinishing
I love that Green Oak doesn’t throw out antiques that are a little damaged or need refinishing. Instead, they put them in the “rough room” and offer them for a discount. You can find all types and styles of furniture in the rough room. For someone who likes a project, it’s a great place to find a unique piece to work on. Some of the furniture is in pretty good shape and others need a lot of work. This time, we even saw an organ that would make a great project for someone who knows how to restore musical instruments. There’s always changing inventory so it’s worth revisiting if you are near the area.
The rough room is actually outside of the main building and features antiques that still need to be refinished.
In the rough room, they offer a wide variety of chairs that could be transformed with a little TLC.
They even hang chairs on the walls of the rough room at Green Oak.
A painted cabinet in the rough room has a fun boho feel but it’s missing some knobs and could use some touch-ups.
I don’t know if this could be restored to working order again, but it could be a lovely decorative piece.
New Unique Furniture
You can find handmade new furniture at Green Oak as well. They make a variety of pieces, many with their white-washed style and tin ceiling-tile inlays. My mom purchased one of their sideboards years ago and it held up extremely well over time. They are really sturdy pieces and unique because they are made by Green Oak specifically to sell in their “New Room”. Though I prefer the antiques, these are an extremely nice alternative to those who would rather have new furniture.
You can find many beautiful handmade pieces in the “new room” at Green Oak.
Garden Iron and Yard Ornaments
The front yard of Green Oak Antiques is covered in new and old yard ornaments and garden iron. You will even find the occasional claw foot tub among the yard decor. They have old signs, rusted metal furniture, brightly-painted new yard ornaments, and even old sinks. They also have a section filled with old building materials like doors, hardware, shutters, etc.
You really can find just about anything imaginable at Green Oak. If you are ever in Rochester, Indiana, do yourself a favor and give them a visit. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth the experience of visiting.
Kitschy gas pumps are just some of the playful yard ornaments you can find at Green Oak.
There is just as much to feast your eyes upon outside of Green Oak as there is on the inside. You can find objects old, new, and unique.
The soft serve ice cream sign seems like a pop art. I’d love to put it in an office. Is that weird?
The Green Oak yard is covered with all kinds of antique and new yard ornaments, yard iron, and even old claw-foot tubs.
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