Imagine a place where time stands still, and every nook and cranny holds a story.
Welcome to Widdershins Antiques, a magical portal to the past nestled in the heart of Norway, Maine.
In a world of mass-produced everything, there’s something undeniably charming about stumbling upon a genuine piece of history.
And let me tell you, folks, Widdershins Antiques is the motherlode of all things vintage and wonderful.
Tucked away on Main Street in the quaint town of Norway, this little shop is like stepping into your eccentric great-aunt’s attic – if your great-aunt happened to be a world-traveling collector with impeccable taste.
From the moment you lay eyes on the storefront, you know you’re in for a treat.
The green-painted exterior with its striped awning practically winks at you, inviting you to come closer and explore.
And those windows!
Oh boy, those windows are like a siren call to anyone with even a smidgen of curiosity.
They’re crammed full of an eclectic mix of treasures that’ll make you want to press your nose against the glass like a kid at a candy store.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
First, we need to talk about that name – Widdershins.
It’s not exactly a word you hear every day, unless you’re hanging out with a coven of witches or a group of particularly verbose English professors.
For those of you scratching your heads, “widdershins” means counterclockwise or in the opposite direction.
And let me tell you, this store is definitely going against the grain of your typical antique shop.
As you push open the door (and yes, there’s a charming little bell that tinkles), you’re immediately enveloped in that distinct aroma that all good antique stores have.
It’s a heady mix of old books, polished wood, and just a hint of mystery.
Take a deep breath, my friends, because you’re about to embark on a journey through time.
The interior of Widdershins is like a treasure map come to life.
Every surface, every shelf, every nook and cranny is filled with something fascinating.
It’s the kind of place where you might find a Victorian hat pin nestled next to a 1950s toaster, with a stack of vintage Life magazines acting as a makeshift pedestal.
The wooden floors creak pleasantly underfoot as you navigate the narrow aisles, each step bringing you face to face with a new wonder.
And let’s talk about those aisles for a second.
They’re not so much aisles as they are winding paths through a forest of curiosities.
You might start off looking for a vintage lamp and end up discovering a collection of hand-painted marbles from the 1920s.
It’s like a real-life version of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,” but instead, it’s “If You Give an Antique Enthusiast a Glimpse of a Rare Find.”
One of the first things you’ll notice is the sheer variety of items on display.
Widdershins doesn’t specialize in any one era or type of antique.
Instead, it’s a delightful mishmash of periods and styles.
You’ve got your classic Americana sitting cheek by jowl with European imports.
There’s mid-century modern rubbing elbows with Victorian frippery.
It’s like a United Nations summit for inanimate objects, and somehow, it all works.
Let’s start with the furniture, shall we?
Widdershins boasts an impressive array of chairs, tables, and cabinets that span decades, if not centuries.
There’s a sturdy oak dresser that looks like it could tell tales of the Civil War, its surface marked with the gentle patina of age and use.
Next to it, a sleek Eames-style chair seems to have teleported straight from a 1960s living room.
And is that a genuine fainting couch I spy in the corner?
Why yes, yes it is.
Perfect for when the excitement of antiquing becomes too much to bear.
But furniture is just the tip of the iceberg at Widdershins.
The real magic lies in the smaller items, the knick-knacks and doodads that fill every available space.
Take, for example, the collection of vintage cameras perched on a high shelf.
These aren’t just any old cameras – each one is a work of art in its own right.
There’s a boxy Brownie that probably captured someone’s summer vacation circa 1950, and a sleek Leica that looks like it belongs in the hands of a dashing war correspondent.
For the bibliophiles among us, Widdershins is a veritable paradise.
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The book section is a labyrinth of shelves, each one groaning under the weight of leather-bound tomes and dog-eared paperbacks.
You’ll find everything from first editions of classic novels to quirky cookbooks from the 1970s.
(Side note: If you’ve ever wanted to know how to make a Jell-O salad with suspended hot dogs, this is your chance. But maybe don’t actually make it. Some things are best left in the past.)
And let’s not forget about the ephemera – those delightful bits of paper that offer a glimpse into everyday life from years gone by.
Widdershins has a treasure trove of vintage postcards, advertisements, and magazines.
You can spend hours poring over these little time capsules, marveling at how much (and how little) has changed.
There’s something oddly comforting about seeing an ad for a “modern” kitchen appliance that looks positively prehistoric by today’s standards.
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking.
“Sure, old stuff is neat, but what am I supposed to do with it?”
Well, my friends, that’s where the real fun begins.
Widdershins isn’t just about collecting dust-gathering curios (although if that’s your jam, more power to you).
It’s about finding unique pieces that can add character and charm to your home.
Take that art deco lamp you’ve been eyeing.
Sure, it might look a little out of place in your ultra-modern apartment at first.
But pair it with some vintage books and a quirky throw pillow, and suddenly you’ve got yourself an Instagram-worthy reading nook.
Or how about that set of mismatched china plates?
They’re perfect for hosting a whimsical tea party or adding a pop of color to your dining room wall.
The key is to mix and match, to blend the old with the new in unexpected ways.
And let me tell you, the folks at Widdershins are masters at helping you see the potential in even the most unusual items.
Speaking of the folks at Widdershins, let’s take a moment to appreciate the unsung heroes of this magical emporium – the staff.
These aren’t your run-of-the-mill retail workers, oh no.
The people who work at Widdershins are more like curators of a living museum.
They know the story behind every item in the store, and they’re more than happy to share that knowledge with you.
Want to know the difference between Depression glass and carnival glass?
They’ve got you covered.
Curious about the history of that strange-looking kitchen gadget?
They’ll not only tell you what it is but also regale you with a tale about how their grandmother used to use one just like it.
Their enthusiasm is infectious, and you might find yourself getting excited about things you never knew you cared about.
(Who knew I needed a vintage egg beater in my life? Not me, until I stepped into Widdershins.)
But perhaps the most magical thing about Widdershins is the sense of discovery it fosters.
In an age where we can find pretty much anything we want with a few clicks on our phones, there’s something thrilling about not knowing what you’ll find when you walk through those doors.
Every visit to Widdershins is an adventure, a treasure hunt where the prize is something you didn’t even know you were looking for.
It’s the kind of place where you might go in search of a birthday gift for your aunt and come out with a 1920s flapper dress, a set of hand-painted Russian nesting dolls, and a newfound appreciation for Art Nouveau jewelry.
And let’s not forget about the seasonal offerings.
Widdershins really comes alive during the holidays.
Halloween brings out an array of delightfully spooky vintage decorations – think 1950s paper mache jack-o’-lanterns and eerie Victorian mourning jewelry.
Christmas transforms the store into a winter wonderland, with vintage ornaments, antique sleigh bells, and enough retro Santa figurines to fill a small village.
But even on an ordinary Tuesday in the middle of March, there’s magic to be found at Widdershins.
It’s in the way sunlight filters through the dusty windows, illuminating a display of carnival glass in a rainbow of colors.
It’s in the gentle ticking of a hundred different clocks, each keeping its own time.
It’s in the soft crackle of a vintage radio, playing tunes from a bygone era.
Widdershins isn’t just a store – it’s a time machine, a museum, and a playground all rolled into one.
It’s a place where the past isn’t just preserved, it’s celebrated and given new life.
In a world that sometimes feels like it’s moving too fast, Widdershins offers a chance to slow down, to appreciate the craftsmanship and beauty of objects that have stood the test of time.
So the next time you find yourself in Norway, Maine, do yourself a favor and seek out this little gem.
Step through those doors and let yourself get lost in the wonders of Widdershins.
Who knows?
You might just find that perfect something you never knew you needed.
Or at the very least, you’ll come away with some great stories and a newfound appreciation for the art of antiquing.
And isn’t that what life’s all about?
Finding beauty in unexpected places and creating new memories with pieces of the past.
For more information about Widdershins Antiques, including their hours and latest finds, be sure to check out their Facebook page.
And when you’re ready to embark on your own antiquing adventure, use this map to guide you to this treasure trove in Norway, Maine.
Where: 329 Main St, Norway, ME 04268
Happy hunting, fellow time travelers!
May your journey through Widdershins be as delightful and surprising as the store itself.