This is one of my favorite antiquing spots!
Over the holidays, we traveled to Florida to visit one of our sons, and anytime we’re traveling close to the Gulf Coast area of Alabama, I have to make time to visit one of my favorite antiquing spots.
Nestled in the country, just outside of Mobile, Alabama, in a small ‘burb called Theodore, is antique heaven…..otherwise known as Charles Phillips Antiques and Architecturals.
It’s one of my very favorite destinations to find unique European antiques in the South, and it’s well worth the trip.
We’re teaching Miss RubyLou the fine art of antiquing, and she gives Charles Phillips Antiques a four paw rating!
Consisting of ten large buildings, each one is filled to the brim with European furniture, architectural pieces and salvage, unusual collectibles, custom creations, and European linens.
For decades, Charles Phillips has scoured every corner of Europe to find the unique treasures that we all swoon over.
Today, containers from Europe are arriving just about every ten days to keep up with the demand of his clients.
Each large building is filled to the brim with unique finds, and if you’re a lover of original paint and patina, you will feel like you’ve arrived in paradise.
Be sure and have plenty of time to shop, because there are hidden jewels in every corner, even under the beautiful oak and magnolia trees!
It’s a family affair at Charles Phillips Antiques, and though I could literally browse for hours in this beautiful, laid back country atmosphere, we always enjoy chatting with Charles (he always has an interesting story to tell) and Sue, his beautiful and creative wife, that helps to manage this amazing business.
While browsing, I fell in love with these beautiful chests, and if you’re a shutter lover, this is the place for you. You will find antique shutters in any size and color.
Luke Phillips, Charles’ son, makes these stunning custom swings and day beds.
I can just imagine this hung on a big ol’ porch, and swinging on it while enjoying a glass of sweet tea (or an adult beverage), and reading a good book.
It also looks like it’s the perfect place to take an afternoon nap on.
I’ve told you before that I’ve been to grain sack heaven….and this is it, with stacks and stacks of European hemp grain sacks.
You’ll find these highly sought after antique linens with stripes in different colors, as well as some with rare monograms.
I love using these antique grain sacks in upholstery projects, such as this set of French dining chairs.
I have a weakness for shiny, fancy things, and this mirror still haunts me…..because I didn’t bring it home.
There are rows and rows of glassware, bottles, demijohns, graniteware, and seltzer bottles, from floor to ceiling.
Any size, any color.
This was the sweetest antique horse.
It’s the perfect display piece, and I’m sure it won’t last long.
Did I mention that they have dough bowls?
And take a look at those shutters!
These European baby bathtubs are perfect for a patio garden to grow flowers or herbs in.
One piece that I loved was sold to some lucky customer….this fabulous wall lavabo.
It had such great detail to the old cast iron.
These are wonderful to hang on a garden or patio wall to plant flowers in.
It would also be fabulous hanging in a bathroom with the bowl filled with rolled up towels.
If you’re a lover of painted furniture, you will find a huge selection of amazing pieces.
If architectural salvage makes you swoon, then you might want to bring some smelling salts with you, because there is an endless inventory.
Charles has several amazing antique sleighs, and RubyLou couldn’t resist posing in one of them.
I hope you enjoyed visiting my favorite antiquing spot in the South!
If you’re ever anywhere near Mobile, Alabama, you need to take the time to visit.
It’s an antiquing experience you won’t forget, in a setting filled with Southern charm!
And you will love visiting with some of the nicest people we’ve ever met!
Tell them RubyLou sent you!
Cheers,
Cindy
If you love antiquing, you will want to check out this post: My Favorite Estate Sale
I am looking for any types of Pickens sc bottles. If you have any please send pics and prices please. My email is lanecrooks00@gmail.com.
Thanks very much.
Cindy, this place looks wonderful!! If you’re ever in the other end of Alabama, we have another wonderful architectural salvage business. SOUTHERN ACCENTS ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUES in Cullman, AL. Started in 1969 and has ALL the stuff!! Hugs and kisses to Miss Ruby Lou!!
I am collecting Yardsticks from all 50 states. I still need MS, AL, LA. Please let me know if you have these items! Thanks. Nancjj65@gmail.com or 319 427 1671, Mesa AZ.
You have many items which I would like to see very much! Can you tell me your location? Thank you!
Mobile, AL.
Thank you so much Cindy. I really enjoyed this story & your precious dog. My husband & I love antiquing. I live in Granbury, Texas & have always wanted to go to Alabama.
I am absolutely loving your blog. Thank you so much.
Thank you Margie!
Wow! Thanks so much for sharing! I’d be in heaven walking through that place! I bet I’d have to bring plenty of cash! As much as I love everything that you photographed Miss RubyLou steals the show! She is adorable!
Oooooohhheeemgeeee! I would have to pack a lunch and a sleeping bag to visit this awesome place. Thanks for sharing all the lovliness.
Heaven on Earth!! This place is going on my “To Go someday” list!! Thanks for taking us there!!
First of all, I want to go there! Second of all, that dog is adorable! I am a true fan of architectural salvage and French vintage, so I would go absolutely crazy there lol I am so happy I found your blog! I’m your newest follower:) We’d love it if you’d share this eye candy-filled post with us over at Vintage Charm Party #65 going on right now here: http://bit.ly/2jcE9Hu I so hope you can join us! xo Kathleen Charm Bracelet Diva {At Home}
I’m a huge fan of Charles Phillips! It’s been a while since I’ve been, so I need to get over there! Glad you had a successful trip. Can’t wait to see what you do with your goodies.
Pictures of this place made my jaw drop! What a fabulous place to spend a day poking around. Nice to break up a road trip with such a fun stop. Ruby Lou looks like a good traveler.
I love RubyLou and I would love to visit that place with a pocket of money I seen several things I want
Happy New Year and thanks for telling about this place
Oh my lordy lord, I am so envious, here in Australia we have nothing at all that compares to this magnificence. Actually nothing at all that closely resembles this. I just adore the mirrors, doors and bread troughs.
Suzana xxx
Ohhhh Cindy what a fabulous place. I am swooning over all those architectural doors. Oh my I can see why you love this place.
xoxo
Kris
oh my! Those doors, the metal fencing. Wow, wow! I’d love to go there…maybe someday! Thanks for taking us on the tour. How cool!
oh my Gosh! Not only would I want to shop for days on end! I would ne d to tend a (large) truck
~Cindy~
WoW amazing , I would have been there for days hehe!! You did not say what treasures came home with you !?!!
Thanks for sharing if I ever get down that way it is definitely on my list !
xo
Paula
Love, love all of this! Would love to come visit and look at all your treasures. A sister road trip in our future. ❤❤
Thanks for sharing these pictures Cindy…I love old architectural pieces. This would be a great place to visit. If you go near Tano, Virginia you need to check out Charlie’s Antiques… a huge building full of these treasures. Miss RubyLou is a model for sure!!! Happy New Year
10 buildings!!??!?!? Heaven! And that pup! She is just adorable.
So good to see that you know about our treasure. Love this place! Those antique baby bath tubs make terrific ice chests for parties. Happy new year!
Oh my, yes indeed Anne, they would be perfect for that!
Wow, I may have drooled a bit on my keyboard. It all looks amazing. I may have to make a point to visit Alabama in the near future.
Hi Cindy! Oh, I wish I lived closer to this incredible store. Maybe some day. I could spend a bundle there. Happy New Year!
Great tour! You have me wanting a road trip to AL.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Cindy! Thanks for sharing this wonderful place, I hope I can get there one day it looks amazing. That little Ruby Lou is a perfect model, love the little lady 😉
Hi Cindy!
Surely you picked up a few treasures while you were there?! Do tell! RubyLou takes her modeling very seriously! How darling she is! Thank you for sharing this antique lovers’ dream! Happy New Year!
Lynda
Where are the smelling salts!!!! Wow!!!!
Such an incredible place, Cindy! Having legitimately gotten the bug from my antiquing and collecting parents, I would love this shop! It would be hard to leave, I am sure! Thank you so much for showing us all this spot, it is fabulous!
You would love it Anita! It’s fabulous!
Oh my, what a wonderful place! I wish I lived closer than Central Texas! Oh I would never, ever get through shopping there!!!
Wow…now that’s a place I would definitely make a road trip to!….I have already map quested it!!! and I can see why that mirror is haunting you!….Glad you had a great trip to see your sons. A place definitely to visit as RubyLou had given it the 4 paws up!
Shirley, you would love this place, there is so much to see! That mirror still haunts me! Happy New Year!
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for sharing this heavenly place! I see a road trip to Alabama in my near future!!
It’s worth the trip Angela!
Amazing! I was overwhelmed just looking at your photos, I think I would need the smelling salts if I got there in person! Thanks for sharing.
It’s an amazing place Julie!
I see what you mean, heaven
Looking (and loving) this antique shop, I mentally furnished and entire house. I would be on such a high that it would take a week to come down. You can bet if ever I’m near Mobile I will visit this shop. Thanks a million for sharing.
You would love it Alice!
Love it all…………..so glad to have found your site! And, of course, RubyLou is the star. I have #6 mini schnauzer, Anna Leisa!!
RubyLou says “hello” to Anna Leisa!
OMG – I could spend hours in there!!
Happy New Year Cindy!!
Celia
Happy New Year Celia!
Wow! What a fabulous place!
Oh Cindy–This is a little piece of Heaven ! It would take me hours, days, weeks to go through it. Imagine living in the town. Does he ship ? That antique horse looks like it belongs in Scarlett and Rhett’s nursery 🙂 Ruby Lou is definitely a little Beauty Queen. She steals the show ! Happy New Year to you and Yours Hugs, Kathy
Kathy, it is indeed antique heaven! The antique horse is a beauty and would be perfect for a nursery! Unfortunately, Charles Phillips does not ship…..you need to make a trip!! Happy New Year!
I have never been to Alabama but this place most definitely is now on my destination list! And Ruby Lou is adorable! I have a Lacey Lou that is a sweet girl as well. Thanks for sharing your favorite antique store and your amazing home! Dell
Thank you Dell! Charles Phillips Antiques is definitely worth the trip!
Cindy, you are a doll for sharing and I agree with you, this shop looks amazing. I don’t know of any antique shops like this in Canada, swoon…..
Oh my gosh it’s to die for! I can’t wait to visit and my hubby will enjoy it too. Thanks so much for sharing.
You will love it Sharon!
What a wonderful place, thank you so much for sharing it. I go to Biloxi several times a year to visit my son, I will definitely make a day trip next time.
Hi Heather! Yes, you definitely need to make a day trip from Biloxi! It’s well worth it! Thanks so much for commenting!
Love your secret place, I’m still in awe of the stunning treasures!
Thank u for sharing!
It’s an amazing place, Jacklyn!
Well, next time we head back to Destin, I need a day to shop this place!
Kim, you definitely need to visit the next time you’re heading to Destin! I know you will find something for your beautiful home!
Oh my Cindy! I would need days in the there to see everything! Beautiful!!!! Thanks so much for sharing! Have a blessed week!
Susan
Susan, there is so much to see, it’s an antiquing paradise!
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