Loving the little things: Backwoods Antiques

This world is filled with characters, and Morganton, N.C.’s Gloria Estevane, owner of the very interesting Backwoods Antiques, is no exception. Her love of collectibles and other little things is just as endearing as her antique shop. There’s no surface left untouched, and each item is carefully placed and looked after as they, and she, age in the Smoky Mountains.

The store is broken out into three small buildings. Gloria and her border collie Scout maintain the grounds. Gloria refers to herself as a collector. Her passion for items of yore is obvious when you step into each of the intricate, seemingly never-ending tiny trailers, which are filled to the brim with carefully collected and specially placed furniture, glassware, china and other trinkets, each with its own story. The buildings’ contents are organized by era. My favorite was the 1950s trailer with the mannequin in a full poodle skirt.

If I am ever reincarnated as a china bowl or porcelain figurine, I want to wind up here, in the care of Gloria. She takes good care of these items, which are very fairly priced, in my opinion. And by that I mean, none are priced. Make Gloria a fair offer and the item is yours. I should note that the store hours are listed as “by chance or appointment.”

If you find yourself in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains, give Backwoods Antiques a visit. The shop, and Gloria, are definitely worth the stop.