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Thrifters can find unique and exciting styles at these vintage stores along the iconic Route 66.
The iconic Route 66 turns 100 in April of 2026 (find out more about the centennial celebration). It takes road-trippers on a scenic adventure through eight states, from the streets of Chicago, down to Texas, and finally to the beaches of Southern California. It illustrates some of the beauty and complexity of America, from Chicago’s impossibly big silver bean, reflecting everything around it like a funhouse mirror; to St. Louis’s famous arch, the world’s tallest; to the Santa Monica Pier, where you can breathe in ocean breezes as you chow down on funnel cake. But did you know that some of the country’s coolest thrifting spots sit along the way?
That’s right: Nearby the quirky attractions along Route 66, you can often find a vintage shop filled with interesting and unusual items. Shopping vintage and secondhand is a great way to connect to culture and history while also giving your closet a major upgrade. Plus, it’s much better than shopping for cheap souvenirs!
Here are some of our favorite secondhand stores along Route 66, where you can explore all the vintage America has to offer.
McShane’s Exchange
2012 N. Halsted St., Chicago, Illinois
IG: @mcshanes.exchange
Pinterest: @mcshanes815exchange
Price: $100+
Denise McShane founded her namesake secondhand shop in 1988. When Alejandra Lopez found out it was about to close for good due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she couldn’t stomach the thought of the store she had grown up with — and even worked for — closing, and she bought it within a week. Now, the revitalized shop is proudly Latina-owned, and thriving. McShane’s Exchange carries pre-loved luxury brands, with dozens of designer bags from Coach, YSL, Louis Vuitton, and more.
Knee Deep Vintage
1219 W. 18th St., Chicago, Illinois
IG: @kneedeepvintage
Ebay: kneedeepvintage
Price: $100+
Tired of the treasure hunt? Let Knee Deep’s staff — who boast years of experience in the world of vintage fashion — do the searching for you via their styling and personal shopping options offered on their website. Knee Deep even sources vintage for other shops, with wholesale customers across the globe. They carry vintage fashion from a variety of decades and their staff is so good at pointing you in the right direction, you won’t have to rummage through the racks like you do at a lot of secondhand shops. (Unless you want to, of course. That can be half the fun.)
Again & Again
2922 Plaza Dr. Springfield, Illinois
IG: @shopagainandagain
FB: Again&Again
Tiktok: @shopaavintage
Price: $100+
Again & Again (A&A) offers a large collection of designer products (you have got to check out their Louis Vuitton and Gucci monogram bags) alongside some unique upscale vintage finds for far — and I mean far — less than their original prices. (I spotted a canvas and leather Louis Vuitton duffle — used ones online can sell for over $1,000 — for $595!) Founded by longtime vintage-shopper Christin Levi, who started thrifting concert tees at 12 years old, A&A is a testament to the longevity of vintage pieces — in both style and quality. Thanks to her eye for beautiful pieces, you won’t find anything outdated at A&A.
Assassin Vintage
3156 Cherokee St., St. Louis, Missouri
IG: @assassin_vintage
FB: AssassinVintage
Price: $100+
Assassin Vintage is a women-owned vintage shop with clothes that span a century. Founders Tammy Heet and Kay Miller have a passion for unique fashion, and they urge their customers to use vintage to add some fun to their closet. Their collection reflects their respective eras, from daisy-adorned dresses from the ’60s, to ’70s bell bottoms, to ’80s acid wash. Although Assassin’s finds are a blast from the past, they aren’t tired; rather, they bring originality to your wardrobe.
Solsister Secondhand
3142 E. 15th St., Tulsa, Oklahoma
IG: @solsistersecondhand
Depop: @solsistersecondhand
Price: $40+
Solsister Secondhand is not only a vintage shop, but also a handmade-clothing store. Haley Asher, the genius behind this secondhand shop, sews her beautiful pieces, many of which are upcycled, to sell in-person and online. Her in-person shop in Tulsa is located in a hair salon, so you can get a new cut and a new look in one stop! Upcycling projects can take days to complete, and no small amount of skill. You can support Haley’s pursuit for slow fashion — and look amazing doing it.
Berks Vintage and Streetwear
1006 N Hudson Ave #103, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
IG: berks.vintage
Price: $10+
Berks Vintage and Streetwear is the go-to spot in Oklahoma City for streetwear lovers. Founder Jackson Berkshire believes in using fashion to tell a story and to express individuality. His store boasts a collection of vintage tees, jerseys, jackets, and more ranging from the 1980s to the early 2000s. A lot of vintage stores geared toward streetwear charge over $100 for a t-shirt — often a clear money-grab, except in the case of a rare concert shirt or designer find — but Berks offers affordable, reasonable prices for the same class of fashion.
Avengers Vintage
4011 Central Ave. NE., Albuquerque, New Mexico
IG: @avengersvintagellc
Price: $10+
Avengers Vintage owners Carlos Vargas and Selah Ryan handpick everything in the shop, and the shop has a lot of clothes, so make sure you’re ready for the hunt when you stop here. Their inventory is mostly from the 20th century, each piece with designs that are classics from their original era, from old Western-style jackets to disco-esque tees.
Off Broadway Vintage
3110 Central Ave. SE., Albuquerque, New Mexico
IG: @offbroadwayvintage
Etsy: @offbroadwayvintage
Price: $100+
Off Broadway Vintage carries vintage clothing from the 1900s to the 1980s, alongside true-to-the-store’s-name items like costumes, accessories, stage makeup, and even wigs — ideal for the shopper who loves old Hollywood glamour. The family business hosts a collection of truly beautiful dresses, jackets, and more. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, tell the staff, and they will check new arrivals that haven’t hit the retail floor yet.
Santa Fe Vintage
7501 Avenger Way, Santa Fe, New Mexico
IG: @santafevintage
Price: $100+
By Appointment Only
While not technically on Route 66 (there’s debate about why the iconic highway no longer includes Santa Fe), Santa Fe Vintage was founded by Scott Corey, who had an exceptional eye for Americana clothing, art, and other unique finds. Locally famous among cowboys and blues musicians for his stories and impressive collection, Corey passed away in 2019 after 30 years of collecting, and former employee Teo Griscom took over with her partner Josh Calmus and their son Townes. Their collection remains true to the shop’s Americana roots, with fringe coats, beacon blankets, and vintage bandana/scarf slides. To book an appointment, visit their website.
High Style Flagstaff
209 N. Eldon St., Flagstaff, Arizona
IG: @highstyleflag
FB: @high-style-flagstaff
Price: $10+
By Appointment Only
Finding the perfect jeans is a struggle, and High Style is here to fix that. Founded by Brette Ulrich, High Style carries upcycled fashion alongside their vintage finds and is committed to giving clothes a new life — especially denim. “As a mom of two boys and a massage therapist, I really understand how bodies change,” Ulrich says. “I help you find the perfect pair of vintage denim no matter your shape, size, or style.” Ulrich knows the environmental cost of jean production and ensures that most of her inventory is upcycled and/or mended. She loves denim from the 1950s to the 2000s for its timelessness and quality — a far cry from fast fashion. High Style recently moved to a new location in downtown Flagstaff and is open by appointment only; you can book one through their website.
Animal House
62 Windward Ave., Venice, California
IG: @animalhousevenice
FB: @animalhousevenice
Pinterest: @animalhousevenice
Price: $100+
Ronny Kleyweg handpicks every single item at his vintage store Animal House. Although they also carry new items from popular brands such as Vans and Blundstone, as well as their own line, Animal House’s vintage is the heart and soul of the shop, attracting A-listers like Johnny Depp, Gwen Stefani, Winona Ryder, Drew Barrymore, and Bruce Springsteen (to name just a few).
Mumu Mansion
5669 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, California
IG: @mumumansion
Tiktok: @mumumansion
Price: $10+
Mumu Mansion carries vintage size-inclusive fashion, funky decor, and unique yet elegant jewelry. Founder Melinda Alexander’s love for fashion, decor, and jewelry is apparent in her vintage collection. The store has a well-currated feel to it, with rich greens alongside wood and wicker furniture, and while there is much to look at, there aren’t copious racks of clothes. There is, however, a lot to explore, from midcentury modern decor to maximalist rings and fun vintage sundresses.
To learn more about shopping secondhand and turning old clothes into new, check out Bluedot’s Secondhand Sisters!
