Over the years, many of our guests have discovered that the Finger Lakes region is not only home to award winning wineries and breweries, but is also a virtually untapped resource for collectors and antique enthusiasts.  Barely a day goes by that we aren’t handing out some of the local “Antique” brochures and circling some of our favorites.  In many cases, these guests come back to the Inn with a car full of newly found treasures to take home.

We are always excited to share our absolute favorite, and the largest Antique Mall in New York State, Ontario Mall Antiques in Farmington, NY.  The Mall as it currently exists was founded in 1993, but the real inception date occurred back in 1982, when Bill Guche, started an antique shop with 12 vendors.  Over the years, the vendor participation grew, as did the Mall size, and eventually, the small Antique Shop took over the entire building of 31,000 square feet.

Back in 2012, the Mall was taken over by Bill’s son Matthew Guche, who shares his dad’s beliefs and commitment to customer service, clean facilities and product value.  We have had the distinct pleasure to get to know Matt over the years, and we are always impressed by his kindness and professionalism. We always look forward to our great conversations during his annual visits to distribute new rack cards for the Mall, and to catch up on life in general.

While Matthew was steaming forward with the Ontario Antique Mall, in 2016, his dad, Bill, added another 17,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles, in a second location, in Irondequoit, in Rochester, NY.  Although, we haven’t yet visited the newer location, we’re confident that it is as impressive as the original in Farmington.  You can check out the Mall’s website at ontariomallantiques.com, or follow them on Facebook at Ontario Mall Antiques to learn about their many special events and promotions.

With over 1000 vendors, and over a million items for sale, Ontario Mall Antiques is easily the cleanest, well-lit, and most importantly, well-staffed antique establishment you will ever come across.  Less than an hour’s drive from the Inn, we can recommend several things to do and see along the way. As a guest at the Black Sheep Inn and Spa, you will enjoy a special discount at the Ontario Mall Antiques as well.  If you look closely, you will find a number of special pieces in the Inn that we found at the Mall.  OK, so we’ll have to point them out to you.

When you visit the Mall, be sure to say “hi” to Matt when you see him, and tell him Deb and Marc sent you.

Happy Hunting!