Our Story
THE SWAMP DOOR started as this crazy dream that a small business could be more than a place to make money. It could be a retail “home” for people – antiques/vintage vendors and customers alike. It could be a thriving community center. It could be a “nice place to shop for nice people.”
"Call us crazy. But that’s what we’ve built."
THE SWAMP DOOR is an upscale antiques and collectibles market featuring 70+ vendors and well-merchandised displays in a clean, comfortable and fantastically friendly environment that invites browsing for treasures old and new, unique gifts and local artisan wares. Specializing in antique and vintage accent pieces and furniture, primitives, jewelry, mid-century, cool kitsch and so much more.
Like the geological rock formation we’re named for that once graced Swamp Pike in days of old and welcomed visitors to our area, THE SWAMP DOOR is the definitive first stop in our region for collectors, dealers and buyers of all kinds. Come say ‘hi!’ and discover for yourself why we’re a local favorite! Open 10-6 Thursdays, 10-8 Fridays (with special “Happy Hours” deals 5-8!), 10-6 Saturdays, 10-4 Sundays and Mondays. Holiday hours may vary and are posted on social media and our website.
Originally founded in October 2015 with 39 vendors, we’ve since expanded our space and grown to 70+ vendors in 7,000 sq. ft. of some of the loveliest showrooms around. We pride ourselves on high-quality, affordable merchandise beautifully displayed in an open floor plan that invites leisurely browsing and buying. We want you to linger! Plus, we honestly don’t care if you ever buy a thing… as long as you enjoy visiting. We’re that kind of place!
THE SWAMP DOOR is a fully handicapped accessible, climate-controlled store with immaculate bathrooms, ample parking, friendly and helpful attendants, and tens of thousands of items to explore and acquire. A favorite destination for groups, families, out-of-state visitors, date nights, friend meet-ups and bargain shoppers! All are welcome, so come visit soon!
Our Name
“What’s with our store name?”
HERE'S THE SCOOP
We considered about a dozen before opening. None seemed right until we stumbled upon an article by local historian/art enthusiast Bob Wood describing the Legend of The Swamp Door. Intrigued, we researched it ourselves.
The original Swamp Door was a massive rock formation, like a ravine, several miles southeast of us near Shaeffer Road on Swamp Pike. Conastoga-traveling settlers moving into our area from Philadelphia and points south reported traveling through the impressive natural gateway to reach this part of Montgomery County.
It got its name from Pennsylvania Dutch and German settlers who called it the “door to the meadow” (pronounced, as best we can tell, “schvammer tor”). But they were misunderstood by English settlers who heard “Swamp Door,” and the name stuck. No swamps here. Lots of “Swamp” names on streets and creeks, though.
No known photos exist of the place itself, which was likely blown up to move artillery through this historic region sometime after the Revolutionary War but before the Civil War. (You can see the rubble field near Shaeffer Road to this day.) And, for many years, the story passed out of local memory.
Naming our business THE SWAMP DOOR has allowed us to give this important story back to the community while reminding everyone that we see ourselves as a vital gateway to the many antiques/vintage markets in our region. Stop here first for maps to other shopping locales and tourist destinations!
Daily Discounts
We are pleased to offer 10% off items greater than $10 (that’s $10.01 and up). Exceptions include: coins and currency, FUSION paint and related painting/decal supplies, collector’s display cases, and a limited number of specific items marked “NFD” as approved in advance by store management.
Veterans and active military personnel with proper ID are entitled to 15% off items greater than $10 ($10.01 and up). Aforementioned exceptions apply. Please indicate your status prior to the time of purchase so military discounts can be applied. Yes, families of active military with proper ID are also eligible. THANK YOU for your service!