From 19th Century armoires to books on Zen, the Big Chicken Barn caters to the interests of today's collector of antiques and paper collectibles. Our 21,600 square feet of floor space holds an ever-changing and diverse selection of intriguing items displayed for unhurried and unhindered browsing. Our purpose is simply to please and delight you, whether you're a seasoned, serious collector, or an occasional but careful buyer.
With each visit here, there's bound to be something new and beautiful to strike your fancy-porcelain, pottery, silver, tinware, brass, jewelry, fabric, needlework, glass, china, flatware, and furniture. You'll also find models of sailing vessels, clocks, toys, old tools, bottles, prints, paintings, candlesticks, lamps and other lighting devices, and more.
With each visit here, there's bound to be something new and beautiful to strike your fancy-porcelain, pottery, silver, tinware, brass, jewelry, fabric, needlework, glass, china, flatware, and furniture. You'll also find models of sailing vessels, clocks, toys, old tools, bottles, prints, paintings, candlesticks, lamps and other lighting devices, and more.
Services
We have over 11,000 square feet of antiques on the first floor of the BCB. You will find a variety of items here, ranging from modern-day collectibles to period antiques. Our inventory is always changing, with our dealers bringing in unique, new items daily. Check out our Facebook page for the most up to date sampling of items.
With over 150,000 books we have something for everyone from emerging readers to lifelong bibliophiles. From textbooks to cookbooks, biographies to sci-fi novels, romance novels to comic books, you're sure to find something to delight your inner bookworm as your pour over the stacks. Looking for a particular book?
Because the interests of today's collectors are many and varied, we carry editions covering a wide variety of subjects. We also go to great lengths and great distances to stock our shelves with exciting finds, such as the occasional uncut, deckled limited edition, luxurious leather-bound classics, autographed books, even editions set by hand and printed on hand-made paper.
Reviews (23)
John Allen
Jan 03, 2022
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Victoria Schutter
Oct 30, 2021
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This place is huge and packed. The entire top floor is full of books. Great selection of antique collectibles. You can walk around for hours. The prices are a bit high for what you get. The place smells like mold so I really couldn’t be in there long. It is definitely worth a visit . People are nice and there is tons of parking.
Cindy Taylor
Sep 14, 2021
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John Ruth
Aug 28, 2021
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Johny Mahler
Aug 25, 2021
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Val K.
Jul 01, 2021
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Just no. While there were some great antiques, they were priced as if eBay didn't exists. Magazines that they have 7 copies of, each $7. Also- if you are a true collector, prices here deserve clear providence. I found a lot of inconsistencies "hand made antique blah"; with clear machined edges, not hand created edges. I would skip this.
Bryan R.
Jun 24, 2021
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Overpriced. You can spend half your Saturday walking through this place because of how big it is but it will take you all day to find something that is priced to sell/buy. Seems like every booth has a percent off sign that doesn't necessarily get marked down at the registers but the people there are so grouchy at that point you will just want to get out of there. Overall a fun experience until you have to pay the bill and deal with the people that work here. They only occupy two floors (one is books and magazines) instead of the 8 or whatever it looks like from the outside. Bring a snack
Randy B.
Jun 19, 2021
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Mercedes C.
Mar 30, 2021
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Big Chicken's enormity, Antiques and Books is what enticed us to mentally bookmark this bad boy on Ellsworth as we noticed it on our way up to Bar Harbor. Enough parking and the place is just as big inside as it is outside.
Hubs and I usually will do a combination of either going our separate ways when we're Antiquing/Thrifting- as I like more funky pieces and he likes to collect old tools to add character and personality to his garage. Or- we might hunt together. Chad (and his family?) have a wide range of real solid wood furniture, knick-knacks, dinnerware, etc. Like I always say
Hubs and I usually will do a combination of either going our separate ways when we're Antiquing/Thrifting- as I like more funky pieces and he likes to collect old tools to add character and personality to his garage. Or- we might hunt together. Chad (and his family?) have a wide range of real solid wood furniture, knick-knacks, dinnerware, etc. Like I always say
Sv Pitchford
Mar 28, 2021
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L. E.
Jul 05, 2019
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Lauren Hanson
Jun 09, 2019
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We had fun!! Very fair prices compared to what we see at home in SC and NC. Really quirky and eclectic selection! I don't much care for ritzy antiques, I love the strange and unusual and there was plenty of that here. Really enjoyed this experience and I am a very experienced vintage, thrift and antique shopper. My husband found fantasy books from his favorite author no longer in print.
Lana H.
Mar 30, 2019
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This is a huge place. If you're into vintage books or magazine you will find it here. Their vintage magazine collections is extensive. I'm a collector of food ads and they have plentiful here. It's a little pricey but all collectibles are. Besides you'll find other antiques and vintage offerings here. Check them out!
Mindi F.
Jan 18, 2019
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Alicia Daniel
Aug 07, 2018
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Bill M.
Sep 21, 2017
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Terri B.
Jul 07, 2017
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Love this place!!! What a wonderful place to spend a rainy afternoon, well any afternoon, Books are easy to find according to what you are looking for, Also, books do not smell of dust or moldy, Lots of nice comfortable chairs to set as you review books, I always make couple of stops here over the Summer.
Paula B.
Jun 18, 2017
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This place goes on...and on...and on. So many different things you didn't know you needed. Lots of books but not well organized.
When I asked the man at the front desk if he recommended on local writer over another, he refused to give me his opinion and acted like I was bothering him. Really? You work in a place that sells books but you won't give your opinion? Whatever.
Still, there is a lot of stuff here so plan to spend some time browsing.
When I asked the man at the front desk if he recommended on local writer over another, he refused to give me his opinion and acted like I was bothering him. Really? You work in a place that sells books but you won't give your opinion? Whatever.
Still, there is a lot of stuff here so plan to spend some time browsing.
Bryce K.
Apr 14, 2017
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Mike D.
Nov 11, 2016
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Jamie K.
Sep 30, 2016
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Awesomely huge and impressive antique barn mall. It is an old chicken coop that is now an antique mall. The first level is all antiques and the entire second level is all books. They have complete sections of books by Grisham and other prominent authors. The book selection is incredible. The staff is very nice and friendly. They have a few locked cases, but most of the antiques are out to look at. It is quite dark in the bottom section with the antiques, there are no windows. The book area has windows and is good for reading. Check it out.
Valerie L.
Aug 13, 2016
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Kristi M.
May 31, 2016
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A friend and I dropped in here while we were "Sunday driving" our way home down Route 1. I've heard about this place for years, but in my 20+ years of vacationing in the area, I have somehow never made it in.
The Big Chicken Barn Books & Antiques is exactly what this place is. A big old chicken barn that has been converted into a used book and antiques store. The emphasis being on BIG!! We were here for 2 hours and I don't think I even cracked the surface of treasures to uncover.
The first floor is full of "stalls" that are rented out to people who then
The Big Chicken Barn Books & Antiques is exactly what this place is. A big old chicken barn that has been converted into a used book and antiques store. The emphasis being on BIG!! We were here for 2 hours and I don't think I even cracked the surface of treasures to uncover.
The first floor is full of "stalls" that are rented out to people who then