Antique shopping is one of our favorite pastimes here in Texas. There's no feeling quite like the thrill of finally coming across a gem after hours of rifling through useless junk. Baird is a tiny blip on the map that most people have never even heard of, but its incredibly high concentration of specialty stores begs to be visited. Countless hidden treasures are harbored within the confines of this tiny town, waiting to be discovered and added to your collection. Come along with us as we show you why we think Baird is really the antiques capital of Texas!

Home to fewer than 1,500 people, the charming little town of Baird is criminally overlooked.

Baird's historic downtown district is teeming with restored turn-of-the-century buildings, making visitors feel like they've stepped through a portal to the late 1800s. It really is one of the most captivating small towns in Texas.

It's named after Matthew Baird, the owner and director of the Texas & Pacific Railway.

Locomotive references can be found all over town, and the old depot now doubles as a visitor center and transportation museum.

Perhaps the only people who intentionally visit this rural community are antique lovers.

Over a dozen shops line Market Street, beckoning passersby to come inside and get lost amidst all the unique antique finds.

The Old Shoppe definitely lives up to its name. Everything looks a bit dusty and like it’s been sitting there a while, but that only adds to the charm.

Editor's Note: The Old Shoppe is temporarily closed. Be sure to check the local Chamber of Commerce office to ascertain when it may reopen.

A large selection of glass and porcelain items in addition to collectibles and women’s clothing make up the merchandise. Who knows what diamonds in the rough you’ll stumble upon?

Needful Things is a chaotic mix of everything under the sun.

There’s no rhyme or reason to the haphazard organization, but it certainly makes every visit a true Texas treasure hunt.

An entire room of Christmas junk is undoubtedly this shop’s claim-to-fame!

Even when there are only a few weeks left until the big day, there’s no better place to find some last-minute antique bargains.

Hardly a blip on the map, most people have never even heard of Baird.

This tiny Texas town is the epitome of unassuming, harboring countless hidden gem antiques that have yet to be discovered.

Have you ever visited Baird? Would you agree that it is the antiques capital of Texas? What's your favorite small town for antiquing in Texas? Which shops in particular do you think are the best antiques shops in Texas? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

If you're interested in visiting Baird and want to stay a night or two in nearby Abilene, be sure to consider the Residence Inn Abilene.

If you’re still in the mood for more Lone Star State adventures, take a look at this video: