A giant dinosaur stands outside this Pennsylvania antique barn, but the real surprises are waiting on three floors inside. The Cove Barn in Duncannon is packed with vintage toys, old kitchenware, collectibles, farmhouse décor, and secondhand finds that make it easy to spend hours browsing.
The building dates back to the 1870s, and its hand-hewn beams are part of the attraction. Inside, vendor booths offer everything from model trains and vinyl records to unusual antiques and handmade goods.
One of the most interesting areas is the third floor, where bargain hunters can dig through inexpensive odds and ends. With constantly changing inventory and three levels to explore, this is the kind of place where a quick shopping stop can easily turn into an afternoon adventure.
A Red Barn With a Secret Address
Finding this place was easier than I expected, which is good news for anyone who gets lost in a grocery store. The Cove Barn sits at 2031 State Road in Duncannon, Pennsylvania 17020, right along Route 11/15 in Perry County.
That puts it about 8 miles north of Interstate 81 at the Marysville exit. From Harrisburg, my drive took roughly 20 minutes, with river views keeping me company most of the way.
The county seat of New Bloomfield, home to the historic Perry County Courthouse, is a short drive into the hills. I like to pair both stops into one easy day trip.
The barn is right off the highway, so you will not need to wind down tiny back roads. A big free parking lot waits out front, and I had no trouble grabbing a spot on a Saturday morning.
Write down the phone number, 717-596-0933, before you go. It comes in handy if you want to check on weather or special events.
Of course, the address is only the start, because the building has a story of its own.
Beams That Remember the 1870s
Look up before you look at anything for sale. The beams overhead were cut and shaped by hand back in the 1870s, and you can still see the tool marks in the wood.
I spent a good five minutes just staring at the ceiling. A man next to me said he comes partly to see how old barns were built, and I understood why.
A previous owner, Dave Kelly, did a lot of restoration work over the years. He added good lighting and clean, organized spaces while keeping the old character in place.
The wide plank floors creak a little under your feet. That sound became my favorite part of the visit, since it reminded me that farmers once worked on these same boards.
Today the barn is owned by Michael and Angela Hoover. They also run other antique markets in the area, including Stitch in Time in Millerstown and Shops on Market in Elizabethville.
The building is a treasure by itself. Still, I did not drive here only for woodwork, and the first floor was calling my name.
Greeted by a Dinosaur in the Yard
Not many antique shops come with a prehistoric doorman. Out on the lawn stands a dinosaur figure that has become a favorite photo stop for kids and grown-ups alike.
The lawn sometimes turns into a gathering spot too. On certain days, food trucks park outside and live music fills the air while people shop.
Outdoor vendors also set up tables when the weather cooperates. That means a nice day can stretch your shopping beyond the barn walls.
My tip is to check the barn’s Facebook page before you head out. Events change, and you will want to know if a food truck is coming so you can plan lunch around it.
Bring a jacket in cooler months, since you may linger outside longer than planned. Once I finally said goodbye to the dinosaur, a friendly face was waiting just inside.
A Welcome That Feels Like Home
A smile from the front counter hit me before the first shelf did. The staff here are friendly and easygoing, and they seem happy to answer questions about the booths.
Grab a basket right away. I made the rookie move of carrying things in my arms, and by the second booth I was juggling a lamp and a tin like a nervous waiter.
The air also surprised me. Many old shops have a musty smell, but this barn actually smells pleasant and fresh.
Everything feels cozy and well kept. Booths are tidy, and the rooms have a warm glow that makes you want to slow down.
The restrooms are clean and well maintained, which matters when you plan to stay for hours. Trust me, you will stay for hours.
Cash is accepted at checkout, so tuck some bills in your pocket. It makes paying quick and easy when you find something you love.
With basket in hand, I was ready to explore. The first floor did not hold back.
The Kitchen Shelf of Your Grandmother’s Dreams
Cast iron skillets sat stacked like pancakes in one booth, and I could not walk past them. That is how I ended up with a heavy pan I now use every single morning.
Kitchen lovers will feel right at home here. I spotted classic kitchenware, china sets, drinking glasses, and shelves of colorful carnival glass.
One booth even had uranium glass, which glows a soft green under a black light. Fun fact: small amounts of uranium were added to give the glass that bright color.
Decorative tins lined the walls in reds and golds. Some still had old brand names printed on them, which made them feel like tiny history lessons.
I also found a stack of vintage cookbooks with notes scribbled in the margins. Reading someone’s handwritten tips on a pie recipe felt sweet and personal.
Do not skip the salt and pepper shakers either. There are cute pairs shaped like animals, fruit, and even little houses.
Toy fans, hang on, because the next booth made me feel about eight years old.
Toy Trains, Comics, and Pure Nostalgia
My childhood came rolling back on tiny metal wheels. Model trains, die-cast cars, and boxed toy sets filled several booths, some still in their original packaging.
Collectors will want to check every shelf slowly. A box in near perfect shape can be worth much more than one that has been played with.
Comic books showed up in a few spots too. I flipped through bins of colorful covers and found a couple of titles I read as a kid.
Music fans can browse vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, and DVDs. One retro booth has even carried old VHS tapes, vintage shirts, and video games.
Sports memorabilia rounds out the fun. I saw old team items that would look great in a game room or a kid’s bedroom.
Here is my advice: set a budget before you enter this section. Nostalgia is sneaky, and it made my wallet feel lighter fast.
Things took a wilder turn upstairs, where some of the shoppers have antlers.
Antlers, Old Reels, and Rustic Charm
Plenty of glass eyes followed me around this section. Taxidermy mounts hang on walls and perch on shelves, giving the barn a true Pennsylvania backwoods feel.
Hunting and fishing gear is a big deal in Perry County. I found old rods and reels, tackle, and outdoor items that look like they have stories to tell.
Antique signs and vintage advertising pieces add even more character. Bright metal signs for old products cover some booth walls from floor to ceiling.
Furniture lovers should look for trunks, wooden chests, and old sleds. A wooden sled leaning by the front door makes great winter décor.
Hardware fans can dig through bins of old tools and metal parts. I watched a man spend twenty minutes choosing the perfect antique hinge.
Measure your car trunk before you fall for a big piece. I learned that lesson while trying to fit a chest into a small hatchback.
Not everything here is old, though. Some booths are filled with things made by local hands.
Fresh Crafts Mixed With Vintage Finds
Brand-new handmade goods sit right beside hundred-year-old treasures, and somehow the mix works. More than 125 vendors share about 5,500 square feet, so the variety is huge.
Farmhouse décor and primitives are everywhere. Think painted signs, wooden crates, and cozy pieces that would look great on a mantel.
PeCo Metal Decor has spaces on more than one floor. Their metal wall art caught my eye with clean shapes and a rustic finish.
Woodworking, pottery, and lamps show up in many booths. I also spotted handmade soaps, plants, and high-end silver jewelry that sparkled under the lights.
Some longtime shoppers say the barn now leans more toward crafts and collectibles than pure antiques. I found it to be a fun blend, but serious antique hunters should know what to expect.
This section is great for gift shopping. Christmas items fill shelves in season, and I crossed three names off my holiday list in one trip.
Then I climbed one more set of stairs, and the price tags got tiny.
Dollar Deals Up Under the Rafters
One dollar. That is the price on a lot of items on the third floor, and it changed how I shop forever.
Bargain areas sit up under the old rafters. Tables hold all kinds of odds and ends, each waiting for someone to give them a new home.
Magazines cost just 50 cents here. I grabbed a few old ones for craft projects and still had change left over.
Books fill shelves too, along with a big selection of greeting cards. Buying cards here is far cheaper than at most stores, so I stocked up for the whole year.
Do not rush this level. One shopper found a valuable art print tucked inside a trunk in a dark back corner of this floor.
Bring a small flashlight or use your phone light for the shadowy spots. Hidden treasure loves a dim corner.
The stairs are a workout, so take breaks if needed. Speaking of planning, the barn’s schedule can trip up first-timers.
Timing Your Treasure Hunt Just Right
Mondays and Tuesdays are the two days you should never plan a visit. The barn is closed then, and I hate to picture anyone driving all that way to a locked door.
Hours run from 10 AM to 5 PM, Wednesday through Sunday. I suggest arriving close to opening so you have plenty of time on all three floors.
Rainy days are a great time to go. The barn stays warm and dry, and wandering the booths beats sitting at home watching the clouds.
Stock changes all the time. Items are refreshed weekly, and new things arrive almost daily, so a return trip never feels the same.
Some regulars visit once a month just to see what is new. After my first trip, I fully understand the habit.
Watch for the last markets of the season in September and October. These events bring extra energy before the colder months settle in.
A few practical notes will make your day even smoother, so keep scrolling.
Smart Moves for a Smooth Visit
Three floors sound fun until your legs start talking back. The barn has stairs between levels, and I did not see an elevator, so plan your energy.
Shoppers with limited mobility should call ahead at 717-596-0933. Staff can explain which areas are easiest to reach.
Aisles can feel snug, and some shelves are packed tight. Move slowly, keep bags close, and watch for fragile glass at elbow height.
Wear comfy shoes, since you may spend a whole afternoon on your feet. I clocked a surprising number of steps on my phone.
Bring cash, a reusable bag, and a tape measure. A quick measurement saved me from buying a lamp too tall for my side table.
Check booths on every floor before you buy. The same type of item can show up at different prices in different spots.
Snap photos of pieces you are unsure about. Walking around and coming back later helped me make smarter choices.
Once your bags are full, the surrounding area offers even more to see.
Trails and Views Beyond the Barn Doors
Hikers often stop in after a morning on the trail, and I think that is a perfect plan. The famous Appalachian Trail passes right through Duncannon, a small borough along the Susquehanna River.
Hawk Rock and the Cove Mountain overlooks offer sweeping views. The climb is challenging, but the scenery at the top is worth every breath.
History fans can visit The Old Log Church nearby. It adds a quiet, old-time feel to the day.
Nature lovers should look up the Hoverter and Sholl Box Huckleberry Natural Area in Perry County. It protects a rare and very old patch of plants.
The historic Perry County Courthouse in New Bloomfield makes another easy stop. Its classic look is lovely for photos.
The barn is also a favorite stop on thrifting trips around the Harrisburg area. Combining a hike, a scenic drive, and a shopping spree makes for a full and happy day.
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