Florence: Colorado's Antique Capital
To the naked eye, Florence is just a small town just 9 miles from Cañon City. But for those in the know, it is a town rich in history and on the path to a dynamic future.
To the naked eye, Florence is just a small town just 9 miles from Cañon City. But for those in the know, it is a town rich in history and on the path to a dynamic future.
Florence experienced its first wave of growth in 1881 thanks to an oil boom. When the industry slowed down in the 1930s and 1940s, much of the city’s population moved away, leaving behind dozens of historic buildings that would go untouched for decades.
Today, low rents on these historic buildings have attracted a growing number of antique dealers who have helped the city garner the title of Antique Capital of Colorado. With more than 20 antique stores and counting, Florence boasts the highest number of antique stores per capita in the state. It may be safe to assume that after decades of a stagnant economy, Florence has finally found its niche.
Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street and step into any one of the many antique stores, each of which claims its own specialty. No two stores are alike, and no two have the same merchandise. You might run into antique dealers from Denver, Colorado Springs, Texas, Oklahoma or other parts of the West seeking old treasures. Like them, you’re sure to find interesting treasures around every turn.
Discover all of Florence’s antique stores on the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway Arts and Antiques Tour, which also meanders through the town of Westcliffe. See jagged peaks, lush meadows and aspen-covered vistas along this drive.
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