The 8 Under The Radar Upstate New York Thrift Shops For Incredible Bargains

One thrift shop on my list opens its doors only two days a week. Miss Wednesday or Saturday, and you wait for the next round.

Another spreads clothing, housewares, and jewelry across at least three floors. A third has offered flat-price clothing bag sales in the past, making it worth checking for current bargains. Shoppers should confirm the latest bag-sale rules before visiting.

None of these stores are famous. Many are tied to hospitals, churches, community organizations, or volunteer crews, so your purchase often helps your neighbors too. That means your bargain does a little good on its way out the door.

So I went hunting across Upstate New York for the shops that rarely land on big lists. They sit in river towns, mountain hamlets, and lake villages. Which one is close enough for your next treasure hunt?

1. That Nothing Be Lost Thrift, Garrison, NY

A thrift store with a name borrowed from scripture sets the bar pretty high. The phrase echoes the Gospel line about gathering leftovers so that nothing be lost, and honestly, that’s the whole thrifting philosophy in five words.

The shop sits on Franciscan Way in Garrison, a small hamlet above the Hudson River. It’s connected to St. Christopher’s Inn at Graymoor, so your bargain hunting supports a bigger mission on the hill.

Now for the fun part. The store stretches across at least three floors, and some shoppers count four once the antique space joins the party.

You’ll find clothing, housewares, jewelry, and a healthy pile of miscellaneous items. That last category is where thrifting gets exciting, since you never know what counts as miscellaneous until you see it.

Organization is a big strength here. Multiple floors could feel like a maze, but the layout keeps things sorted so you can actually find the good stuff.

Prices are a major reason people keep the place on their radar. Expect fair tags and a big selection, which is the dream combo for anyone stretching a budget.

Plan your trip carefully, because the shop is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. It opens Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Give yourself more time than a quick stop. Three or four floors of stuff deserves a slow wander and maybe a second lap.

Address: 16 Franciscan Way, Garrison, NY 10524

2. Barn Thrift Shop, The, Pleasant Valley, NY

Shopping in a barn just feels right in Dutchess County. The Barn Thrift Shop leans into that small-town charm along US-44 in Pleasant Valley.

Here’s the good news for your conscience. The shop is a nonprofit, so your purchases support more than a store’s bottom line.

Inside, the focus is variety. You can browse clothing, home decor, and a wide range of affordable goods in one stop.

Tidy shoppers will appreciate the setup. The store is known for being well organized, which makes digging for treasure feel less like a chore.

This is a great spot to bring the family along. Thrifting together turns into a game of who finds the strangest or best item first.

Plenty of locals call it the best thrift store in the area. That’s bold praise in a region with no lack of secondhand options.

A few practical perks help too. The shop offers in-store pickup, and there’s a gender-neutral restroom on site.

Hours run Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Sundays are closed, so save your Saturday morning for this one.

Need a pro tip? Swing by more than once a season, since thrift stock never sits still for long.

Pleasant Valley makes an easy detour if you’re exploring the Hudson Valley side of Upstate New York. Pair it with a country drive and call it a perfect day.

Address: 1416 US-44, Pleasant Valley, NY 12569

3. Second Show, Hudson, NY

Warren Street in Hudson is famous for pricey antiques and polished boutiques. Second Show quietly offers the budget-friendly version right in the middle of it.

This community thrift shop has been at it since 1996. That’s nearly three decades of turning donations into dollars for good causes.

Speaking of causes, the list is impressive. Proceeds benefit Columbia Memorial Hospital, its Auxiliary, and Operation Unite, NY.

So yes, that sweater could help your local hospital. Not many shopping trips can say that.

The store has a real old-school thrift feel. Think great selection, reasonable prices, and the thrill of not knowing what’s on the next shelf.

Friendly staff add to the appeal. The shop is also known as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space, so everyone can browse comfortably.

Timing matters here. Second Show opens Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and it’s closed Sundays and Mondays.

Got a free afternoon? Make a stroll of it, since Warren Street is lined with historic buildings and fun window shopping.

Hudson is one of the most charming small cities in Upstate New York. Finding a true bargain there feels like a little victory over the fancy price tags nearby.

Bring a reusable bag and some patience. The best finds tend to reward people who look twice.

Address: 519 Warren St, Hudson, NY 12534

4. Riverside Thrift Store, Wilmington, NY

A complete Game Boy set with a box, charger, case, and three boxed games once turned up here for pocket change. Yes, really.

That’s the kind of story that makes Riverside Thrift Store worth the mountain drive. It sits on Haselton Road in Wilmington, deep in Adirondack High Peaks country.

Don’t expect a giant warehouse. This is a small, friendly operation known for good prices and good finds.

The shelves stay very organized. That makes quick browsing easy, which is handy when you have hiking plans later.

Here’s the catch you need to know. The store opens just two days a week, Wednesday and Saturday, from 9 AM to 2 PM.

Miss those windows, and you’ll be peeking through the glass. Mark your calendar before heading up.

Parking is plentiful, which is a gift in a busy tourist region. You won’t circle the block hunting for a spot.

The staff get regular praise for being friendly. In a small mountain town, that easygoing vibe fits right in.

Why make the trip? Wilmington is a natural stop if you’re already exploring the Adirondacks, and a thrift break is cheaper than another souvenir shop.

Keep an eye out for electronics, games, and odd little collectibles. Retro tech has a way of showing up in places where nobody expects it.

Address: 1169 Haselton Rd, Wilmington, NY 12997

5. GoFish! Thrift Shop, Saranac Lake, NY

Any shop with an exclamation point in its name is clearly excited to see you. GoFish! Thrift Shop brings that same energy to Saranac Lake.

The name might make you think of bait and tackle. Instead, you’ll be reeling in used apparel, house goods, and toys.

Volunteers run the show here. They work hard to keep inventory moving and the shelves organized.

That effort pays off for shoppers. The store is easy to navigate, with plenty of treasures and prices often called unbeatable.

Now, the important part. GoFish! is open only two days a week, so planning ahead is a must.

Wednesday hours run from 10 AM to 3 PM. Saturday hours run from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Families should take note of the toy selection. Kids grow fast, and secondhand toys are a smart way to keep up without draining your wallet.

Saranac Lake is a classic Adirondack village surrounded by lakes and woods. A thrift stop fits nicely between a lakeside walk and a lunch break.

Since the stock keeps moving, a second visit can feel like a brand new store. That’s a good excuse to come back on your next trip north.

Bring a bag and a little flexibility. The best catch of the day might not be the one you came looking for.

Address: 89 Will Rogers Dr, Saranac Lake, NY 12983

6. Faerydale, Greenwich, NY

With a name like Faerydale, you half expect tiny wings fluttering between the shelves. What you actually get is a huge thrift store packed with trinkets galore.

The shop sits along NY-29 in Greenwich, a rural town in Washington County. It’s the kind of place you could pass by and later wish you hadn’t.

Size is a big part of the appeal. Shoppers describe it as huge, which means more aisles to explore and more chances to score.

It’s not just big, though. Items are thoughtfully arranged, so wandering the store feels pleasant instead of overwhelming.

Prices here get described as more than reasonable. Combine that with the sheer volume of stuff, and you’ve got a bargain hunter’s playground.

Love little knickknacks? This is your spot, since trinkets and small treasures are a major theme.

The owner gets frequent praise for being sweet and welcoming. That personal touch is a big reason independent shops feel so different from chain stores.

Plan around the schedule. Faerydale opens Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Greenwich makes a lovely country drive in any season. A slow trip through rural Upstate New York pairs perfectly with a slow browse.

Leave a little room in the car. Something whimsical will probably follow you home.

Address: 1251 NY-29 #2, Greenwich, NY 12834

7. Once Again Shoppe, Penn Yan, NY

Once Again Shoppe has advertised flat-price clothing bag sales in the past, but its current promotions and restrictions should be confirmed before visiting. Somebody clearly learned that denim lovers need boundaries.

Affordable clothing and household goods are part of what makes Once Again Shoppe a favorite in Penn Yan. The village sits at the north end of Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes.

The store offers a large selection of clothing. You’ll also find a varied mix of household goods for your kitchen, shelves, and closets.

Affordability is the main theme here. Shoppers rate the staff, the prices, and the mission as top-notch.

A couple of quick tips will save you a headache. The shop only accepts cash, so hit the ATM before you arrive.

There’s also no fitting room. Bring a tape measure or know your sizes well, especially if you’re stuffing a bag.

Hours run Wednesday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM. On Saturday, the shop opens from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Sunday through Tuesday, the doors stay closed. Plan your lake weekend accordingly.

Penn Yan makes a lovely base for exploring Keuka Lake. A thrift stop gives you something fun to do between scenic drives and lakeside lunches.

Wear something easy to layer over, since checking fit happens right in the aisle. Bargain hunters learn to adapt.

Address: 100 E Elm St, Penn Yan, NY 14527

8. Thrifty Connections, Schenectady, NY

A whole room just for books might be the best way to start a thrift trip. Thrifty Connections in Schenectady has exactly that.

The shop is laid out in rooms, which makes browsing feel like a little house tour. One room holds books, and another holds household items like dishes, linens, and seasonal decor.

Keep going and you’ll hit jewelry, clothing, shoes, and coats. Each space has its own focus, so you can head straight to your favorite category.

Quality is a big selling point here. Shoppers describe high-quality items at more-than-fair prices, which feels rare these days.

Fresh stock shows up often. Some folks stop by nearly weekly and still find new treasures each time.

This place does more than sell stuff. It also hosts classes, adding a community twist to your shopping trip.

Want to help even more? The shop accepts donations of books, craft supplies, home decor, clothing, and other eligible goods to help keep its community classes and products affordable.

Plan around a short week. The store opens Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM.

Schenectady sits in the Capital District of Upstate New York, with plenty of history in its streets. Lafayette Street is an easy stop on a city outing.

Bring a donation bag along with your shopping bag. You’ll leave lighter and come home with something better.

Address: 158 Lafayette St, Schenectady, NY 12305