Bargain-hunters, antique-lovers and connoisseurs of all things vintage gravitate toward the 18b Las Vegas Arts District, with its wide array of quirky shops and unexpected treasures. The most exciting day of the month to visit is undoubtedly First Friday, when many of the businesses in 18b (stands for 18 blocks) have extended nighttime hours that provide abundant opportunities to shop and people-watch.

Since many of these shops are within walking distance of each other, individuals on the search for antiques, vintage fashion or simply an interesting way to spend an afternoon can pick and choose from the following stops:

J J C Clocks & Antiques
New and antique clocks for sale, trade or repair.
Open Monday-Saturday 8am to 5pm; First Fridays 6-10pm
Located on Main St., south of Colorado
(702) 384-8463

Opportunity Village Thrift Shop
Collectables and wild and funky items for sale.
Monday-Saturday 9am to 6pm; Sunday 10am to 4pm; First Fridays 9am to 8pm
First Friday sales throughout the entire store: 50% off selected items.
921 S. Main St. (Between Bonneville and Charleston)
(702) 383-1082

Retro Vegas
Antiques--Furnishings--Accessories--Art.
Open Monday-Saturday 11am to 6pm; First Fridays 6-10:30pm
1211 S. Main St.
(702) 384-2700

The Funk House
Discounts up to 30% with your ‘I Heart First Friday 2!’ sticker.
Open Monday-Saturday 10am to 5pm; First Fridays 6-10pm. Special First Friday didgeridoo performances.
1228 Casino Center Blvd.
(702) 678-6278

Cottages, Castles & Closets
A neighborhood antique, vintage, shabby chic, and home décor shop.
Open Tuesday-Saturday noon-6pm
220 E. Charleston Blvd and Third Street, with parking off of Third Street
(702) 281-8887

Not Just Antiques
12,000 square feet filled with antiques, collectibles and art. Voted Las Vegas Review-Journal Best Place to Buy Antiques and Collectibles 2007.
Open Monday-Saturday 10:30am to 5:30pm; Sunday noon-5pm; First Friday till 10pm
1422 Western Ave.
(702) 384-4922

The Attic
The largest vintage clothing store in the world, famous for being featured in a Visa commercial ten years ago.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am to 6pm
1018 Main Street
(702) 388-4088

Valentino’s Zoot Suit Collection
Las Vegas's oldest vintage clothing store with wearable art from the 1900s to 1980s.
Open Monday-Saturday 11am to 5pm
101 to 107 East Charleston Blvd. Ste. 135, in the Arts Factory
(702) 383-9555

Gypsy Caravan
Renovated bungalow in the arts district selling art, vintage clothing, furniture and housewares.
Tuesday-Saturday 10am to 5pm
1214 S. 3rd St. (Colorado Avenue)
(702) 868-3302

Photo: Retro Vegas