180
“There is a bit of serendipity involved in used bookstores,” says owner Ken Vaughan. “A lot of the time, the book tends to find you.” Serendipity was certainly involved when Ken and his wife, Heather, were given the chance to become co-owners in the historic Cambria Station Antiques building, and simultaneously bring their dreams of opening a used bookstore to life.
Together, with their partner Scott Bandy, who specializes in antique furniture including custom designs, the owners purchased the antique business and building in 2022. Since then, they have been able to breathe new life into the store through their vision “to provide the region’s best shopping experience and selection for trending vintage and retro treasures as well as classic, timeless antiques.”
“This location is just so special to us,” Ken explains. “Perched right next to the train tracks, filled with so much history. Every single day folks come in and share their memories, bringing the past to life.” Located at the site of a turn-of-the-century Christiansburg landmark that housed the oldest operating freight elevator in the state of Virginia, the 3-story building has had many different purposes over the decades but has been an antique business since around 1989.
The team has been renovating the entire building, exposing hidden beams and installing vintage chandeliers, highlighting hidden features of the original architecture. But maybe the coolest new feature is the used bookstore. As online book sellers since 2013 with a small booth at the store, Ken and Heather decided to turn 2000 square feet of the building into a tantalizing treasure trove of books.
B.O.O.K.S.
Like something out of Harry Potter, Old New River Books is filled with heirlooms and oddities and is sure to delight the curious reader in all of us. The impressive central archway — constructed entirely of used books! – is a captivating focal point and lures customers over. “Who would have thought there would be such overlap? But it makes sense. Antique lovers are book lovers, too,” says Ken. With everything from classics to contemporary, the bookstore features many rare editions and collectibles, as well as local history with a focus on Appalachia and Virginiana. The layout of the store is casually intuitive, with a clever intentionality about it.
Vintage oversized leather reading chairs, a coffee and tea station, and even a taste of Virginia section make this the kind of place you want to spend the entire afternoon. Kids will be kept busy trying to find the hidden trinkets and candies throughout the book arch (hint: some of the “books” in the archway aren’t really books!)
A.N.T.I.Q.U.E.S.
“Antique stores are like museums where you can actually buy stuff,” Ken laughs, “which is why we try to make things affordable. We want people to keep these treasures alive and in use.
A large percentage of the store’s customers are under 30 years old, which is a pretty big deal. “I think the younger generations today are tired of the plastic, digital world they’re immersed in, and they long for things that feel real.” Whether it is the extensive vinyl LP collection on the second floor, the revolving door of vintage clothing and jewelry, the featured art exhibition — or perhaps the “Blockbuster Video” booth, showcasing an entire wall of timeless VHS tapes in every genre — young adults are definitely digging the vibe.
“With 26 unique dealers, we want every customer to feel there’s a great deal for them each time they visit and to shop in a relaxed, casual atmosphere with friendly staff ready to help,” Heather explains. “We want stellar dealers, who in turn make happy customers.”
There is also an amazing, updated Christmas Room on the second floor with Shiny Brite ornaments, Caroler figurines, Lighted Village collectibles, vintage décor and more.
“They don’t make things like they used to,” Ken shares. “If you come in here looking for a gift for a loved one, you can feel confident knowing it’s going to last.” It seems like many of us are finding our way back to the quality of the past.
Coming by Train and Automobile
It’s no surprise that passenger rail is returning to the area, with an Amtrak station opening in 2027. The old station on Cambria Street has been selected as the final location, which will be a real game-changer for the store. Once built, the station will have two daily round trips between Roanoke and Christiansburg, with a third daily trip highly likely. Round trips to Radford and Bedford are also possible.
“We get customers traveling the interstate, visiting Virginia Tech and Radford University parents and alumni, as well as locals who come in weekly. Purchasing a business with an established clientele base was a true bonus,” states Heather.
The artful blending of old and new is what keeps small towns vibrant amidst modern change. Being a family run business, Cambria Station Antiques brings a warm sense of community and strong connection to the past that makes it feel like, well, home.
Text by Emily Kathleen Alberts
Photos by Tom and Christy Wallace
Photos by Tom and Christy Wallace
Written by Emily Kathleen Alberts, who managed to spot a copy of favorite author David Sedaris’ Calypso on her way out the door. “Go ahead, take it!” Ken said. “On the house!”
Talk about serendipity!
