With over 30 antique emporiums in a 10-mile radius, the Wiscasset area is an antique lover’s mecca.

One can spend days on foot leisurely exploring the many shops clustered around downtown Wiscasset. More adventurous souls will be doubly rewarded by a short car trip out of town, where unique antique shops, historic villages and scenic vistas await.

Richard Plunkett, who owns the Wizard of Odds and Ends in historic Head Tide Village in Alna, became enthralled with antiquing at the age of 8.

“I’ve always been fascinated with the past,” Plunkett said of his life-long love of antiques.

As a young boy, Plunkett collected “stuff” from the trash, neighbors, estate sales and wherever a treasure could be found.

“It all began with a little red wagon I pulled around the neighborhood; and now, 50 years later, I have a big red wagon (van) and I’m still going to auctions and estate sales and looking for treasures,” he said.

Plunkett worked as an elementary school teacher for over 20 years.

“Antiques were my passion, but it was hard to make a living at that,” he said. It was during the school year’s summer breaks that Plunkett developed his antique business.

Plunkett moved to Maine about 30 years ago and has been actively involved with his passion for antiques and history, through professional organizations, as a dealer at his shops in Wiscasset, Beach Haven, New Jersey and Alna, and as an appraiser and lecturer.

Still a teacher at heart, Plunkett said he particularly enjoys sharing the history of antiques and the area with others.

Plunkett said antique buyers’ motivations and interests vary widely.

“People often collect certain things or they are looking for a memory piece and some people are simply buying to invest,” he said. “What was selling 10 years ago isn’t selling anymore. Now young people are looking for a whole different thing — early industrial stuff, anything from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

“I never thought it would come to that, but even plastic and Pyrex are sought.”

Where would Plunkett go if he were new to the area and looking for great antique finds?

“What’s really fun is the Montsweag Flea Market in Woolwich. Wiscasset has multiple dealerships like Avalon, as well as the shops in town.

“In Brunswick, there is Cabot Mill and the flea market at Fort Andross,” he said. “And I always encourage people to get ‘out there’ and explore beyond Route 1. There is something for every interest and budget.”