In a town as deeply rooted in history as Tarboro, Patricia Pittman may have found the perfect business.

After all, some things never go out of style.

"I have been collecting antiques for a lot of years," said Pittman, who recently opened Tar River Antiques and Gifts at 205 Main St. in Tarboro. "I just wanted to be able to share them."

Pittman's new store, located in the former location of Creech The Florist, has a sizable collection of antiques, including furniture, glassware, pottery, porcelain, artwork and jewelry.

In addition to her own antiques, Pittman, who moved to Tarboro four years ago, also showcases several other local collections.

Pittman said that she found much of her collection at various auctions and estate sales already in good condition, but has also restored some of her antiques by hand.

“I have done my fair share of restoring,” said Pittman. “But I try to find it in good condition already.”

Pittman said that she enjoys collecting antique furniture because of the classical beauty of the pieces and the workmanship that went in to building them, rarely found today in contemporary pieces, which often are mass-produced in factories.

Pittman said that not only does she collect antiques to sell, but that she and her husband Paul also decorate thier home with pieces that they have collected over the years.

“I just love the look of Victorian and French Colonial furniture,” said Pittman. “That’s what we have in our home.”

Tar River Antiques and Gifts is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

The store can be reached at 908-4466.