When my fiance said she wanted to go antique shopping, the look I responded with must have been equivalent to the face I'd make if she told me she wanted to go recreational cactus hugging. Needless to say, I wore my skeptical spectacles.
A few hundred dollars and a full car trunk later, I was very happy we went. We found some extremely unique pieces for our new home. I'm not sure that we could have gone with too much of an agenda, i.e. "need yellow vase" but maybe you could. We acquired some "vintage/retro" pieces rather than valuable antiques. But then again my knowledge of antiques is little to none.
My visit was highlighted by a visit to Pitsburgh Willie's for a hot dog before we left. Go check out my 5-star review. It'll sweeten the pot on a trip to Merchant Square - I promise!