If you’ve ever driven that winding curve on North Main Street in Cottonwood, you know the spot. It’s hard to miss. For over a decade, Larry's Antiques Cottonwood Arizona wasn't just a shop; it was a sprawling, two-acre chaotic masterpiece of desert history. You'd see rust-covered tractors, weathered gas pumps, and sun-bleached wagon wheels sitting out front like they were waiting for the 19th century to come back.
But things changed.
The big sign is different now, and the guy everyone knew—Lawrence "Larry" Cohen—isn't behind the counter anymore. If you're heading to the Verde Valley expecting to find the exact same "Larry’s" experience you had back in 2015, you’re in for a bit of a shock. Honestly, the story of what happened to Larry’s is just as much about small-town real estate drama as it is about vintage collectibles.
The Rise of a Two-Acre Treasure Map
Larry Cohen didn't just sell old stuff. He curated a vibe that was half-museum, half-hoarder’s-dream, and entirely Arizona. The building itself is a piece of history, dating back to 1895. It was originally the first commercial building in Cottonwood, once serving as an auto dealership and a feed store before Larry turned it into an antiquing destination.
It was massive. We're talking five different buildings packed to the rafters.
Most people didn't even make it inside for the first hour because the "yard" was a labyrinth. You had to navigate through:
- Ancient farm implements that looked like medieval torture devices.
- Stacks of original metal signs from brands that died out before your parents were born.
- Clawfoot bathtubs sitting in the dirt.
- A sea of mid-century Coke bottles and rusted tricycles.
Inside, the experience was even more intense. It was the kind of place where the checkout process was "antique" too—Larry or his staff would use a manual calculator and hand-write your receipt. You’d find US military gas masks, Native American jewelry, and dusty porcelain dolls that definitely looked like they moved when you weren't watching. It was overwhelming, sorta dusty, and absolutely perfect.
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The Twist: What Happened to Larry?
Around late 2022 and into 2023, the local grapevine started buzzing. Visitors showed up to find the doors locked or different faces behind the counter. The truth is a bit of a bummer for those who loved the original setup. Larry Cohen lost his lease after 13 years of building that brand.
It wasn't a voluntary retirement.
The property owners decided to take over the space. They opened a new shop called J&J Antiques & Things in the exact same location. While the new shop still has a lot of cool inventory and covers that same two-acre footprint, the "Larry" era officially ended with a bit of bad blood and a lot of confused tourists. Lawrence Cohen, ever the aficionado, has helped curate collections for local museums in the past, but his daily presence on Main Street is gone.
Why People Still Flock to the Curve
Even though the name on the door changed to J&J, the soul of the location at 796 North Main Street still draws the crowds. Cottonwood is the "Heart of Wine Country" now, but it still has its "Wild West" DNA.
People come for the scale. Most antique stores are cramped shops between a boutique and a cafe. This place is an estate.
The Survival of the "Junkyard" Aesthetic
If you’re looking for pristine, catalog-ready antiques, you might be disappointed. A lot of the inventory at the old Larry’s—and now J&J—sits outside. This means the Arizona sun and the occasional monsoon rain have a say in the "patina."
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It’s perfect for people who want:
- Rustic Garden Art: Old wheels or metal gears that look great in a xeriscaped yard.
- Man-Cave Decor: Rusty oil cans and license plates that haven't been "restored" to death.
- Authentic Wear: Things with real scratches and stories, not reproductions.
The Weird and the Wonderful
One of the best things about Larry's Antiques Cottonwood Arizona was the unpredictability. You could walk in looking for a dresser and leave with a 1940s Arizona Highways magazine and a vintage gas mask. That randomness persists. The new management has kept the spirit of "more is more."
Getting the Most Out of Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the Verde Valley, don't just stop at the antique shop and leave. Cottonwood has transformed. It used to be the place you passed through to get to Jerome or Sedona, but now it’s a destination.
Basically, you should make a day of it. Start at the antique store in the morning before the Arizona heat turns the outdoor yard into a furnace. Then, walk a few blocks into Old Town.
Bing’s Burger Station is right next door. It’s an old 1940s gas station turned into a diner. Eating a burger next to a 1950 Plymouth while staring at the antiques you just bought? That’s peak Cottonwood.
Reality Check: Pricing and Expectations
Let’s be real for a second. Larry’s was known for being a bit pricey. Because of its prime location at the gateway to Old Town, the prices often reflect "tourist" rates rather than "thrift store" finds.
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Don't expect $5 bargains on rare items.
The value here is the hunt and the sheer volume of stuff in one place. You’re paying for the convenience of not having to scour fifty different garage sales. Some visitors have noted that since the transition to J&J, the organization has improved slightly, but it’s still a place where you need to be prepared to get your hands a little dirty.
Moving Forward in the Verde Valley
The loss of the "Larry" name was the end of an era for Cottonwood, but the site remains a pilgrimage site for pickers. It’s a reminder of a time when the town was more about cattle and copper than Pinot Noir and boutiques.
If you want to experience the modern version of this legend, head to North Main Street. Just look for the curve. Even if the man himself isn't there to greet you, the two acres of "stuff" are still waiting to be discovered.
Practical Steps for Your Visit:
- Time it right: Arrive at 10:00 AM. The outdoor section is huge and offers zero shade.
- Check the labels: Under the new J&J management, there are multiple dealers. This means prices and "haggling" potential vary from booth to booth.
- Bring a truck: You might think you’re just buying a postcard, but you’ll probably see an old milk crate or a weathered ladder that won't fit in a Tesla.
- Explore the neighbors: After the antiques, hit the Arizona Copper Art Museum in nearby Clarkdale to see the more "polished" side of the region’s history.