by: Elizabeth Speer

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Many of us have spent time in Greenville’s museums. We’ve admired the art, explored the children’s museum with our younger counterparts, and even taken the time to reflect at the American Legion’s War Museum. With all these great options, you may not have realized that there is a hidden gem disguised as a used furniture store, with an eye-catching collection just waiting for the appreciative admirer.

Hot Rods Used Furniture, owned and displayed by the genial Lee Knight, is located at 6340 White Horse Rd, and is open Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Lee has been adding to his collection since childhood, and his extensive array includes everything from a Gremlins lunchbox, to a Black Knight pinball machine, to a host of KISS memorabilia. There are old radios, interesting signs, toys of every shape and decade, (My husband nearly drooled over the Star Wars collection) and much more. Leave the kiddos at home for this visit though, you will be spending too much time staring at everything to try to keep them out of trouble! There’s something for every interest filling the walls and shelves at Hot Rods, and although the majority of Lee’s collection isn’t for sale, he always has a few items tucked aside for those fellow pickers-at- heart.

My husband and I purchased a wooden chair, a decorative paddle, an 8mm film editor, a distressed window, and an old Philco floor model radio! Even if viewing collectibles isn’t your style, you can always check out the excellent selection of used furniture for sale, or spend some time talking with Lee about his collection and the fascinating stories that go along with it. If you get a chance, ask him about something else dear to his heart, animal rescue. Lee is involved with the upcoming Auction For A Kaws on February 3rd, which is an annual event that consists of a silent auction, as well as a live bachelor/bachelorette auction, to raise funds for animal rescue groups in the upstate.

You can check out both Hot Rods Used Furniture and Auction For A Kaws on Facebook, but be sure to stop by and visit Lee in person. If you enjoy taking a look around his store, he will always gladly accept donations for Upstate Animal Rescue Foundation of South Carolina. We will certainly be back to see what new items are on display, and to find out what Lee has up for sale next time. Go take a look yourself, you won’t be disappointed!