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Here is the promised Part 2 of the best Antique Fairs and Markets in the U.S. Here is the The Best Antique Fairs and Markets in the U.S. Part 1 if you missed it. I love a good antique, thrift, vintage or flea market and by any other name it’s still a treasure trove of goodies for all.The history behind everything is what gets me. It reminds me of being a child and following my parents around to thrift on the weekends. I also love a good yard sale too and have thrown many yard sales myself.
As I told you in my last blog post, my parents were masters of finding things and turning it into something else. I remember them turning an old horse bridle into a mirror, a water pump into a lamp, a wagon wheel and old pickle barrel into a table, putting a tractor seat on top of a milk can and turning it into a seat and many, many more. So I guess it’s in my blood.
I hope you enjoy this list and I’ve even included a **bonus** at the end as well as my “must have” items for when I go hunting.
Elephant’s Trunk Country Flea Market
New Milford, Connecticut
Every Sunday starting April 17th through December
Early Bird Admission I $20 (cash) – 5:30am – 2pm
Early Bird Admission II $10 – 7am – 2pm
General Admission $3 – 8am – 2pm
Cash or Credit On-site
Free Parking
Since 1976, treasure hunters have been flocking to Elephant’s Trunk for antiques, collectibles, crafts, and bargains galore. They started with only 15 vendors and now they have over 500 vendors and is the largest weekly market in New England. Elephant’s Trunk has been featured on many seasons of Flea Market Flip and if you’ve ever been, you can see why. No two weekends are alike With a different mix of vendors every week, no two weekends are alike. Vendors have to arrive in the wee hours of the morning in order to get a position on the field.
Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market
Springfield, Ohio
3rd Weekend Every Month
Check Website for dates
Saturday: 8am – 5pm
Sunday: 9am – 4pm
Monthly Show Admission $3
Extravaganza Admission $12 & 20 Early Bird
Cash Only, exact change preferred
Free Parking
Dating back to the 1970s, the Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market has grown into one of the largest indoor-outdoor markets in the Midwest. Spread across the Clark County Fairgrounds, it offers a diverse mix of antiques, collectibles, and vintage goods.
With 200-400 vendors, this market promises endless exploration. The Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market has been featured in the popular television series “American Pickers,” adding to its allure for antique aficionados. The “Extravaganza” is held in May and September, has over 2000 vendors and attracts people from all over the world.
Image via Columbus on the Cheap
Brooklyn Flea
Brooklyn, New York
April 6-7 to November
Every Saturday & Sunday
10am – 5pm
Free Admission
Founded in 2008, the Brooklyn Flea has become a cultural institution in New York City. It offers a curated selection of vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and artisanal food. With 100’s of vendors, the Brooklyn Flea showcases the best of local artisans and collectors. The Brooklyn Flea has served as a launching pad for numerous small businesses, including popular food vendors and independent designers, helping to revitalize neighborhoods across the borough. It was even named by Timeout NY as one of New York’s best pickup spots. So dress comfortably and cute!
Alameda Point Antiques Faire
Alameda, California
1st Sunday every month starting 4/7
VIP Shopping 6am – 7:30am $20
Early Buy 7:30am – 9am $15
Morning 9am – 12pm $10
Afternoon 12pm – 3pm $5
Tickets are Cash Only
Free Parking
Established in 1998, the Alameda Point Antiques Faire (correct spelling) is the largest antiques fair in Northern California and is a treasure trove of vintage finds nestled in the San Francisco Bay Area. It offers a diverse array of antiques, collectibles, and retro goods. With over 800 vendors, there’s something for everyone at this expansive fair. Every item has to be at least 20 years old. Actor Johnny Depp is known to have frequented the Alameda Point Antiques Faire, browsing for unique items to add to his eclectic collection and there’s an advisory on the website that there’s usually active filming so by entering you’re automatically agreeing to be filmed. Cool, huh?
There’s a shuttle that will carry you from the parking lot to the faire entrance.
Randall Street Market Festival
Chicago, Illinois
May 25 & 26 – September 28 & 29
Holiday Markets Nov 16 & 17, Dec 14 & 15
Early Bird 9am – 5pm $25 100% for charity
General Admission 10am – 5pm $12
Seniors/Teachers/Students/1st Responders/Military $5
Other Packages Available on the Website
Free Parking at Onsite Lot for Holiday Markets
Multi-level parking in Garage for $4/hr year round
Since its inception in 2003, the Randolph Street Festival has become a beloved tradition in the Windy City. Held in the historic West Loop neighborhood, it features an indoor/outdoor curated selection of antiques, vintage clothing, and handmade goods.With over 300 vendors, this European style market offers a diverse range of treasures. Over 200 indoor/outdoor vendors. In 2015, a rare copy of Action Comics #1, featuring the first appearance of Superman, was discovered at the Randolph Street Market Festival, fetching a record-breaking price at auction. BHG voted it “one of the best flea markets to visit before you die” which is very aggressive, but I get the point. Haha
Image via Randolph Street Market
**BONUS**
I couldn’t have the best antique fairs and markets without the largest of them all. Even though it’s not until August, I wanted to give you some information on this six state “yard sale”. It will give us time to prepare, right?
127 Yard Sale
Addison, MI to Gadsden AL
First Thu – Sun in August each year
Most Vendors Open 8am – Dark
Free Admission
Park Where You Can
Known as the world’s longest yard sale, the 127 Yard Sale covers 690 miles and spans six states (Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia & Alabama). It began in 1987 and was the idea of former TN county executive Mike Walker. The idea was to encourage people to by-pass I-75 and I-40 and travel the more scenic routes. This would give small rural communities the chance to show off their attractions and bring more tourism. Since there are thousands of vendors, there are no set times. Anyone can of course have a yard sale during this time, but you have to check your local community for instructions on setting up in a booth area.
If you want to travel the entire route, make a plan in advance for where you want to stop and stick to it. (It’s impossible to cover the entire route in four days if you visit every sale.) If you see signs pointing to yard sales off the main route, check them out. Most shoppers won’t want to veer off track, so there could be hidden gems waiting there just for you.
Here is a shot of people vintage shopping in Kentucky.
Image via Small Town Plus Size
If you want to know my favorite essentials for thrifting, take a look below.
25ft Measuring Tape with Fractions – A good measuring tape is a must-have
Foldable Wagon Cart with Wheels – If you can, I would highly recommend a wagon to carry smaller items
Fanny Pack / Crossbody Belt Bag – For your money, credit cards and other miscellaneous items
Measuring Ring for Irregular Shapes – This is genius and will allow you to measure shapes other than straight
8pk Mini Hand Sanitizers with Carrier – Post 2020, everyone should have some of these wherever they go
10pk (20 in each) Hand & Face Wipes – For after you’ve touched all of the dusty, crusty items
USB Rechargeable Handheld Fan – If you’re like me and can’t stand the heat, get this fan has now; I have one and I love it
Neutrogena SPF70 Dry Touch Sunscreen – Protect yourself; enough said
Bring plenty of cash and put the cash in different compartments of your bag. If the vendors see that you have a lot of cash, they might not be willing to negotiate with you. Newspaper is also a good item to bring in case you need to wrap something and the vendor doesn’t have anything. Many people recommend bringing a flashlight, but I just use a flashlight app on my phone. Also, water would be good to bring. I also suggest bringing snacks like nuts or protein bars even though all of the venues will have food available to buy. Sometimes when you’re on the hunt, you don’t want to stop for food. Or at least I don’t.
I’m so excited for this season and finding treasures. Let me know in the comments if you like hunting and thrifting and what are your favorite places to go in your area.
See ya next time.
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