Summer Flea Markets

By Barbara Nicholson Bell

As we enter the second half of the summer in North America, we collectors are moving beyond the neighborhood yard sales and really flexing our shopping muscles as we hit the flea markets and regional antique shows from coast to coast!

Some of the most popular ones are already behind us on the calendar, but if you are still planning your vacation itinerary to visit as many shows as possible and/or just the very best within your day-trip's mileage limits, consider these:

• The World's Longest Outdoor Yard Sale and Flea Market - This incredibly grueling and ultimately satisfying road trip will take you more than a couple of days to complete if you start at the beginning in Jamestown, Tennessee, all the way north to Covington, Kentucky and south to Gadsden, Alabama, encompassing 450 miles. The route was once US Route 127 and the concept of a "mile-long" yard sale to attract tourists off the new interstate has mushroomed to include dozens of small towns and communities and thousands of individual sellers setting up in their front yards, driveways, roadside intersections and parks. Stick to a daily "budget" and make sure there's room in the pick-up/minivan/station wagon for all your purchases!
• Orlando Flea World - Operating every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (rain or shine) from 9:00am to 6:00pm, this Flea Market is located on Highway 17-92, between Orlando and Sanford, Florida. There are over 800 dealer booths, and nearby is Antique World with 100 antique dealers and collectible shops. Take another day away from Disney to explore this shopper's paradise.
• #1 Flea Market, Baton Rouge, Louisiana - Located at 12191 Florida Blvd, this 200-booth flea market is open year round, on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from 10:00am to 6:00pm. It boasts 5000 visitors a week, a respectable number for someplace a little off the beaten path.
• Charlton (Massachusetts) Flea Market and Antiques - The Charlton Flea Market and Antiques, at Trolley Crossing (about 30 minutes east of Brimfield) is an "old fashioned" flea market, offering plenty of bargains. The market is approximately 75% antiques and collectibles as well as offering new merchandise and groceries.
• Bloomfield (Ohio) Flea and Farmer's Market - Located in Amish country, this country flea market operates every Thursday year round, rain or shine. Between 150 and 300 dealers have been coming for over 50 years to showcase their Amish crafts, foods, furniture as well as traditional antiques and collectibles.
• Orange County Marketplace - If you'll be near Costa Mesa, California any time this summer except late July (when the Orange County Fair takes place here) you'll love California's largest outdoor flea market. Held every Saturday and Sunday for over 35 years, this Flea Market sees nearly 50,000 visitors each week for over 1000 dealers. Plan to take a couple of day just to see the highlights!

There are so many local and regional flea markets and fairs held around the United States and Canada during the fair weather months. Even more are held year round in indoor facilities. Some of them are blatantly cheesy and others are showcases for fine local craftspeople and farm produce.

You might want to check out the following web sites for more calendars:

• Collectors.org Flea Market Calendar
• OpenAir-Market on the Web

Have fun!

About the Author:

I have been a writer all my life, a collector of various interesting and old things, a traveler and an artist. More importantly, I've been a mother to four fine sons and grandmother to one very smart young lady. In these capacities and a few miscellaneous others, I've pursued a number of careers. I formerly wrote for Suite101.com on the topics Antiques & Collectibles and Design How-To (formerly, Interior Decorating for Beginners) as well as managing the Arts & Crafts section and several courses and newsletters to do with gardening, the home, and family. My articles have been gathered in two Best of Suite e-books entitled Antiques & Collectibles: The Design Periods, and The Collector's Encyclopedia, vols I & II.

Another stage in my life begins as Editor for Suite101's Home and Garden section. I can now legitimately focus on my passions for interior decorating, gardening and writing all at once!

Recently I was assigned the Health section as well. As the health of my family and myself are of utmost importance to me, I feel honored to have this responsibility. Meanwhile, if other avenues of self-expression present themselves to me, I may follow them as well. Some other very important interests include my husband Russ, Paris (and everything French), and golf.

Article courtesy of Suite101.com.