I love the open air flea market in Canton, Texas. The weekend prior to the first Monday of each month marks the date for the market which has been a Texas tradition since 1850. If your planning to go, check out this guide to make the most out of your trip.
What to Bring:
• Cash, and lots of it. While there are ATM's at the market, you don't want to be caught using one!
• Large sturdy bags to carry your purchases. I also suggest making a quick trip back to the car to drop off anything you may have purchased at The Civic Center and the first field section, before you go deeper into the market. A lighter load will make thrifting more enjoyable!
• A friend's truck, or even consider renting a U-haul trailer. We saw lots of people buying larger home-furnishing pieces (desks, dressers, doors, stained glass windows) who had rented a U-haul for the day to get everything safely home.
• Hat and sunglasses. It's Texas so it's hot and sunny. Since most of the market is outdoors you'll definitely regret leaving these at home!
• A "no buyers remorse" attitude. If you see something you like, act fast, it won't be there on your way back!
What to Purchase:
• The "Canton Cart." You can't miss this classic cart. You can buy them at the entrance of the market and at some stands inside. Everyone's got one, it's the cool thing to do.
• Something 'Texan.' A Sherrif's badge, a vintage state flag or a pair of cowboy boots, an item that will make the trip memorable.
What to Hit:
• Canton Civic Center (see map). You'll find vintage jewelry, silver, china, all the more expensive flea market items in this building. It also has the cleanest bathrooms in the entire market! My favorite 'shop' (image 2) is in the Civic Center called Haney's Daughter. It's run by a sweet woman named Tammy who's got some really great classic vintage Western gear.
• The food — any of it! Towards the back of the market after the arbors and before the cemetery, the best food awaits: turkey legs, funnel cakes and more. The food is Texas State Fair-worthy; you won't be able to pass through without trying something!
What to Avoid:
• Skip "The Arbors" (see map). While it may seem appealing at first (it's covered so you can get out of the sun), you will see a lot of the same stuff, and a lot of this stuff you could get at Bed Bath & Beyond. Nothing against Bed Bath & Beyond, but you won't be finding the vintage gems in The Arbors.
For more information and additional tips, you can visit the Trade Days website.
Images: Robert Howl
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You will not regret a trip to First Monday (unless maybe you wait until August when it's just too darn hot).
Too far to go, sad to say...
Tip: Get (sometimes AT a flea market) a light weight folding luggage carrier. (You know, those things that hold your vintage suitcase that doesn't have wheels!) One of those with a bungee cord is extremely helpful for toting fairly heavy boxes and bags back to the car without throwing your back out. Like a 2-wheeler (dolly) only easier to carry.
If you plan to buy furniture, you might want to have a real dolly in the car that you can go back for as needed.
We used to live about 5 miles from Canton Trade Days when I was growing up. I remember going as a kid. It's bigger than Six Flags and whole lot more fun! Also, you don't need to bring a real dolly to First Monday as you receive a pass to drive your vehicle right in when you buy large items. So convenient!
W.S. Porter is right, though. NEVER go in late summer. Talk about miserably hot. In fact, I plan to make the April date this year. That way all the good stuff is still ripe for the taking. ;)
I LOVE first Monday in Canton. Takes days to see everything.
OMG! I grew up in Canton and it may be good to know that there's no way your cell phone is going to work while you're on the grounds. It's a very small town with fewer cell towers than can handle this boom of people. Plan ahead and don't lose your group!
Do not pass up The Original Fried Pie shop just one exit up from the flea market. Sooo awesome - but FYI they don't sell, milk, so bring your own!
http://www.theoriginalfriedpieshop.com/
Pics from our last trip here: http://www.prudentbaby.com/2010/10/flea-market-finds.html
Hey! Canton's big time! No joke about avoiding it during the summer! Don't be afraid to haggle or try for a group discount if you're buying multiple things from one vendor... especially if they aren't in the Arbors.
THANK YOUUUUUU for this!! We have lived in the DFW area for more than a year and I have been planning a trip out there for sometime! We're going in April and I can't wait!
I've been trying to go to Canton for this for a long time, but it's far from Houston. But I will make the trek! I have to!
making me miss my hometown flea market! that's a little too far for us, but anyone know of something comparable in the san antonio/austin area?