We thought we'd show you some of the things we saw at the last Alameda Antique Faire. We're looking forward to the next one, especially after seeing what Victoria has done with her finds from Alameda and similar places.
The Antique Faire is held the first Sunday of every month. The next one is Sunday, August 6.
Thanks for posting this! I've always been curious about going, but wasn't sure if it would be worth the trek from SF. One question - is it cash only? I couldn't determine that from the website...
Hi there -
It's well worth the trip from the City - and usually there's no traffic when you leave early - half hour tops. Most vendors like cash, but I've seen some take checks. There's an ATM on the premises, as well. Go...you'll love it!
Victoria
Definitely worth the trip! Wear comfortable shoes. Don't be surprised if it takes you five hours or more to see ALL of the vendors.
Cash is preferred payment method, but many will also take a check, especially for the larger price items. A few even take credit cards.
Thanks everyone - I've got August 6th on my calendar. Are there any vendors you would recommend in particular? I love to just browse but I also like to have a game plan in the back of my mind so if I start to feel too tired I can prioritize and not feel like I missed something fabulous.
BTW, Victoria, your place was very inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing it. I'm currently doing the 8 week cure (well maybe more like 10 weeks at my current pace) on my tiny 2 room studio and the one thing I noticed right away was the lack of the "extras" that really express my personality and would make my apartment MY place. My apartment is part of a pre-quake (I think) Victorian, so there's a lot of structural details that are interesting, but some pictures/wall decor and lamps would help personalize it I think.
Hannala, this market is large. Even when I go through fairly quickly, it still takes at least 2.5 hours. There are essentially two long rows and everyone has their own way of doing it. For instance, I start on the right side in the front and work back and forth all the way down the right side, and then back up the left side. There are some vendors who are there every time (for instance, I always check out Coco and Fred, who sell French items in the first row, and George, who brings vintage linens, flash cards, funky cool things from Seattle, who's in about the second row on the end, by the main aisle, and I always avoid a woman dealer of linens who rudely grabbed an item out of my hands (!!) a couple of years ago and handed them to someone else). And there are some people you'll never see again. Just go toward what your eye draws you to. It's fun. But remember sun block, comfy walking shoes, and small bills. And no pets, not even in the car!