Isn't it often the case that the coolest pieces in a home are one-of-a-kind finds from world travels? Your friend's stunning sea-green vase ("Oh that? I found that in Paris in a side alley flea market!") or the huge wall hanging hanging above your sister's bed ("I got it for a steal at this outdoor fair in São Paulo!"). You can either throw your hands up in despair at your ill-luck, or go out and find your own treasure. Make the most of your travels this summer and hit up the nation's best flea markets. You never know where your own mint condition gramophone may be hiding.
Where To Go
1. Flea Market Guide: Coast to Coast
2. Best Thrift Stores and Flea Markets 2010
3. 10 US Flea Markets Worth a Trip
4. Travel Guide: The Best Flea Markets and Antique Fairs
5. French Shopping Vacation and Tours
6. Destination Flea Market: 5 Must-See Markets
7. Vintage Flea Markets in the Northwest
How To Shop
8. Bargain Hunting and Deal Making Tips
9. Best Carry-All Bags for Flea and Farmer's Markets
10. Eddie Ross's Tips for Successful Flea Market Shopping
11. Alameda Flea Market: Tips
12. How To Get Your Paris Flea Market Finds Home
13. Antique Shopping: Determing Whether a Price is Fair
How To Get The Look at Home
14. Vintage Modern Apartment: Get the Look
15. How To Shop For the Bohemian Chic Look
16. Homes Furnished with Craigslist or Flea Market Finds
17. How To Decorate Like a Globe Trotter
18. How To Accessorize with Flea Market Finds
19. Ati's Tips on Finding Home Accessories at Flea Markets
20. How To Clean Up a Flea Market Find
(Image: Mat Sanders)
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Todd Farm flea market on route 1A in Rowley, MA. Sundays, April through November. Well worth a drive if you're within 90 minutes. Get there at 5 a.m. in the summer. My house is loaded with amazing things I found there, cheap.
Mary
Love seeing the dog pictures!!!
The Dog Scene
Mary- another one for Todd's! I don't get there first thing, I'm a 'second waver' and aim for 11 am when the 'crack of dawners' are heading off to brunch at the Pancake House or Agawam. This plan doesn't work out as reliably now that half the parking lot is fenced off with a FOR SALE sign, though! At least the cops are letting people park on 1A now.
I'm going to try to go tomorrow... I've bought a lot of paper, a bit of pottery, and a Heywood Wakefiled end table for $35 there.
If you find yourself in the Netherlands and have a bit of extra space in your luggage, be sure to check out the thrift shops. It seems just about every town, large or small, has at least one (just ask the location of the nearest "kringloop") and they are FANTASTIC sources for all sorts of cool stuff at very reasonable prices. While there I acquired lots of great textiles, dishes, jewelry, etc. Also look for great weekly flea markets in many of the larger cities.
How can you forget Stormville, in upstate NY and Elephant's Trunk in New Milford, CT? Brooklyn's flea market is nothing compared to the treasures to be mined here! Hipsters are not as plenty as well :)
The paris flea market is the best of the best, no competition. Bit of a trek for most of us to get there!