Time to talk shop.
Well, shopping, of course, but I’m not talking about boutiques or malls or long stretches of big-name shops down Main Street. Instead let’s talk about open air markets.
Call them antique fairs, flea markets, bazaars, these setups are all over the world, and consistently are the best places to find that random little thingamajig you need for “XYZ”.
Good flea markets host hundreds of vendors from all walks of life who sell anything and everything, from plastic combs to native artifacts, Levi jeans to mink coats.
I love shopping at these types of places for several reasons, starting with the distinctive energy buzzing off of each unique piece. It’s like exploring your grandma’s attic, if she organized it all in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Although I typically let my ADHD go hog-wild in open-air markets, hopping from one booth to the next as shiny and colorful things catch my eye, they’re wonderful places to go if you have an agenda or specific things you need. Last year I was planning a party for about 100 guests and needed wooden snack bowls and a looooot of rustic vases for floral arrangements. The first market I went to, I found a guy selling antique glass milk containers who gave me a great deal on about 50 of them. So, whether you’re looking for a different table lamp or authentic Eastern rug, or if you’re just looking to wander around pretty things, flea markets will become your new friend.
Amongst the general noise, you’ll find the rare pieces and conversation-starting trinkets here that you would in most antique shops (and if it’s a good market, you’re likely to find more), and generally they’re asking for a fraction of the price. Haggling is usually totally cool, and actually some vendors want to discuss prices with you, they find it makes their day more fun anyway.
Like I mentioned before, these markets are literally all over the place, so make sure to find the good ones. You can usually do that by asking your favorite vendors at the markets you go to, as they likely go to other shows, you can also ask antique dealers if you have any shops in your area. As far as the Northeastern coast goes, the Arundel Flea Market in Maine is open all week, year-round, and in that York region of Maine that is soaked with antique flair. The Wellfleet Flea Market on Cape Cod is another fun option if you find yourself out that far, it’s open weekends and Wednesdays/Thursdays come mid-July and has a beer garden with music (again, fun!). And the Seekonk Flea Market in the historic speedway by the MA/RI border is another super spot with hundreds of vendors every Sunday.
And so, I suggest the next time you have a list of oddly specifics, are tired of your Target-chic look, or just want to oodle over some funky stuff, do a little research into a decently large market near you, and make a day of it.
Just because I know you’ll go for it, and that you’ll LOVE it, I’ll just say this in advance: you’re welcome.
Let me know if you want more suggestions or help finding good markets near you! Or better yet, if you’re considering becoming a vendor and selling some of your own treasures, post your experience!
Glamping Queen 