Anytime is a good time to shop for vintage and antiques objects, but if you are tired of the crowded thrift stores, Goodwill bins, and Salvation Army shelves, you may want to change things up and experience some outdoor antique and vintage shopping.
While yard sales are the cat’s pajamas, huge public flea markets and antiques fairs are gearing up to host huge crowds. Want to know where some of the best antique fairs are taking place? I’ve got you covered.
Grab you best friend, your best pair of sneakers, and a tote bag or five and let’s go shopping. Here are some tips on where and what to buy at some of the country’s top antique fairs.
What: Brimfield Flea Market
When: July, September
Where: Massachusetts
The main streets and expansive fields around Brimfield are transformed into a huge marketplace. I appeared at the first virtual Brimfield antiques appraisal event in 2020 when the pandemic interfered with on-site shopping, but back in full swing Brimfield has much to offer. Shoppers love Brimfield for its abundance of stuff for sale.
What to buy: early American antiques, kitchen items, advertising tins, weathervanes, artwork, chairs, flags, textiles.
What: Madison Bouckeville Antique Fair
When: June, August
Where: New York
Like Brimfield and so many other major antique fairs, Madison Bouckeville Antique Fair has dealer booths and sellers tables set up in many large, open fields. The items are of high quality and the prices are right. It is a must-see event and you won’t be disappointed.
What to buy: Americana, signage, small scale furniture, trendy stools, benches, architectural salvage, baskets, quilts.
What: Round Top Antiques
When: January, April, October
Where: Texas
Round Top Antiques Fair is just like Texas, big! It is a truly massive antiques show with something for everybody. Unlike other such antiques fairs, you need tickets to attend and it is best to purchase tickets in advance. You don’t want to miss a thing. This is the show that most interior decorators do not miss.
What to buy: lighting fixtures and chandeliers, architectural salvage, mirrors, doors, European furnishings, glassware, books
What: Route 127 Yard Sale
When: August
Where: From Addison, Mich., to Gadsden, Ala.
This antiques fair reaches from Michigan to Alabama for 690 miles through six states and is known as the World’s Longest Yard Sale.
Everything and anything can be found over this yard sale which is highly organized in some areas and more casual in others. The drive and shop mentality and the people that you meet are some of the attractions, not to mention the offerings, at this continuous antiques fair.
What to buy: car parts, vintage dolls, constructed metal furniture, antique frames, glass lamps.
What: Coburg Antique Fair
When: September
Where: Oregon
The Coburg Antique and Vintage Fair is the place to shop for rare antiques and collectibles, heirlooms from famous families and period paintings and sculptures. Historic Coburg is a destination in itself with its own shuttle and the fair features live music too. For treasure hunters in the Pacific Northwest, this is a be there or be square event.
What to buy: china, tools, kitchen wares, vintage linens, jewelry, toys, sports memorabilia, and carvings.
These are some of the most attractive antiques attractions. If you are a shopper or a seller, don’t miss these top antiques fairs.
Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and TV personality, Dr. Lori Verderame appears on “The Curse of Oak Island” on History Channel. She offers expert appraisals at DrLoriV.com, Youtube.com/DrLoriV or call 888-431-1010.
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