No matter who you are or what your interests are, there are places and adventures out there just waiting for you to explore. For antique lovers or treasure hunters though, these adventures bring about fantastic finds, skilled negotiations, and great memories. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have missed our antique adventures but are excited to share our favorite shows and flea markets with hopes that all of us are able to get back to going on adventures soon. We tend to stick to the New York and New England circuits for antiques and collectibles. Although we have countless adventures and places we love to visit, below are some of the top trips for anyone looking for antiques/ collectibles coupled with good food and great memories (with pictures from our trips over the years).
One of the staple trips of the summer is the Country Living Fair in Rhinebeck, New York at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in the beautiful Hudson Valley. The Fair is usually held the first week of June and promises attendees great shopping, seminars, demonstrations, and food! The Country Living Fair includes more than 200 vendors spanning 25+ states with antiques, furniture, handcrafted goods, art and artisans, vintage and upcycled goods, home and garden décor, handmade fashion, and more. The Fair is presented by the Country Living Magazine and offers visitors the opportunity to fully experience the “Country Living” lifestyle while finding pieces that speak to them!
Since moving to New York, we have planned girl trips to Rhinebeck, some years attending all three days of the Fair (Friday-Sunday). On our numerous trips, we have bought beautiful handmade pieces of jewelry, clothes, antiques/ collectibles, and countless gifts for friends and family. In 2019, they announced that the Country Living Fair would be held in Tennessee in the future so we will have to wait and see what the decisions post-COVID are. This is a must-see event and promises to act as the perfect girl’s trip for you and your friends.
Brimfield Antique & Flea Market
If you are a collector or more into high-end antiques and collectibles, the Brimfield Antique & Flea Market in Brimfield, MA is for you. Antique dealers and collectors travel from throughout the US and abroad to attend the world-famous Brimfield Antique Flea Market that occurs three times a year – for six-day periods in May, July, and September (we prefer the September show). The Show is considered the oldest outdoor antique event, running for 50+ years. Over 100,000 shoppers are estimated to attend the Antique Market with 12 fields filled with rows and rows of booths containing thousands of vendors. The Brimfield Flea Market is completely free to shop (except for a few gated areas), although you will have to pay $5-$10 for parking.
The Brimfield Antique Flea Market generates excitement and lasting memories that is contagious. For those interested in attending, know that the booths span up and down Rt. 20 for 1+ miles. The length and sheer quantity of vendors make it extremely difficult to reach all the vendors on a single visit, so identify exactly what you want prior to arriving. For us, the first time we attended the Flea Market we were overwhelmed by the never-ending vendors and collectibles. Once we grew familiar with the Market, we have identified our favorite dealers and know which ones we want to return to each time we attend. Since Brimfield can be overwhelming to a first time visitor (or even reoccurring shoppers), here are some tips for making it through the Brimfield Antique Show. Be sure to book a trip to the Brimfield Antique Flea Market for an exciting adventure that will allow you to walk through history as you explore countless antiques and collectibles!
Arundel Flea Market
Personally, one of our favorite hidden gems has been the Arundel Flea Market in Arundel, Maine. Unlike the more established Flea Markets, Arundel is much less structured. It opens when the first dealer sets up and it closes when the last seller packs up – every day! This is a must-see if you are traveling up the coast or visiting Portland for a few days.
The key to getting great finds and beating the crowds is hitting the Flea Market early in the morning – between 7-8am (the early birds get the deals). On the weekdays, over 20 dealers show up and set their treasures on long, wooden tables. On a weekend, the crowds multiply, especially on a beautiful weekend in the summer – where almost every wooden table or 200+ dealers are in attendance. Due to the lack of restrictions, some of the stuff is junk, but most of it includes great antiques/ collectibles and even better prices. Over the years, we have found countless treasures at the Arundel Flea Market and are always surprised at some of our finds. The Flea Market has something for everyone as there is an abundance of beautiful, unique pieces that will add the perfect touch to any home!
Also, check out the Stormville Antique Show & Flea Market in Stormville, NY. Both times we were there, we happened to come across the taping of Flea Market Flip!
Upstate Vintage Living 