Top 5 Easy Tips for a Fantastic Flea Market Trip

A wonderful and unique three feet concrete stork with a yellow beak and legs displayed on a vendors table at the Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market Extravaganza.

Yesterday I was reminiscing about my very first flea market encounter. Oh, it was incredible! I hopped in the van all excited and raring to go. I couldn’t believe all of the cars and the people. Everyone was waiting in anticipation to experience the thrill of the hunt! But it wasn’t until I actually stepped onto the path of the zillions of vendors lined up for miles that I thought WOW, how glorious! I flittered from table to table and booth to booth thinking, “Pinch me, is this real?” I had only seen scenes like this on TV and couldn’t believe I was actually there! There are only two Springfield Extravaganzas in one year. So for me, it’s important to get the most out of each day. So here are my top 5 easy tips for a fantastic flea market trip.

A booth at a flea market selling vintage books in blues and greens with a small globe all displayed on a shelf made of green shutters.

A booth at the flea market showing concrete statues for the gargen including a concrete pagoda.

Tip #1 Be prepared for any weather

Always be prepared! Last week I did NOT follow my own advice… Ugh! We checked the forecast and it didn’t predict rain… but I always bring my plastic ponchos just in case of any pop-up showers. However, what I didn’t check was the weather from the day before. Apparently, it had downpoured for hours making the fairgrounds muddy and soupy in some areas. So, we weren’t able to shop in as many booths as we would have liked unless we waddled through the muck. I won’t make that mistake again. Next time I’ll bring my trusty rain boots!!!

A booth at the Springfield Flea Market Extravganza selling a variety of baskets, dried flowers, and dried floral wreaths hanging on a vintage white shutter.

tip #2 make a wish list

Whether you’re shopping for your own home or for resell, making a list is a smart thing to do! If you are anything like me you can easily get distracted by all the wonderful choices that a flea market has to offer… its treasures as far as the eye can see! And I can’t tell you how many times I got home and thought… gosh, I forgot to look for an item I originally came for and really needed! This year I will admit I went rogue a few times but in the end, I mainly kept to task looking for dishes, baskets, ceramic vases, planters, and smalls, thanks to my handy wish list!

A close-up view of a bin at the flea market with a variety of woven baskets.

A booth at a flea market showing a wood table with a varierty of stoneware crockery such as large and small jugs, and canisters.

Tip #3 Bring a wagon and bags

A wagon is a MUST at a flea market. Mine is collapsible and has sturdy wheels. I can fill it up and then take trips to the car to unload if need be. Packing material is also a must! My husband always wonders why I mostly buy fragile breakable treasures, LOL! And, because I usually do, I like to make sure they get home in one piece instead of pieces. Bringing your own bags and packing material will ensure your vintage items get home safely because some vendors will provide supplies and some will not.

A vintage large framed print of a a lake scene in a fancy gold frame surrounded by purple petunias at the Springfield fFlea market Extravaganza.

A fun booth at the springfield Flea market Extravaganza selling a chandelier, an old green shutter, a large woven basket, a white round table and a driftwood vase holder.

tip #4 Take breaks

Taking several breaks is SUPER important! I can’t stress this enough. In the excitement of the day, you can easily get swept away with shopping and sightseeing! Taking water and snack breaks gives you the energy to continue on! What made my flea market experience soooo enjoyable this time was sitting down and sharing a meal with my faithful companions. It made for a lovely time!

The GIANT soft serve cone booth selling ice cream at the Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market Extravaganza.

tip #5 bring the right buddy

Speaking of faithful companions… this leads me to my last tip. This is the MOST important piece of advice I can give. Bring the right buddy! YES, there is a right type and wrong type of buddy. If there is one thing I can recommend, it is that like minds make for good times! Bring a friend who ENJOYS unique stuff, vintage goodies, and treasure hunting as much as you do! Beware of the pal who will keep checking their watch and wondering if they’ll be home in time to catch Jeopardy!

A booth from the Springfield Flea Market Extravaganza selling many handmade concrete heads. There are small , meduim and Giant heads as well. Thety are in a primitive style and have an Easter Island vibe.

Enjoy it ALL!

Part of a booth from the Springfield flea market showing "Farm Charm". They are selling many vintage items like wood crates, a metal scale, lantern, and a concrete garden statue of a girl.

A vintage destressed gold birdcage a part of a blue and white boat painting and a lampshade made out of white capiz shells.

A view of the Springfield Antique Show and flea Market with tents, booths, vendors and shoppers busy treasure hunting.

My fun flea market finds

I’ve been going to flea markets for years. And this year, at the Springfield Antique Show and Flea Market, I truly had the absolute BEST time! I LOVED being with friends, talking to vendors, and scoring great vintage finds. And one thing is for sure, my day ran much smoother because I was prepared! It helps take away the worry and stress so you can focus on the FUN! So keep my tips in mind and head out to a flea market near you! Let’s get prepared. Let’s go treasure hunting! And, let’s get HOMEY!

When the weather is rainy, you can always visit the antique mall,.. come see my booth (#252) at the Ohio Valley Antique Mall.
Please check out my Homey Blue Heron Store on eBay for great vintage finds, including some wonderful vintage vases! Thanks!
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