Among the countless flea markets in America, there are those that deserve to be called legendary. Scattered around the country, these are the markets with hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dealers and whose spectacular settings, covetable offerings, and colorful histories make each an unforgettable experience and a unique adventure. Pamela Keech—a museum curator who shops professionally at flea markets—profiles her top twenty choices, the flea markets that can be counted on to surprise and delight at every turn. Tackling these mammoth events, however, is not for the faint of heart. For starters, the size and scope of each market can be overwhelming—no, are overwhelming. They cover acres and acres and miles and miles. (To give you an idea of their scope, there is one that stretches from Maryland to Missouri and another from Michigan to Alabama.) The Best Flea, Antique, Vintage, and New-Style Markets in America is an essential guide for shoppers who want to get the most out of each venue. All the practical details are covered: how far ahead of time to make reservations, how to avoid wasting precious time in traffic jams, how to navigate the miles of aisles, how to determine the best paths through the markets, how much territory can be covered in a day, how to find out where the must-see dealers set up their tables, what to take to be comfortable, and more. Other essential information includes smart negotiating, shipping options, and—because the thrill of the chase can be utterly exhausting—great local places to eat and where to find a soft bed at the end of the day. One of the many charms of the book is its focus on regional style. Each of the markets profiled has an unmistakable sense of place, evident in the merchandise that fills the booths. Canton, Texas started 150 years ago as a trading market for cattle and livestock; this is where you’ll find vintage cowboy boots, railroad and ranch memorabilia, and primitives. At the Rose Bowl Flea Market, the proximity to Hollywood casts a sparkle over everything; don’t be surprised to find yourself browsing elbow to elbow with movie stars at tables filled with memorabilia from the silver screen and glamorous costume jewelry. At Shipshewana, in the heartland of the Indiana Amish, you’ll find more than the usual number of pie safes, kitchen implements, and quilts. Keech highlights these differences with bits of cultural and decorative history and lots and lots of photographs that will make even armchair travelers feel like part of the action.

"This guide describes more than thirty markets, along with their specialties and the regional items you're likely to come across, and offers practical advice on visiting the markets, tips on bargaining, and relevant French phrases"--book cover

Whether searching for turn-of-the-century botanical prints, biscotti tins, or vintage linens, travelers will find this slim, handsome volume an indispensable passport to Italy's most authentic and enjoyable shopping. The great antique and flea markets of Italy often remain hard to locate, and once discovered, tourists still face the challenge of deciphering complicated seasonal schedules as well as finding out what each market offers. Comprehensive and easy to use, The Antique & Flea Markets of Italy guides shoppers to the best markets in all regions. It also provides specific information about each market's merchandise, from furniture, jewelry, and postcards to enamel signs, perfume bottles, and fedoras from the Forties. Listings include location and directions, opening days and hours, and telephone contact information.

Shop and dream Paris style. If you love French interior design and bargain hunting, Paris is the place where your shopping daydreams come true. Claudia Strasser takes us on a winding tour through the Parisian flea markets finding decorative pieces all along the way. Strasser discusses ways to bring the look to your home by building collections and looking for furniture and accessories to reflect your individual style whether it's Napoleon III, Louis XV, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Moderne or Belle Epoque. Whatever it is, you're sure to find rare pieces that will be treasured in your home. Shop and dream your way around the Paris flea markets with this deliciously colorful stroll through the city's best markets and take home special pieces that are destined to become heirlooms. A stylized map gives readers the lay of the land and Claudia shares her tips on where to find what, trade secrets, her favorite dealers and advice on shipping items home. So, now take a seat and take a trip to Paris! Claudia Strasser began her career in 1993 when she opened a boutique in New York City’s East Village and filled it with French boudoir furniture and accessories. She painted and repaired flea market finds, reincarnating them into the sparkling treasures. Now she travels to Paris throughout the year, taking small groups shopping and sharing resources. She works on books and articles while designing a furniture line and doing some decorating projects. Claudia’s style and business have been featured in scores of magazines. She is the author of The Paris Apartment: Romantic Décor on a Flea Market Budget (1997). Claudia splits her time between New York, Paris, and Miami.

The most valuable reference tool for the biggest group of bargain hunters -- flea market shoppers. In this updated edition, readers will find hundreds of listings for the best flea markets across the nation. Comprehensive and completely updated, The Official Directory to U.S. Flea Markets, 8th Edition is a bargain hunter's dream. It lists hundreds of flea markets nationwide -- large and small -- from Alabama to Wyoming, plus selected Canadian markets. Alphabetically organized, state by state and town by town for easy access, each flea market listing includes the location, directions, days and hours of operation, admission charges, and parking fees. Plus complete descriptions of the market's facilities and the type of merchandise -- including antiques and collectibles -- are also available. Since flea markets open, close, and move regularly, this extraordinary guide provides the latest facts on the constantly changing venues. In addition, the book includes all the vital details on booth size, rates for dealers, and information on how to contact promoters.

Hints on finding decorating treasures among discarded articles.

Full of creative and affordable ideas, Flea Market Style gives you all the information and inspiration that you need to create a beautiful and original home. Full of creative and affordable ideas, Flea Market Style gives you all the information and inspiration that you need to create a beautiful and original home. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, as the saying goes. In Flea Market Style, stylist Emily Chalmers and interiors writer Ali Hanan will inspire you to discover a world of preloved and vintage treasures and use them to create a unique home. The duo reveal how to track down hidden gems and combine individual pieces to forge your own distinctive style. The first section of the book, Flea Market Finds, covers the range of second-hand, salvaged and vintage objects on offer. Whether your style is retro, minimalist, or eclectic, you can seek out unique pieces of furniture, lighting, glassware, kitchenware, and fabrics that appeal to you. Once you have acquired a feel for what’s out there, the second part of the book, Putting It All Together, demonstrates how to transform any interior room by room. It covers spaces to cook, eat, sleep, and relax, as well as bathrooms and home offices. The book ends with hints and tips on how to source the right piece for the right place. Flea Market Style combines lively and accessible text with inspirational photographs by Debi Treloar, revealing how to become a true aficionado of second-hand style.