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.

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.

"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

Introduction includes such topics as: what a flea market is; a brief history of the flea market; tips on buying and selling; rules and regulations; and taxes and licensing for flea market vendors.

From the New York Times–bestselling author of I Brake for Yard Sales: An inspiring step-by-step guide to reinventing your space with secondhand finds. Focusing on nine different rooms (including her own recently purchased Manhattan apartment), Lara Spencer, host of HGTV’s Flea Market Flip, shows that all it takes is planning, shopping know-how, and a little imagination to create a beautiful and comfortable home that reflects your personal style. She walks through the step-by-step process of overcoming the challenges of the room, offering helpful tips and lessons along the way. She identifies the design dilemma; comes up with a decorating plan; makes a mood board for inspiration; compiles a shopping list; scours flea markets for furniture and accessories that fit the bill; restores, repurposes, and reinvents the pieces she finds, giving them new life; and brings all the elements together in the gorgeous, finished space. With illuminating before, during, and after photographs of her DIY projects and the room installations, Lara demystifies the decorating process and allows you to envision endless possibilities for what you can do in your own home. “Lara Spencer has a secret superpower: making homes look like a million bucks using only bargain finds and easy D.I.Y. projects.” —Redbook

Finding and evaluating flea markets, list of top flea markets in the U.S., honing your shopping skills and price guides.

Hints on finding decorating treasures among discarded articles.