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Let the rest of the worLd head

off to the mall. It’s a lot more fun to plan a trip in

search of treasures that only come around once in a

lifetime. Join us on an intriguing tour of fleas from

the Northeast to the Midwest and west Coast. You’ll

find up-and-coming markets and secret sources for

artists as well as get advice on how to fine-tune your

eye to spot treasures. we also give you a scrapbook

of the most sought-after finds for designers and best

candidates for creative reuse. set your alarm early,

bring cash, and channel your flea market muse to

guide you to your heart’s desire.

repurposed

passionsThis show just keeps getting better and better. Created and produced by Judy Watkins, an admirer and collector of all things vintage, Remnants of the Past gathers unique vendors in an inspired indoor-outdoor setting. This year it will be held on June 2nd and 3rd. Objects of desire are shown in creative displays, so it is guaranteed to spark ideas. Expect to find art, lighting, home decor, and jewelry made by repurposing recycled, vintage, and antique items. Vendors are the crème de la crème of the vintage decor market, so it’s like taking a whirlwind tour of top shops in one fun location. Very shopper friendly, the sale offers a drop-off spot for your treasures when your hands are full. And if something is too heavy, a porter will help haul it to your vehicle! If you can’t fit it in your car, they will ship it for you.

ALLURING LINEUP Reflected in a timeworn mirror, a collection of old bottles holding artisan-made flowers glistens in the

morning light. TIN IS IN Scraps of tin are hammered and shaped into decorative accents. DISPLAY AWAY Everywhere you turn

there are intriguing displays, whether of coral or hand-milled soaps. Show creator Judy Watkins expects a turnout of 5,000

for this year's spring show, so be sure to get there early, ready to shop!

REMNANTS OF THE PAST

Alex Madonna Expo CenterSan Luis Obispo, CA

remnantsofthepast.com

2012s P e C I a L s e C t I o N

fleasbest of the

From coast to coast, we’ve hand-picked the best flea markets for memorable

antiquing weekends.

Photgraphy by Lu Tapp

R O M A N T I C C O U N T R Y70 71R O M A N T I C C O U N T R Y

european

marketCreated by shopkeepers Traci Tessone and Monica Vogel to bring the tradition of open-air European markets to the American Midwest, Three French Hens Country Market makes for a lovely outing. Held on the grassy banks of the historic I & M Canal, this event takes place on the second Saturday of every month from June through October. The market features more than 70 vendors’ booths chock-a-block with antiques: items made from found objects, as well as artisan wares such as jewelry made from collectible glass and celluloid buttons and antique typewriter keys. Shop for cottage antiques, one-of-a-kind painted signs, European enamelware, concrete fountains, birdbaths, gazing globes and garden-inspired treasures.

Designers’

secret spotEvery Sunday, from the end of March on through fall, the hordes descend. And why? They know that they are sure to find the best New England goods, indoors or out, rain or shine. One of eastern Connecticut’s largest flea markets, Mansfield is held on the grounds of an actual drive-in theater, giving it a retro 50s vibe. Dedicated shoppers tell us that they come to see a whole lot of antiques and vintage goods on a manageable level as an alternative to the vast acreage of the more famous Brimfield show, just a short hop over the Massachusetts border. Look for vintage outdoor tables and chairs, maple furniture, old letterpress blocks, antique lighting, figurines, transferware, bookends, and other treasures large and small.

SPRING FLING

A celebration of the

season, the show's

booths are filled with

flowers and garden

adornments. Vintage

bistro furniture, burlap

tablecloths, gently

aged birdhouses, grain

sack pillows, and sweet

floral-upholstered

ottomans are among

the treasures that

await. Fresh produce,

pies, hand-poured soy

candles, and potted

perennials enhance

the country market

atmosphere.

THREE FRENCH HENS

Canal Port, West Illinois Avenue

Morris, IL3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.

com

THE MANSFIELD DRIVE-IN

THEATRE & MARKETPLACE Junction of Routes 31 & 32

Mansfield, CT860-423-4441

mansfielddrivein.com

NOW PLAYING By night

it's a drive-in. But on

Sunday mornings, this

New England spot bustles

with shoppers. MAPLE

MEMORIES You can still

find classic New Eng-

land furniture like maple

dresser sets at this market,

priced to sell. SERVICE

PLEASE Complete your sil-

ver service with trays and

monogrammed flatware.

Hotel silver butter dishes

and room service food

domes are also on offer.

BY THE BOOKS Oriental

bookends from the 1950s

still charm us today.

2012s P e C I a L s e C t I o N

fleasbest of the

Photgraphy by TC Studio

R O M A N T I C C O U N T R Y72 73R O M A N T I C C O U N T R Y

coastal

inspirationFor a springtime outing, we can’t think of anything nicer than a trip to Point Loma, California, for its annual fair featuring vintage and artisan-made treasures. Located in a breezy seaside setting near San Diego, this is a stellar place to indulge your flea market yearnings while also touring inspired gardens. It’s also a fundraiser for a children’s hospital. This year it will take place on Saturday, April 28, so plan ahead. Arranged under a colorful sea of market umbrellas, the displays have creative flair. There might be a floral painting in an artist-made, stamped ceiling-tin frame or timeworn picket fence sections made into shelving. Lacy and fringed textiles, cocktail hats, boudoir mirrors, and other feminine finds are plentiful. For the garden, browse old plant stands, porch gliders, bird- houses, retro watering cans, and other springtime temptations.

Daytripper’s

dreamThe up-and-coming flea market for hipsters transplanted from New York City to this Hudson Valley hamlet, the Beacon Flea is a must-visit weekend hotspot from spring through fall. “We’re the number one recycler of wonderful stuff,” says Mario Finateri, who cofounded the market with business partner Emma Dewing. One of the great things about this market is that it posts finds on its blog so you can decide what you’re after in advance—much like an auction house. In fact, Mario and Emma also have a side business in estate sales from upscale homes just north of New York City—and as a result you’ll often find the spoils of Wall Street bankers and other well-to-do folks at this flea. With 40 vendors, the space is limited and selective. Architectural salvage, costume jewelry, paper ephemera, and more surprises fill the booths.

TRUNK SHOW Costume

jewelry and creations

made from vintage

beads and baubles are

displayed artfully in

open trunks. YARD ART

Sweet old birdhouses

and gardening tools

entice. Collectible floral

paintings are also plenti-

ful. ADORABLE ADORN-

MENTS Vendor Lizzy B

Vintage specializes in

found jewelry, incorpo-

rating such items as old

baby spoons, pocket

watches, chandelier

crystals, and parts of

old maps. UPSTAIRS

DOWNSTAIRS Shoppers

trek through gardens in

search of armoires and

other specialty furniture.

Photgraphy by Sunday Hendrickson

POINT LOMAPoint Loma, CA

pointlomagardenwalk.com

BEACON FLEA6 Henry Street

Beacon, NY 845-656-2581

beaconflea.blogspot.com

PENNANT FEVER Retro banners and nostalgic

school and camp memorabilia keep custom-

ers browsing for hours. HIKERS AND HIPSTERS

After shopping, some visitors take a hike up

Mount Beacon (shown in background). Cre-

ated from a hodgepodge of vintage stones and

settings, one-of-a-kind bracelets, necklaces,

and earrings are worth close inspection. SEN-

TIMENTAL JOURNEYS Midcentury souvenir

drinking glasses and novelty tumblers are an

inexpensive way to accent kitchen shelves.

2012s P e C I a L s e C t I o N

fleasbest of the

Photgraphy by TC Studio

R O M A N T I C C O U N T R Y74 75R O M A N T I C C O U N T R Y

Our Scrapbook of Favorite Flea Market Finds

Just how do dealers and decorators find their treasures? They dig deeper, opening trunks and suitcases, scavenging through piles to create that fabled Paris flea market look. They know that eclectic pieces and vintage goods can be easily and inexpensively transformed via paint and upholstery into chic, one-of-kind styles. There are still deals to be had, especially on items that you can repurpose. Keep your eyes open for these desirable items:

1. MAPS: Maps can be reused as decor,

framed, or decoupaged to transform furniture

2. SuITCASES: Stack contrasting

textures, colors, and striped designs and use as tables, ottomans, and pedestals for other objects

3. FLORAL FABRICS: Reuse tablecloths

and curtains as pillows and upholstery

4. ARCHITECTuRAL SALvAgE: Shutters,

gates, posts, and doors can be turned into wall pieces, headboards, and garden sculpture

5. ALARM CLOCkS: A collection adds style

and a unique aura

6. MEdICINE ANd APOTHECARY

BOTTLES: gathered on a tray, they make intriguing still-lifes

7. WOOdEN FILE CABINET dRAWERS:

These make great desktop display and storage

8. vINTAgE HARdWARE: use

glass knobs, handles, and hooks to dress up furniture

9. BOudOIR ITEMS: Hand mirrors and

retro cosmetics jars beautify vanities

10. THRIFT STORE PAINTINgS:

They look great in kitchens, baths, and other unexpected settings

11. MARquEE LETTERS: Show

off on a wall or shelf

12. POSTCARd ANd WINE-BOTTLE

dRYINg RACkS: use them as display

13. CANdLESTICkS: Mix styles on a

mantel or shelf

14. vINTAgE SHOES ANd BOOTS:

Perch a lineup under a coffee table or on a shelf

15. COSTuME JEWELRY:

display on velvet pincushions and hassocks

16. ANTIquE LOCkS and keys: display

in bookcases or use as paperweights

17. TROPHIES: Line them up on

mantels

18. TIN CEILINg PANELS: Make

into frames

19. POSTCARdS ANd PAPER

EPHEMERA: Frame or reuse in vignettes; old letters and sheet music inspire crafty reuse

20. BRIdLE ROSETTES ANd

HORSE-RELATEd ITEMS: Show ribbons and equestrian paraphernalia delight the eye

21. TRAYS: Whether tole, tin, or other

metal, they’re great for showing off your small finds or hanging on the wall

22. TYPEWRITER kEYS: Repurpose

as jewelry

23. ROTARY PHONES: Add

cool retro touch

24. TIMEWORN MIRRORS:

Contrast shapes

25. MISMATCHEd SILvERWARE:

Tarnished designs look charming gathered in a cup

26. LETTERPRESS BLOCkS: Show

off on a coffee table under glass

27. MIdCENTuRY FIguRINES :

China animals and Orientalia add atmosphere

28. PAILS ANd BuCkETS: Reuse

as planters and centerpieces

29. CHILdREN’S CHAIRS: use

them as pedestals

30. CLOCHES ANd BELL JARS:

Wonderful for displaying collections

31. STARBuRST MIRRORS: dress

up any room

32. gARdEN FROgS: Meant for flower

arranging, they look great with a garden-themed display

33. CLEAR ANd COLOREd

PRISMS: They’ll dress up chandeliers old and new

34. vINTAgE PARTY dRESSES ANd

HATS: display as art

35. BuSTS: garden and interior

statues add visual interest

36. OLd SIgNS: Add atmosphere in

baths and kitchens

37. TIARAS: Cluster on a table or

boudoir tray

38. RETRO gAME BOARdS: Make

graphic wall displays

39. OLd BOOkS: Soft colors and

fascinating spines decorate shelves

40. gLOBES: They make great

sculptural accents

41. STOOLS ANd STEPLAddERS:

Mismatched they add interest, and before a fireplace they create interesting levels of display

42. PLATES: Not just for eating, they

make great displays stacked to show off contrasting rims

43. gRATES: use as trivets and

sconces

44. BELT BuCkLES ANd SHOE

BuCkLES: Remake into jewelry

45. CONCRETE ANIMALS: Cats,

doves, and other animals can be displayed indoors and out

46. INduSTRIAL CHIC: Metal bins

and cylinders take on romance as shelving and light fixtures

47. vINTAgE MILLINERY

FLOWERS ANd RIBBONS: Add romance to tabletops

48. CIgAR BOxES ANd TOBACCO

TINS: Turn them into picture and shadowbox frames

49. TOOLBOxES, CAddIES, ANd

WORkMEN’S TOTES: These make great planters or still-life display pieces

50. ORPHANEd TEACuPS: Line

up a mismatched set on a windowsill

50 Can’t Miss Items

24

4

3

627

4

5

36

19

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Photography by Mark Lohman, styling by Sunday Hendrickson; photography by Dan Mayers; photogra-phy by Mark Lohman, styling by Sunday Hendrickson; photography by John Ellis, styling by Sunday Hendrickson; photography

by Dan Mayers; (top and bottom) photography by Mark Lohman, styling by Sunday Hendrickson; photography by Mark Tanner, styling by Sunday Hendrickson; (top, bottom, and far right) photography by Mark Lohman, styling by Sunday Hendrickson