Top 5: Flea Markets Across the United States

Flea markets have seen a surge in interest in the past few years across the United States, thanks to the popularity of reality TV shows like American Pickers, Pawn Shop or Market Warriors.

The booming development of flea markets and secondhand shops created a generation of shoppers who appreciate reasonable prices, supporting locals and the fun of flea markets. While browsing some of the top flea markets across the United States doesn’t guarantee you will find the hidden gem you’ve been searching for, you’ll surely find something to satisfy your eclectic style at an affordable price.

Immerse yourself in a local community and search hundreds of vendors’ mountains of junk or carefully organized exhibitions. From one-of-a-kind vintage clothing to antiques, quirky collectibles and tchotchkes, America’s lost and found is another man’s treasure. These top five flea markets across the United States give treasure hunters a chance to bargain among the best.

A photo posted by Brooklyn Flea (@bkflea) on Dec 22, 2016 at 1:44pm PST

Brooklyn Flea, Brooklyn, N.Y.

The artisanal paradise of Brooklyn Flea captures the borough’s hipster vibe with more than 100 vendors displaying vintage rugs, furniture and rare pieces of jewelry. The free local craft stands are bold and creative. The Flea is home to up to 30 fine food stalls with locally-sourced and inventive food options like Asia dogs, hot dogs with Asian-inspired toppings; and Chickpea & Olive, a vegan pop-up known for their Phatty Sliders, melts and BLTs.

A photo posted by Randolph Street Market (@randolphmarket) on Jan 1, 2017 at 6:00pm PST

Randolph Street Market, Chicago, Ill.

Purchase your ticket for the Randolph Street Market and only pay $8 online or, if it’s a last-minute trip, $10 at the door. Downtown Chicago’s market is located west of the Loop and features the Chicago Antique Market and Indie Designer Market. The market is open one weekend during most months. Professional pickers and bargain hunters scan the three-level market for vintage fashion, ceramics, glass and paintings. In the warmer months, the market is extended outside where the city blocks are transformed into a vintage shopping center and includes food stalls, beer and live music.

A photo posted by Heidi Diaz Interior Design (@hdiazinteriors) on Apr 1, 2016 at 4:16pm PDT

Daytona Flea Market, Daytona Beach, Fla.

The Daytona Flea Market is open weekly Friday through Sunday and hosts more than 800 vendors within the 30-acre complex. The market is a bargain-hunter’s haven. With free admission and free parking, shoppers are able to spend more money purchasing homemade jams, local honey and artisanal pickles, along with the other farm-fresh produce. Complete with a barber’s stall and tattoo parlor, the market encompasses a wide variety of visitors. Vendors sell everything from sunglasses to souvenirs and memorabilia from legends of the Daytona International Speedway.

A photo posted by Matthew Cronin (@matthew_cronin) on Sep 4, 2016 at 1:38pm PDT

Mower’s Saturday Flea Market, Woodstock, N.Y.

Woodstock’s art community is well known and has fostered many unique shops, galleries and dining spots that have kept the town alive since the music festival in ’69. Mower’s Saturday Flea Market is a free, weekend seasonal gathering from May through November. The market gathers arts and crafts vendors to display their goods on a two-acre field. There are caravans of goods and apparel, along with fresh fruit and vegetables for shoppers to browse through.

A photo posted by R.G. Canning Attractions (@rgcshows) on Dec 11, 2016 at 6:51am PST

Rose Bowl Flea Market, Pasadena, Calif.

The Rose Bowl Flea Market, held on the second Sunday of every month, is in Pasadena, Calif., alongside the Rose Bowl stadium. The market opens as early as 5 a.m. for VIP admission for the first three hours to those willing to pay $20 a person; general admission is $8 a person. Rare finds are a routine here and everyone is in search of their hidden gem. The market has five miles of booths grouped by category, filled with vintage clothing, furniture and local crafts. Hollywood celebrity bargain hunters are known to peruse the stalls, so be on the lookout for Madonna or Clint Eastwood.