Day Trip to Flea Markets

At long last, the first day of spring is just weeks away! For many people, that means it’s time for spring cleaning and the chance to air out their homes, clean out their closets, and bid farewell to things that they no longer want, need, or use. For other people, this is a prime opportunity to seek out and sort through the items that others have discarded, hunting for just that “thing” that they needed (and perhaps didn’t know they needed until they spotted it) – because, as they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. And so begins the springtime season of day trips to flea markets, garage sales, and yard sales.

There are a number of established flea markets in New Jersey, all within an easy drive. Each of them offers an astonishing array of antiques, crafts, new or used merchandise, tools, toys, clothing, jewelry, housewares, furniture, electronics, home décor, hardware, dishes, glassware, pots and pans, collectibles, closeouts and surplus, garden supplies, and yard equipment…along with things that may be indelicately referred to as, well, junk. But the joy is in the hunt, for both a bargain and for an elusive diamond-in-the-rough – or perhaps for a long-forgotten, never-discovered priceless work of art. Whether you’re cleaning out your own closets and would like to rent a table or booth to sell your wares, or you’re a shopper looking for a good deal, here are just a few area favorites.

Established in 1957, the Collingwood Auction, Flea Market, and Farmers Market sits on 25 acres off of Routes 33 and 34 in Farmingdale, NJ, a half mile west of the Collingwood Circle on the border of Howell and Wall. They’re open year-round on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with space for more than 500 outdoor merchants and 100 indoor tables and booths. Auctions are held on the first Saturday of every month. Snack shops serve up food for shoppers on the run. Go to their website at www.collingwoodfleamarket.com and sign up for e-mail updates on sales and events.

The Englishtown Auction, located at 90 Wilson Avenue in Englishtown, NJ, bills itself as one of the largest open air markets in the country. Its roots go back to 1929, when it served as a meeting place for farmers to buy, trade, and sell livestock, farm equipment, and produce. Today, this combination flea market, mall, outlet center, farmers market, and arts, crafts, and antiques fair is open all year long on Saturdays and Sundays, rain or shine, with countless tables and booths for more than 300 vendors sprawled throughout the five indoor buildings and the outdoor vendor area. Call for a brochure at (732) 446-9644 or visit www.englishtownauction.com.

The Delaware Valley’s biggest and oldest flea market is the Columbus Farmers Market on Route 206 in Columbus, NJ, minutes from the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate Route 295. It first started in 1919 as a cattle and horse auction, moving in 1929 to its present 30-acre location. There are 65 attractive and inviting inside stores within several buildings, with a huge selection of fresh produce and seafood, meats, and baked goods in addition to the household items, clothing, and accessories. Besides the stores, there is also an outdoor flea market, an Amish market, the Columbus Antiques Mall, a Goodwill store, American Sheds, and much more. The indoor market is open Thursday through Sunday; the outdoor flea market is open Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday; the Amish Market is open Thursday through Saturday; and Produce Row is open Wednesday through Sunday. Find out more at their very detailed website, www.columbusfarmersmarket.com.

If all of these sound a bit too overwhelming, there are always smaller flea markets and garage sales to be found locally, including two terrific fundraisers that are coming up soon.  On Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Lincroft Village Green Association will host the 14^th Annual Community Yard Sale, with homes throughout Lincroft participating. Go to www.lincroft.org to find out how to register your home, or to see the complete list of sellers the night before the sale. On Sunday, April 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. is the Holmdel Town-wide Garage Sale. Participants can either sell at their own house or rent space at the Holmdel High School parking lot. Donated items are also appreciated, because all proceeds will go towards the services provided for students by the Holmdel High School PTSO. Visit www.holmdelparents.org/holmdel-high-school for registration and information.

Happy hunting and good luck with the spring cleaning!