After about a 6 month hiatus the time had finally come for my first flea market outing of the season. I can’t tell you how much teasing and tempting I have had to endure from my friends Corey and Tara. They are both Flea Market Junkies…one of many things we have in common and have been showing me their excursions and adventures in France for the last few months. But now it was finally my turn…
First thing Sunday morning I was up by 7:00am. This in and of itself is a momentus occasion. Flea markets, breakfast in bed and Ed McMahon ringing the doorbell are the only things that get me up that early on a Sunday. I usually don’t sleep well the night before…I have visions of sugarplums treasures, dancing through my head! I grab my list, my camera, my hat, my sunscreen, my cash and my old granny shopping cart…and I’m off.
This flea market is one of the best in my area. It is Sunday only. Last year, I made the mistake of driving the 90 minutes out there…..just to arrive to an empty lot…on a Saturday! Boy did that hurt…bad. I was almost reduced to tears…the price of gas is not cheap here. Needless to say, I will never make that mistake again.
This time, the place was hopping. Lots of treasures. Everything from fresh fruit, herbs, flats of flowers, food, linens, antiques and…junk. Prices here are more than reasonable, and the longer you stand at the booths, the more the prices just keep coming down. There is an advantage to the market being only one day!
I am the one who has to see every booth. I spend about 3 hours there. The weather was a bit gloomy…threat of showers..but that doesn’t stop me. Some were packing up early…didn’t phase me. Just as I was coming into the home stretch…one of the dealers engages me…"Grape crusher?" he asked.
"What is a grape crusher?" I replied.
"You know, the person who comes at the last minute and tries to squeeeeze the best price out of us!" He jokes.
"Nope, I am just a die hard" I told him. Silly me, I got excited at the thought he was trying to sell me some old antique wine paraphernalia. Guess you learn something new everyday.
Elephants Trunk
Route 7
New Milford, CT
508.896.1975
www.etflea.com
Open Sundays April – December
Early admission $20, 5:45 – 7:00am
General admission $1, 7am – 2pm
Pictures of treasures to follow.