I love shopping this way. There is something so fascinating about looking at other people’s stuff. There is also the delight of finding something you need, especially when the price can be paid in coins! No retail store can provide that thrill.

People living here know where most of the good flea markets are. As soon as the daffodils bloom, the good buys begin! The Garden Drive-In just opened last weekend. It was a little less than spectacular since the rain kept many of the vendors and the crowds away. But I got there early (7:30 am) and was able to take a look at every table!

I’m amazed at the items displayed because it means that people are actually buying these items! Hub caps, old garden tools, record albums, video tapes, swords, clothing, you name it, you can probably find it. There was produce, home baked goodies and even some bunny rabbits for sale! The Garden Drive-In flea market will be open every Sunday from 7 am to 3 pm until the fall. Go early in the day, though, since the selection is usually a little better. Stay as long as you can. There are concessions and relatively clean restrooms available.

There are actually quite a few regular flea markets in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Some are one-weekend only events, but I didn’t know about half of them. It’s going to be a busy, busy summer for me! Here’s a good link providing dates and times: http://www.artsandmusicpa.com/travelpanyc/fleas.htm.

I like to go to garage and yard sales, especially when multiple families or neighborhoods get together with a bunch of stuff in one location. It’s like going to the mall. You get everything in one spot so you don’t have all that driving to do. The Citizen’s Voice has a great link to help you find a yard/garage sale on any day. If you use the link, but click on the announcements tab. http://www.zwire.com/site/class.cfm?brd=2259

What I enjoy most are the consignment shops. I like looking for clothes, glassware, local memorabilia, books, post cards, hand crafted items, even furniture. I hate to pick a favorite, but I have one. It’s The Bridge Street Market Place in Tunkhannock. You shouldn’t even go unless you are willing to devote at least one hour to walk through the aisles and rooms to see everything they have. It’s good stuff, some verifiable antiques at excellent prices. Here’s a link: http://www.bridgestreetmarketplace.com/aboutus.htm

Another excellent shopping experience can be found at Vintage House at 28 Center Avenue in Plymouth (779-3337). This is a 12-room house filled with old and new items all mixed up throughout the house. The fun thing about going through this house is that the kitchen is filled with regular kitchen stuff for sale. The bathroom is stocked with soaps, perfumes, and other such items for sale! The items in the bedrooms include the linens quilts, vintage clothing, hats, purses, gloves, jewelry all reasonably priced. It is just like being in an old Victorian home. My form of voyeurism, I guess. Oooh, it’s just great browsing.

If this place doesn’t “do it for you”, here’s a link to other area consignment shops. I hope this helps. Now get out there and drive the economy!!!

http://wilkesbarre.citysearch.com/yellowpages/results/Wilkes_Barre_PA/page1.html?gcats=110&cats=524