Refurbish, recycle, repurpose — in record number people are finding ways to make the old, new again. This trend towards preserving things from the past has spurred a whole new way of shopping. No longer do buyers head for the national-chain furniture stores and shopping malls. They are gearing their shopping trips towards outdoor markets, and here are a few of the best in Indy.
The Southside Vintage Marketplace is held the second Saturday of each month from April through October. Hosted by the Southport Antique Mall, and set up in their east parking lot, the market offers an array of architecture, painted furniture, hand made goods, one-of-a-kind art, and repurposed items. Plenty of free parking is available just across the street and there is no admission charge. Food trucks, an outdoor dining area and music from local disc jockeys make this a festive event for the entire family. As an bonus, you can step indoors to browse the 30,000 square feet of the Southport Antique Mall. Voted #1 Antique Mall on the “Indy A List,” you will find goods from over 250 dealers featuring retro, vintage, primitives, antiques, home decor and collectibles in over 100 categories. To keep up with upcoming features of the market, visit their Facebook page and give them a LIKE at Southside Vintage Marketplace.
Now in its forth year, the Indie Arts and Vintage Marketplace has quickly established itself as one of the best markets of it’s kind in the Midwest. According to the organizers, the goal of the Indie Arts & Vintage Marketplace is to enhance the experience of living as a more responsible consumer. Among their offerings I found vintage, retro, up-cycled, recycled and just plain great junk! There is plenty of food from area eateries and a smattering of local artists displaying their work. The market is held once a month at the Glendale Town Centre, 62nd and Keystone. Rain or shine this event goes forward from 9-4 on the scheduled dates. There is a $5 admission charge. For more information visit them online at IndieArtsVintage.blogspot.com.
Just a 30 minute drive from Indy is the quaint little town of Bargerville, Indiana — home of Small Town Salvage. This once a month event, located at 291 E. Two Cent Road is filled to overflowing with pieces taken from old houses, barns and professional buildings. Saving architectural pieces that have been left to decay has long been a passion of Diane Schulz, travels with a team through the Midwest to bring visitors a truly “one-of-a-kind” shopping experience to southern Indiana. Among the treasures I’ve found were mantels, corbels, shutters, fretwork, primitive cabinets and a large assortment of repurposing and project pieces. Follow them on Facebook for weekly posts of their newest “finds.”
One of the best indoor flea markets in central Indiana is now offering three acres of outside vendors each month from May through October. Nostalgia on 9, house in a 1920s Shelby County schoolhouse, is conveniently located between I-74 and I-65 just outside of Shelbyville. Project pieces, folk art, garden iron, primitives, furniture and antiques are available inside and out so take time to stroll their 12,000 square feet of indoor shopping. No charge for admission and very reasonable pricing make this one worth the trip.
Well there you have it — great food, tons of treasures and Indiana hospitality at it’s best! So grab your coffee, slip on your comfortable shoes and let’s go junkin’! Until next time……….Linda
Irvington resident Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-429-7887 or lkennett@indy.rr.com