After a year of sheltering in place, cancelled events and an occasional attack of cabin fever, I am ready to hit the road! Feeling the same way? Here’s a look at three of my favorite road trips you might want to check out.
Starting at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and winding its way to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Old National Road (U.S. 40) Yard Sale 2021 is gearing up for June 2-6. Along its 800 mile path it crosses through many central Indiana communities, making it possible to not only shop the roadside vendors, but it also gives you a chance to check out many small town shops and local attractions of interest. If you are a history buff you will want to allow time to visit the James Whitcomb Riley Museum in Greenfield and the Farmhouse Inn Museum in Cambridge City. If you venture further east the National Road and Zane Grey Museum in Norwich, Ohio is definitely worth a stop, if it is open by June.
Great vintage shopping, farm fresh produce, general household items, antique and collectibles with home cooking and Hoosier hospitality await you on this, the 18th anniversary of the longest consecutive garage sale in the U.S. If you plan to make this a multi-day trip you will want to make overnight reservations soon as the motels, inns and bed and breakfast facilities fill up fast. Join the “US 40 Yard Sale” page on Facebook to follow posts from vendors across the Midwest: www.facebook.com/nationalroadyardsaleUS40
The Tri-State Antique Market is Indiana’s largest antiques and vintage markets with shows the first Sunday of each month May-October from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Lawrenceburg Indiana Fairgrounds. For you early birds there is a pre-show hour from 6-7 a.m. that assures you the first look at merchandise ranging from industrial furniture and iron garden decor to country primitives and mid-century pop art. The Lawrenceburg show, now in its 36th year, prides itself on featuring fine quality antiques (at least 75 years old) as well as vintage items (30+ years old and out of production). No tube socks and dream catchers here — just quality treasures. Admission is $4 for adults with no charge for kids under 18. Their Web site will give you directions from I-74 as well as full information on the show. Check it out at lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com.
Named by CNN as one of the best shows in the country, the Springfield Extravaganza holds its spring show May 14-16 at the Clark County Fairgrounds Exposition Center. Dealers stockpile their wares all year for this event, making for some rare finds. A straight shot across Interstate 70 makes this 2 1/2 hour drive a quick and easy day trip. However, with hundreds of vendors plus special events each day, you may well want to book a hotel and make this a two day outing.
The bargains start at the entrance to the grounds, with a general admission charge of $10. Hours for this years show are Friday 7-6, Saturday 9-5 and Sunday 9-4. In addition to great shopping you will find both quick treats and full meals throughout the show and there is convenient parking included with the ticket price. The Springfield show has been featured in Country Living Magazine and Martha Stewart Living and is often the backdrop for shows on HGTV. It is impressive, to say the least! Can’t make it to the May show? Not a problem! The fairgrounds host a 200-plus vendor event each Saturday an Sunday throughout the Summer. Visit them online at springfieldantiqueshow.com/2016events for more information.
A number of the top spring/summer shows were cancelled or limited last season, but this year they are back and stronger than ever. So let’s go junkin’! Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com