The tulips are blooming, Spring is in the air and it’s time to hit the road. Not sure where to go? Let me help.
The Southside Vintage Marketplace is held the first Saturday of April, June, August and October. Hosted by the Southport Antique Mall, and set up in their east parking lot, the market offers an array of architecture, painted furniture, handmade goods one-of-a-kind art, and repurposed items. Plenty of free parking is available and there is no admission charge. Food trucks are available for lunch plus you have the bonus of checking out wares of the 200+ dealers that comprise The Southport Antique Mall. Give them a LIKE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSouthsideVintageMarketplace for full information.
According to the organizers of the Indie Arts and Vintage Marketplace, their goal is “to enhance the experience of living as a more responsible consumer.” And that they do! 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. April 9th has been set for their first show this spring at the Indiana State Fairgrounds South Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For full info on the Marketplace and a schedule of their events for 2016 visit them online at www.indyartsvintage.com.
Just a 30 minute drive from Indy is the quaint little town of Bargersville, home of Small Town Salvage. This pop-up shop, held in an old warehouse 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 Jeff and Diane Gindling, who travel the Midwest to bring visitors a truly “one-of-a-kind” shopping experience. Among their treasures are mantels, corbels, shutters, fretwork, primitive cabinets and a large assortment of repurposing and projects pieces. Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Smalltownsalvage.
The Johnson County Antique Market is held the second Saturday of each month at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. April 9th from 9-3 is the next chance to visit this upscale market featuring primitives, antique furniture, jewelry, glass, linens, tools, toys and advertising offered by vendors from Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Admission is $2 at the door and there is no charge for children 18 and under. Thinking of joining their growing list of vendors? Contact Jennifer McAlpin at 317-412-3381or visit them on the web at jcantiquemarket.com. While you are in the area take the opportunity to visit the wonderful shops in downtown Franklin.
Shipshewana’s Auction and Antique Market has grown from a small one family business in 1922 into the Midwest’s largest flea market for three reasons; quality, quantity and variety. If you can’t find a treasure here, then you just aren’t trying! Every Tuesday and Wednesday, May through October, over 900 dealers and vendors offer great country fresh antiques, handcrafted furniture and fresh produce. A parking fee of $3 per vehicle includes the cost of admission to this market which runs from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. One of the nicest features is their scooter rental which allows you to easily maneuver the grounds and save you energy for bartering with the vendors. Their web site is www.tradingplaceamerica.com/midwests-largest-flea-market.
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 pickin’! Until next time…Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
