I stepped out the door, then quickly came back inside. It is March in Indiana, and although there have been days when it felt like May, today nature has decided to bring us back to reality with snow! Fear not, April is just around the corner and with it warmer winds, flowers in bloom and some of the best outdoor markets in the Mid-west.
The Southside Vintage Marketplace, now in its fifth year, will open for the season on April 8th in the east parking lot of the Southport Antique Mall. This popular market offers architecture, painted furniture, antiques, vintage 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. As a bonus, you can step indoors to browse the 37,000 square feet of the Southport Antique Mall. Voted #1 Antique Mall on the “Indy A-List,” you will find the offerings of over 250 dealers featuring retro, vintage, primitives, antiques, home decor and collectibles in over 100 categories. To view their entire schedule of events for Spring 2017 visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSouthsideVintageMarketplace
According to the organizers, the goal of the Indie Arts & Vintage Marketplace is “to enhance the experience of living as a more responsible consumer,” and that they do! One of the largest markets in the area, they have signed 175 dealers for their Spring 2017 calendar. 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. Their dates and location are currently in the works so make sure to visit them online at www.facebook.com/iavmindy.
Twenty-five years old and going strong, the Johnson County Antique Market is proof that $2 (the cost of admission) still goes a long way. If you have enjoyed this market in the winter months you are now in for a double treat as they will expand this year to an indoor/outdoor market, April through October. Tools, toys, jewelry, primitives, antiques, advertising, repurposed items and some of the best home cooking in southern Indiana await you the 2nd Saturday of each month, except July. For full information and pictures from recent market days visit them online at www.facebook.com/jcantiquemarket
Just a 30 minute drive from Indy is Bargersville, Indiana, home of Small Town Salvage. Their once a month 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 buildings left to decay has long been a passion of Jeff and Diane Schulz, who travel the Midwest to bring visitors a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience to southern Indiana. Among their treasures are mantels, corbels, fretwork, primitive cabinets and a large assortment of repurposing and projects pieces. Their next show is scheduled for Saturday, March 25th, from 10-3. For a glimpse at some of their incredible salvage finds, visit them online at www.facebook.com/Smalltownsalvage.
Indy Urban Flea may be the new kid on the block, but you would never know it from the quality of vendors they are attracting. Their next show, set for April 23rd at The Circle City Industrial Complex, 1125 Brookside Avenue in Indy, will host over 70 vendors plus food from Cosmic Chrome, beer from Centerpoint Brewing, fresh produce and live music. Featured at their next event you will find a nice selection of antiques, vintage wares, Henna art, recycled and upcycled merchandise. For some great videos of past shows and information on their upcoming events check them out at www.facebook.com/indyurbanflea.
Well, there you have it, 5 good reasons to set the alarm, grab a cup of coffee …and let’s go junkin’! Until next time…….Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the valuation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com