The long winter months behind us, and summer right around the corner, I am ready to head to the great outdoors. While fishing, camping and backpacking may be how some commune with nature, I take a slightly different approach. I go junkin’! If you would care to join me, here are some of my favorite Indiana “pop-up” market places.
The Southside Vintage Marketplace, in it’s first year and already drawing large crowds, 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 it’s third year, the Indie Arts and Vintage Marketplace is held six times each summer at various locations. 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. Remaining dates for this year are July 5, August 2, dates in September to be announced, and October 4 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, 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 Schulz, who travel the Midwest to bring visitors a truly “one-of-a-kind” shopping experience to southern Indiana. Among the treasures I found were mantels, corbels, shutters, fretwork, primitive cabinets and a large assortment of repurposing and projects pieces. Follow them online at Smalltownsalvage/Facebook.
One of the best indoor flea markets in central Indiana is now offering 3 acres of outside vendors each month from May through October. Nostalgia on 9, house in a 1920′s 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.
The Johnson County Market is held one day monthly 12 months out of the year at the Johnson County Fairgrounds. This upscale market leans more to the taste of the “true” antique lover and features primitives, antique furniture, jewelry, glass, linens, tools, toys and advertising. Admission is $2 at the door for their 7 remaining market days this year, the next of which is June 14th. While you’re there check out the home cooking, especially the homemade country style breakfast. For full info visit them online at www.swapmarts.com/flea-markets/indiana/franklin/johnson.
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 Linda 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