When scouring the largest Flea Market monstrosity  known to man this past Sunday, I was reminded of the wise old saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.  If you don’t believe me, you need to join the 20,000 other vultures for a day at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena. I feel like my flea market intellect is rising with all the experience I’m getting lately. And, YES, there really is a flea market culture. If you’ve never been to a flea market, you might feel like you are lost in a sea of hoarders and over-zealous bargain hunters. But alas, I’ve learned that there is a way to overlook all of the oddities and find beautiful one-of-a kind treasures you’ll enjoy.

I particularly love the Rose Bowl Flea Market because it offers something for everyone.  From cowboy boots to chandeliers, from hand-crafted industrial furniture pieces to imported hand woven rugs, this place is stocked with vendors (2500 to be precise) to keep you interested, or at least entertained. I even found a book from the 1950′s entitled, “How to become a Girl Journalist”.  My take on the flea market is that for all of the kooky vendors selling old spatulas and doorknobs, there is something just as cool to check out. 

And, they sell the best breakfast burritos there. 

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL DAY OF TREASURE TROVING

• ARRIVE EARLY-better to leave early than arrive late. Stuff goes quick and people can get snarky about wanting YOUR item.  Plus, if you are going to the ROSE BOWL, you need as much time as possible.
• BRING CASH- some vendors take cards, most don’t. Plus, they are better to barter with if you have cash on hand.
• If you find a treasure, see how willing they are to go down on price. If they’re stingy in the morning, they’re probably more likely to take your price towards the end of the day. If there’s only 1 of something that you want, you do risk someone else snatching it. Perhaps hide it behind something until the afternoon? Just kidding. Not really.
• Bring Men. Or be strong. Or bring a dolly to keep in the SUV (repeat: SUV). I bought a lovely table and guess who got to carry it to my car a mile away? Me.
• Bring a large rolling basket. You’ll look dorky in the morning but everyone will be jealous by around 2pm. Or bring a large tote to throw items in and carry.  I bought a stack of antique books and was glad I had more than my usual fanny-pack.
• Go with a purpose or a goal.  I had a client project in mind that needed a few  vintage accent pieces, and I had jewelry in mind for myself. It actually helped me focus on where I wanted to spend my money.  If you’re like me and you have the urge to impulse spend, this could help.

Here’s a list of my favorite flea markets/antique bargain shops  in Southern California:

1.       Rose Bowl Flea Market (2^nd Sunday ea. month)

2.       Long Beach Outdoor Antique Market (Veterans Stadium, 3^rd Sunday ea. Month)

3.       Melrose Trading Post (Fairfax High parking lot every Sunday)

4.       Santa Monica Antique and Collectible Market  (Santa Monica Airport 1&4^th Sunday)

5.       Pasadena City College Flea Market (1^st Sunday ea. Month)

6.       Kobey’s Swap Meet in San Diego (every Friday-Sunday)

7.       Old Barn Antique Mall (San Juan Capistrano open every day)

  

 

Here is a link that lists nearly every flea market and swap meet in California.

http://collectors.org/fm/US_ca.asp

I encourage you to spend a sunny flea market day rummaging for a treasure. Don’t knock it till you try it. Happy hunting!