House Design

Once upon a time, I was an antiques editor, and it was my job to scout out the country’s best antique shows and flea markets. (It was a hard job, let me tell you.)

In the years since, it’s become obvious that you can take the girl out of the antiques world, but you can take the antiques out of the girl. I’m still a big collector, though my fairly sparse apartment would suggest otherwise. Living in small NYC quarters forces me to store my vintage typewriters, bright seltzer bottles and salvaged signs/typography in my parents’ basement. (Thanks for the free storage, guys!)

When I can, though, I still check out my old haunts to see what treasures I can find, and the spring and summer are the best seasons to go antiquing. Here are my favorite stops:

EAST: Brimfield Antique and Collectible Show, July 12-17 and September 6-11 This is the mack-daddy of antique shows. It’s HUGE. You just have to remember that, even if you go the entire weekend, it’s nearly impossible to see everything. But what you can see is so worth it, since Brimfield attracts the best antique dealers from all around the country. There are primitives mixed in with mid-century mixed in with industrial. I’d recommend going to the May show (which just passed) or the September show. The July show is hot, hot, hot, and usually the smallest. For a great round-up of this May’s show, check out Grace’s coverage on Design*Sponge.

WEST: Alameda Point Antiques Faire, first Sunday every month I admit, I actually haven’t been to this fair, but when I talk to anyone from California, especially the Bay area, this is the must-see show. Expect to see people lining up at dawn to get first crack at the European, vintage and garden-inspired wares. It’s a great girlfriends’ trip, and the view of San Francisco Bay is incredible.

MIDWEST: Chicago Antique Market, April 16-17; May 28-29; June 25-26; July 30-31; August 27-28; September 24-25; October 22-23;  November 19-20 This antique market is in Chicago’s West Loop, so you’re smack in the middle of the city — I think it’s the best urban antique show in the country. It has a real European feel and a lot of the vendors specialize in industrial and mid-century finds. I want to decorate my apartment with nearly everything I see at this show. Plus, you can check out the Chicago Indie Designer Market during select weekends, where you can peruse indie jewelry and fashion designers, artists and more.

SOUTH: Round Top Antiques Fair and Marburger Farm Antique Show, September 28-October 1 If you love country antiques, these are the shows for you. Going to Round Top and Marburger is a true experience, right in the heart of Texas. There are some pretty high-end dealers, but there are definitely still deals to be found. Bring comfy shoes, lots of water and a cowboy hat — you’ll be hot, even in September!

NORTH TO SOUTH: 127 Corridor (otherwise known as the World’s Longest Yard Sale), August 4-7 This “show” is a trip … literally! It’s a 675-mile yard sale, that stretches across six states, from Hudson, Michigan, to Gadsden, Alabama. Along the route, there are homeowners selling stuff in their front yards, as well as professional dealers and vendors set up in parking lots, fields, pastures and side streets. Remember to save room in your car for all your finds!

OTHER FAVES:

• Brooklyn Flea in Brooklyn, New York
• Walnut Antiques Show in Walnut, Iowa
• Downtown Oronoco Gold Rush Days in Oronoco, Minnesota

What’s your can’t-miss antique show or flea market?

http://www.roundtoptexasantiques.com/

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