I’ve been longing to go to the Brimfield Antique show for about a year now. When I got my car this summer, I promised myself I would make it happen. I had heard that the possibilities of finding choice antiques, vintage clothing and rarities were super high and who doesn’t love a good reason to roadtrip.
So I packed up my car with the perfect jams and cruised through I-95 with the wind in my hair. When I arrived, I felt right at home as I browsed what seemed like miles and miles of antique treasures in the small Massachusetts town of Brimfield. It was as if I entered into a magical zone where curiosities could run free as your eyes couldn’t help but gaze at the trinkets, furniture, oddities, clothing, art work and jewelry that stared back at you with glittering eyes.
But since there was so much grand to cover, there are tons of things to keep in my mind the next time I go. So, since I got the lay of the land, I want to share some tips of visiting the Brimfield Antique Show, just in case you were yearning to take a trip to vintage paradise.
A Beginner’s Guide to Visiting Brimfield Antique Show and Flea Market:
1. Bring Cash
Some vendors accept cards but your best bet is to bring as much cash as you think you’ll spend. It will also make for a better deal if you have cash on hand.
2. Come Prepared with Comfortable Shoes and Water
Since there are tons of fields that the show takes place at on either side of a long local road in Brimfield, you’ll want to make sure you are as comfortable as possible because you will be walking a ton. To get the best deal, you’ll want to keep your outfit as low key as possible – leave the major fashionista at home. There are food vendors (with vegetarian options) on site throughout the show but found it to be quite expensive. If you’re going during summer months, you’ll want to keep hydrated – bring along a water bottle.
3. Bring Along a Cart for Larger Items and Recyclable Tote for Smaller Items
Unless you’re taking public transportation, you’ll have to park in the lots available that are quote a few blocks away. If you are going to Brimfield with the intention of buying a piece of furniture or large scale item, bring a cart with you – so when you find the piece of your dreams, you’re ready and prepared to lug it back to your car.
4. Bring Hand Sanitizer or Wipes
It’s no secret that second-hand items have the tendency to be dusty. Keep some hand sanitizer or wipes with you, just in case that French Provincial armoire you affectionately run your fingers across has a little bit more grit than you expected. Wipes are even a better idea to really keep you germ-free.
5. Come Early
Some fields and vendors open as early as 6AM, these people are not playing around. Get there early to get the best stuff. Although, the last day of the sale will always have slashed prices because sellers want to get rid of their goods before the show is over.
6. Bring a Tape Measure
Whether it’s vintage clothing, old movie posters from the silver screen or antique furniture you have your eye on – come prepared with all the measurements you need. So if you’re buying clothing for yourself, have your own measurements on hand, so need be you can take measurements of that stand out piece you can’t live without to see if it’s the right fit. It’s rare in any flea market that you’ll find a fitting room but some vendors do provide makeshift dressing rooms. Oh, P.S. – Be sure to stop by the vintage fashion tent at Brimfield for all the most memorable vintage duds. And obviously, the same goes for antique furniture or prints, come prepared with the measurements of your space that you’d like to place your newest find. Bringing along a tape measure will make sure that everything fits just right.
7. Put on Your Game Face & Turn on Your Bargaining Skills
Brimfield is probably the largest antique show and flea market I’ve been to. There’s tons of ground to cover. So you want to have a game plan or you will just get completely overwhelmed by all of the fields and fields of antique goods. Know what you’re going there for and what you’d like to bring back home with you. This will give you a nice framework to stay on track and not buy unnecessary knick-knacks – because it is VERY easy to come home with tons of things you didn’t intend to buy – like I did during this first trip to Brimfield. Also, don’t be afraid to bargain with vendors! This is how you can really get a deal. If they are asking for $100 for a beautiful 1950s black skirted bathing suit, ask if they’ll take $80 for it – you may just get what you want at the price that you’re looking to pay.
I hope you find these tips helpful for your first trip to Brimfield or any large flea market that you may visit. Antiquing is a sport, so you must be prepared, my dear! The next show dates for Brimfield is September 2 to 7, 2014 , find out more info on the Brimfield Antique Show and Flea Market here. Happy antiquing!