Recently, an interior designer friend surprised me with a copy of “I Brake for Yard Sales and Flea Markets, Thrift Shops, Auctions, and the Occasional Dumpster,” by Lara Spencer, the cute blonde lifestyle anchor on Good Morning America. As my house is filled with reclaimed treasures, including a quartet of fabulous Italian mid-century brass-and-leather chairs from Goodwill, this book spoke directly to me and my flea marketing heart.

Full of fun photos from Lara’s travels and ideas for transforming one person’s junk into your own personal treasure, the book also addresses some of Lara’s favorite sources across the country, including the Brimfield Antique and Flea Market Show in Massachusetts, and the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena, California.

For some unknown reason—maybe because we live in TV’s flyover land—Lara doesn’t appear to shop in Minnesota, and that’s actually fine, because it means more treasures for us! This weekend, I’m headed to my personal favorite—the Traders Market at Elko, just 20 minutes south of the Twin Cities. The show happens three times a summer: Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July weekend, and Labor Day weekend.

The setting couldn’t be lovelier, as unlike most flea markets that take place in hot, sunny parking lots, this one has lots of leafy trees and some charming old farm buildings. There are more than 300 dealers with all manner of things, from farm tools to furniture and croquet sets to costume jewelry. See you there!

The Details

Saturday, May 26 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, May 27 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday, May 28, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$4.00 admission, free parking.
952-461-2400, tradersmarket.us

Directions

Take 35W/35E south to I35 and continue on to Exit 76, Elko-New Market. Take a right and you’ll see the market just west of the exit.