Troubadour's Tips for Shopping the Show

I was able to hit up Brimfield for a couple of hours yesterday. I have to admit, even after years of frequenting Brimfield it still takes me about an hour to get my shopping groove going. There's just so much to see and absorb. It's a bit like Disney World.

Brimfield: Where it's ok to caress and drool over the giant corbels.

Preparation is key. Remember, this is the marathon of the antiquing world. That being said, if you want to make the most out of your visit to Brimfield here are some suggestions...

•  Bring a rolling cart so you aren't stuck trudging through the fields like a pack mule. Borrow one from your great aunt Tilly if you have to. You might feel silly towing one, but you'll be glad that you did.
• Comfort is key. You'll be walking miles. In dusty, gravel filled fields. It may rain. It may be windy. It may be hot. Dress with light layers and please, for the love of all that is vintage, it's not the day to wear those cute espadrille wedge sandals that you just bought. Also, wear sunscreen. If you're like me and are bothered with allergies, be sure to take your allergy meds. Spring pollen plus dusty, musty antiques is the perfect cocktail for sinus sufferers. 
• Travel light. Chapstick, cash, bottle of water. Really. Maybe a cell phone if you need to stay connected. Most vendors are cash only. There are a couple of ATMs in the area if you need one.
• Have a basic idea of what you want to shop for just to focus yourself. I usually make a mental list of my 3 top finds. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't stray from the list when you lay eyes on that vintage pink bowling ball that is calling your name...
• Haggle. If you're not used to junking and flea markets it can feel awkward at first. Trust me, 80% of the time the sellers are willing to work with you on their prices. It's part of the experience. Give it a shot. 
• If you have special dietary concerns you should probably bring your own food. If you don't have any restrictions get a cider donut and a fresh squeezed lemonade. It's a Brimfield must.
  

   

   

  Most importantly, have fun. Talk to the sellers, ask questions, have your picture taken in front of the over-sized velvet Elvis painting.  Try on a vintage hat or two. People watch. Stop and listen to that guy playing the guitar. After all, he's a fellow Troubadour. 

   

  These are the donut guys you're looking for. You're welcome.

   

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

The Junkers are coming! The Junkers are coming!

It's that time of year that treasure hunters across the country wait for. When you wake up at 5am on a Saturday morning, put your game face on, and grab your favorite rolling granny cart. Soon it will be packed with odds and ends. You can almost taste the cider donuts and the fresh squeezed lemonade. Other than the granny cart you carry nothing but chapstick and cash. You can't risk being burdened with silly things like a cell phone. After checking the laces on your sneakers, you step out of your car and onto a dusty field lined with tents for miles. This is what you've trained for. This.... is Brimfield.

Ok, so perhaps I've gotten a tad theatrical. The theatrics are deserved, though, as any good junker who has been to Brimfield will tell you. On your first trip to the Brimfield Antique Show you can expect to feel many things: elated, overwhelmed, excited, exhausted, sunburned, thrilled, amazed, amused.... well, you get the idea. Vintage geeks come out in droves. Some wear shirts that have haphazardly been decorated in sharpie that read "looking to buy old maps/jadeware/rare coins/insert your idea of junk treasure here" in hopes that the right person will spot it and the Brimfield gods will smile upon them.

It's quite an experience. Even if you just go to people watch and enjoy the day browsing, I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed. If you're looking to shop the show like a pro stay tuned! I'll be sharing some valuable info and tips later today. In the mean time, practice your haggling and shine up that granny cart!