Even in this tough economy, shopping is still one of America’s favorite past-times. Browsing for bargains is rapidly taking the place of high-end window-shopping. Shoppers appear unconcerned with the brand name on a store sack, but with the best buys for an ever-tightening budget. Flea markets are becoming the hub of shopping activity, with scores of new shoppers checking booths for unique gifts, and name brand clothing and accessories with reduced cost tags. Flea markets are generally open year around, with smaller outdoor vendors beckoning their share of sales during warm weather. A growing number of flea markets are competing for a dollar on the Florida Gulf Coast.
The Dome Flea Market is located along the main drag in Venice, Florida. Shoppers can browse over 300 booths at this popular flea market. The Dome is open Friday – Sunday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Potential shoppers can find additional information at www.thedomefleamarket.com The Dome Flea Market is located at 5115 State road in Venice, Florida.
Miami is the home to the Opa Locka Hialeah Flea Market. Inside this massive array of buildings and outdoor vendors is a 400 seat international restaurant. The Hialeah Flea Market is open daily from 6 a.m-6 p.m. and is located at 12705 Northwest 42nd Avenue. A 10,000 spot parking lot surrounds the bustling Florida flea market. Additional information can be found at www.opalockahialeahfleamarket.com
The I-75 Super Flea Market is located at 4121 Northwest 44th Avenue in Ocala. This weekend Florida flea market boasts 13,000 visitors per weekend year around. Featured booths at the I-75 flea market include $1 jewelry baby accessories, crafts, brand sunglasses, ceramics, home décor, clothing, and purses. Additional information can be found at www.i75superflea.com
The Red Barn Flea Market and plaza recently celebrated a 25-year anniversary. Special weekend antique appraisal events are held throughout the year, at no charge. The Red Barn Flea Market also hosts special events and entertainment. This Florida flea market is open Wednesday -Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information log onto www.redbarnfleamarket.com
The Lakeland Farmers and Flea Market is located at 2701 Swindell Road in Lakeland, Florida. The welcoming and clean flea market is open on weekends only from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. This flea market isn’t as large as some Florida locations, but is offers friendly vendors, and unique items at bargain prices. For additional information visit www.lakelandfarmersmarket.com
Shoppers in the Fort Walton, Florida area can browse at the Ft. Walton Beach Flea Market. The beautifully located Ft. Walton Beach Flea Market is located at 125 Eglin Parkway Southeast. This consumer extravaganza is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. every day but Sunday. On Sunday’s the Ft. Walton Beach flea market closes at 5 p.m. For additional information log onto www.fortwaltonbeachfleamarket.com
Stuart Florida is the home of the B&A; Flea Market. Along with free admission and shopping, special activities and entertainment events are routinely featured at the B&A; Flea Market. Vendors are situated both inside and out, with over 600 booths for shoppers to choose from. To learn more about the B&A; Flea Market, click www.bafleamarket.com
Fort Myers gigantic shopping venue, Fleamasters Flea Market is much more than a bargain store. The entertainment offered at Fleamasters Flea Market has included such notables as Jimmy Starr. Over 900 unique vending booths are bustling with customers at this south Florida flea market. Misting and ceiling fans keep the customer cool, while searching for hot bargains. For additional information about this popular flea market log onto www.fleamall.com
The Flamingo Island flea market is a far cry from the concrete and blah designs of older flea markets. The colorful and tropical décor beckons shoppers to soak up the atmosphere while searching for bargains. Vendors fill over 600 spaces at the Flamingo Island flea market. Games, food, and free musical entertainment make this location an all day affair. For additional information about this southwest Florida, weekend only flea market click www.flamingoisland.com
Tampa’s Big Top Flea Market offers a little bit of something for everyone. This circus themed flea market is located on Fowler Avenue East in Tampa, just off I-75 at exit 265. The Big Top Flea Market is a weekend only shopping experience. Over 500 vendors fill the 36 acres complex. Flea market operators claim to offer the best prices in the state. Food and snacks are available at the Big Top Flea Market. For additional information about this Tampa, Florida shopping attractions log onto www.bigtopfleamarket.com
