Can you have too many great suggestions for treasure-hunting road trips? Probably not, but our Chesapeake Collectibles appraisers provided us such a deep list of recommendations that you might want to do your planning in terms of this summer AND next summer. And maybe even the summer after that!
That applies whether your pursuit of collectibles has you dreaming about cross-country excursions or day trips in the Mid-Atlantic region. Here’s what our appraisers had to say.
Frank Shaia (rugs and textiles): “Without a doubt, the destination place to go for antiques, collectibles, and pretty much anything you can think of is the Round Top Antiques Fair (in Texas).” Famed for the size of its event — more than 11 miles on either side of a state highway — the town hosts spring and fall shows. C’mon, that’s close enough to “summer,” right? It’s one of the country’s “find anything and everything” antiques fairs.
Robert Harrison (furniture and decorative arts): “I really like shopping locally. In my opinion, Beaver Creek Antique Market in Hagerstown is well worth the drive for anyone in search of a traditional venue with a wide selection of merchandise. From mid-century modern to Americana, they have it all.”
Lisa Jones (pottery, porcelain, and glass): “I’m a flea market tourist! Whenever I’m in New York, I always make the trip to the Chelsea Flea Market (W. 25th St.). It’s a treasure trove... When I travel to Asheville (N.C.), I always go to the Antique Tobacco Barn. Yes, it is a very large barn. It is packed with vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to unusual finds. Need a large gorilla? Well, they have it!”
Ross Kelbaugh (memorabilia, ephemera, and photography): This expert’s list of Maryland locations could have filled three blog posts. Here’s a select portion: In Eldersburg, Mr. Bob’s Unique Finds; in Parkville, the Bowery of Antiques and Collectibles; in Frederick, the Old Glory Antique Market Place; Kensington Antique Row in Montgomery County; in Ellicott City, Antique Depot and the Wagon Wheel Antique Shop; and the Emmitsburg Antiques Mall.
Finally, here are two iconic target destinations we’d be remiss in not mentioning, but that elude concise summary.
Lisa Jones cited perhaps the most famous flea market in the world: in Paris, Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. Do the extensive research if you’re interested, but Jones’ bottom-line assessment is “Ooh la la!”
And eventually, we’ll have feedback for you from appraiser Genice Lee (drawings and paintings), who is planning her initial visit to another massive Texas event, the 450 acres of the every-month First Monday Canton. Check it out online and, at some point, we’ll circle back to you with her insights.
Ready to register for the next Chesapeake Collectibles taping in October, with the opportunity to have your treasures evaluated and get an insider’s look at how TV production magic works? Information, including attendance details, is available HERE. The registration period continues through September 20.
Chesapeake Collectibles fans can also catch a replay of the series’ 11th season on Mondays at 7:30 pm. You can also watch on the free PBS App and the MPT website HERE.
