Fairgrounds Flea market

 Whatever you are looking for, and even for things you didn’t know you were looking for, chances are you can find it at the Raleigh Flea Market. I always find the arrangements of merchandise fascinating. There’s just something about a small Peavey amp, an air rifle, and a coffee pot that visually works.  Why shouldn’t you be able to find a mannequin, an antique eggbeater and an oil painting under the same roof?

Known as North Carolina’s original flea market, this venue was started back in 1971 by the Stewart Family with just six tables.  Now it is a major shopping venue for Raleigh and the surrounding area.

Shopping aside, if you are a people watcher--that is you are awestruck by the different, strange, and exotic--this is a great place to be on the weekends. As a bonus, there are more dogs than a Westminster show.

Horace plying his trumpet skills

One of the more pampered canine visitors

potpourri central

Horace, who was playing his Bach Strat trumpet for tips, is one of the few bucksters I have seen at the flea market.  I discovered he must pay the same rate as any other vendor there so that would explain the scarcity. With the smell of fresh hot popcorn slapping you in the face, you move from the outside vendors to the main two buildings. On a day like today, you will also feel your skin draw up as you go from NC heat and humidity to a beach cottage 68°. There is also the obvious camaraderie between vendors that keeps the atmosphere light and friendly. I think I’ll go again next weekend.