7 New Jersey antiques and flea markets worth a visit this summer
If you are a "Second Hand Rose" by nature and flea markets are your happy place, Central Jersey does not disappoint.
Generally held outside, flea markets are the go-to for gently used, handmade or vintage clothes, décor and other household items. Always on the lookout for treasures, flea market shoppers love the joy of the hunt and the lure of the bargain.
The search for secondhand goods has a long history. While the first American flea market is thought to have opened sometime around 1873, the practice seems to have its origin in France where sales of items outdoors was commonplace during the 19th century.
The flea market concept caught on and today it is estimated there are 5,000 regularly scheduled flea markets in the U.S.
There are about half-a-dozen flea markets in Central Jersey.
Avenel Flea Market
Open year-round, from 6 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Avenel Flea Market offers more than 150 vendor spaces, sheds and stores with new, used and antique merchandise. Both parking and admission are free.
Go: 1488 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge; 732-221-8178.
Englishtown Flea Market and Englishtown Auction Sales
Perhaps the most established of the Central Jersey flea markets, Englishtown is one of the largest open-air markets in the U.S. A rain-or-shine establishment with both indoor and outdoor vendors, Englishtown is open every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market has been showcasing a variety of goods ? they have everything ? since 1929.
Go: 90 Wilson Ave., Manalapan; 732-446-9644.
Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market
Open year-round, the Golden Nugget Antique Flea Market is a more than 50-year-old Lambertville institution. Since 1967, the Golden Nugget has been a "gold mine" for finding antiques, collectibles, art and more. The market is open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday with outdoor stalls open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and indoor shops open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking and entry are free for shoppers.
Go: 1850 River Road/Route 29, Lambertville; 609-397-0811.
Neshanic Flea Market
All types of merchandise – antiques, collectibles, furniture, jewelry, housewares, tools, electronics, games, videos, books, toys, arts and crafts, memorabilia, clothing – can be found at the Neshanic Flea Market. Food items such as local honey, fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs also are sold. A longtime local tradition, the market is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. once a month on Saturdays. The next 2024 dates are: Aug. 24, Sept. 14 and Oct. 12. Attendance and parking are free. Shoppers are encouraged to bring a cash or food donation for the Somerset County Food Pantry.
Go: Neshanic United Methodist Church, 111 Elm St., Branchburg; [email protected].
More: These are the best thrift shops in Central Jersey with something for everyone
North Edison Flea Market
The flea market is open on Tuesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. rain or shine and a variety of vendors can be found outside and inside. The market will be closed on Sept. 3.
Go: New Dover Methodist Church, 687 New Dover Road, Edison; 732-381-7904.
Plainfield Plaza Flea Market
The Plainfield Plaza Flea Market is open 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Go: 249 E. Front St., Plainfield; 908-668-9148.
Warren Flea Market
A fundraiser for the Washington Valley Volunteer Fire Company, the Warren Flea Market open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday from April to November. There are more than 300 tables available in a six-acre shaded park setting with vendors selling everything from antiques, apparel and jewelry to textiles, food and collectibles and more.
Go: Washington Valley Volunteer Fire Company, 146 Washington Valley Road, Warren; 732-356-1432.
email: [email protected]
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: [email protected] or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: 7 NJ antiques, flea markets worth visiting this summer