The Do's and Don'ts of Flea Market Shopping

     

    Flea markets are often a treasure trove of great items with friendly vendors and attractions to see. But going to one with limited knowledge and experience can prove to be disastrous. In order to help any newcomers or even experienced visitors, we've decided to put together a list of what to do and what not to do during your next flea market shopping spree! 

1. Do Make a Plan Before You Go    

            A majority of a first-timers trip through a flea market is browsing up and down every aisle peeking into each booth to see what's available. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially if you love to browse, but in regards to efficiency it's not a great idea. One of the best ways to combat this, is grab a map before you venture off! Maps will generally be available online or just pick one up when you arrive. Holmes County Flea Market has an expertly laid out map on it's website chock full of details to make your shopping experience as easy a possible.  

       2. Don't Be Afraid to Barter

            It may be a little nerve-wracking at first to ask for a lower price on a product from a vendor. The worst they can say is no, while the best outcome would be a lower price for a product you really want. The trade-off is in your favor. A curated shop owner is usually trying to get rid of his supply as to not bring it back home. So the odds of you getting a good deal, especially close to closing is much higher than if you went to a shop owner who can order from a catalogue to keep his inventory stocked. 

        3. Do Shop At Different Vendors Before Buying Any Items

             Flea markets are notorious for selling the exact same things in different shops, for different prices. A majority of the time, the higher priced items are located closer to the door. Always scout the market before buying an item because you never know what vendors prices are and you may get a better deal than just buying from the first vendor you come across. 

    These are just a few do's and don'ts that will help you greatly on your next trip to a flea market. In Ohio, Holmes County Flea Market is the premier flea market for visitors. Various vendors and attractions are on the market for adults and children alike to experience. Visit our website or stop in back around March when we reopen for the 2021 season.

A Few Things to Do in Amish Country Ohio

    

    Holmes County, Ohio is home to the world's largest Amish settlement. Situated about halfway between both Columbus and Cleveland, Amish Country seems hidden away from the hustle and bustle of city life. While it lacks the bright lights and unpredictable chaos of downtown city life, Ohio's Amish Country has it's own charms. From all the attractions, historical landmarks to the restaurants and farms, you won't be able to see everything it has to offer in even a week. Visiting Holmes Country Flea Market is a must for us, but we wanted to share some of our other favorite places to visit.

   Hershberger's Farm & Bakery

 

    Hershberger's Bakery has all the Amish goods you would come to expect from pies to various canned goods. In the farm section, you can find products that will delight your children such as Amish dolls and wooden farm toys. For the adults, you have leather goods, homegrown seasonal produce and a large assortment of flowers that can overwhelm your senses. A free family petting zoo is also available on site and is an absolute delight for all members of the family.  

   The Farm at Walnut Creek 

    

    One of our absolute favorites on the list is The Farm at Walnut Creek. Combining an exotic animal farm with a working farm is sure to be a unique experience for visitors. After feeding a giraffe or even a zebra, you will likely interact with something you're more familiar with, like a goat. An Amish-led tour of about 2.3 miles by horse & buggy is always a good time if the weather permits it. One thing to keep in mind is that The Farm is closed every Sunday and they do not accept debit or credit cards.

   

   Holmes County Open Air Art Museum 

    The Holmes County Open Air Art Museum is a fusion of nature and art set within a majestic landscape of lush forest and rolling hillsides. Spread throughout the grounds of The Inn at Honey Run, the regions only Open Air Art Museum showcases original works from local and regional artists of various backgrounds, mediums and disciplines. The trails are a great group activity for people of all ages. 

    

    If you are planning a trip to Ohio's Amish Country, we hope you take these suggestions to heart. They are all worth your time and can create majestic memories for members of your family! 

Christmas Shopping at the Flea Market!

     It is finally December and with that we can finally usher in the Christmas shopping season! We love buying gifts for our family and friends, and we think that you do too, so we are going to give you a few gift-giving ideas from our awesome vendors at The Original Holmes County Flea Market!

Map of where all our vendors are located.

    When you are looking for the outdoorsperson in your life, check out 39 Outpost. They have outdoor style décor and yard decorations. They also have things for the sportsman who love fishing and more! If you aren't interested in the outdoors, they do have a few specialty items such as some black bear lamps that are very cute, yet also could be terrifying at night if you forgot that you bought them! 

    One of our featured vendors is Gifted Hands Reflexology who offers relaxation methods and products for tired, achy hands and feet. Lasting only 20 minutes,  come sit and relax with wonderful hot towels and sweet, pure Young Living Essential Oils to put your mind at ease. Soft music will also be played to give you the ultimate experience on cloud 9. Perfect stress reliever if you're feeling overwhelmed this holiday season. 

    Books are always a welcome gift for everyone of all ages. If you have a book-lover in your family or friend group. don't hesitate to stop by Beautiful Books and see their selection! From new to gently-used books and collection books, you should be able to find that special book for that special someone. This year, they are also offering book themed puzzles and Journals. We're proud to work with such a great company that has been gleefully serving the public since the 1980s. 

    You wear T-shirts don't you? Well, we at least hope you do. Stop by D's Tees, your one stop T-Shirt shop for all your T-Shirt needs. They have something for everyone ranging from babies to grandparents. Offering a wide selection of T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Onesies, Totes and more, you'll be overwhelmed from all their choices! Multiple colors and sizing to choose from as well so don't hesitate to visit the D's Tee's booth to get a one-of-a-kind shirt for Christmas.

     The Original Holmes County Flea Market  is proud to support these local vendors and we hope to see all of our local communities supporting them as well this holiday season. Feel free to call us at (330) 893-0900 to ask about any of our services or questions about special offers we may have going on. 

    

Best Flea Markets In Ohio

 Flea markets are popular throughout the state of Ohio. Ohio offers a wide range of flea markets to visit and is popular among many people in the area. The literal translation of A flea market (or swap meet) is a type of street market that provides space for vendors to sell previously-owned (second-hand) merchandise. Flea markets are widely known to offer many types of vendors to encourage visitors of all preferences and hobbies to visit. 

One well-known flea market in Ohio is The Original Holmes County Flea Market. This market offers over 40 vendors as well as an antique wing and several restaurants. This market is local to Ohio Amish country and provides a clean and safe shopping environment for visitors of all ages. Past visitors mention The Original Holmes County Flea Market as one of their favorite locations due to the wide range of vendors and shopping options.

When choosing a trip to Amish Country, you won't want to miss one of the best flea markets in Ohio, conveniently located in downtown Berlin, Ohio. What makes this flea market unique is not only the vast amount of second-hand goods and antiques but also the wide range of new goods

and gifts. Visitors mention this flea market in Ohio a great place to shop for the holidays, as well as birthdays and special occasions. 

The Orignal Holmes Country Flea Market also offers many events throughout the year including a car show, giveaways, ice cream socials, and many more experiences to delight. Famously known for their local Amish cooking at their restaurant located conveniently inside the flea market, visitors and tourists often choose to plan a day at the flea market in Ohio.

If you enjoy antiques, shopping, and Amish cooking, we suggest visiting The Original Holmes County Flea Market. Once there, you will find a map of their large location to easily walk and enjoy the many vendors. With over 80,000 square feet of new and used goods, every person visiting the flea market can find something they enjoy. 

To learn more about the market visit their website here: http://www.holmesfleamarket.com/contact-us/.

A Fall Weekend in Amish Country, Ohio

We have all had quite the year, haven't we? I'm not sure about you, but I definitely need a vacation! Now is the perfect time to come to Amish Country in Ohio. The weather is not hot anymore, and the snow hasn't yet started falling either. The colors of fall are starting to show and you can see the Amish out working their fields for harvest. It's just a really peaceful time, and isn't a little peace what we are all seeking right now?

Let's plan out a sample fall weekend in Amish Country that you can follow exactly or let your eyes carry you where they will when you get here! We recommend that you check for availability and make reservations if necessary beforehand!

First, coming in on a Friday evening, you'll be hungry and ready for a great meal. Lucky for you, we have no shortage of great places to eat! Feed whatever craving you have.

We have tons of places to spend the night in Amish Country too! Want a bed and breakfast, we got 'em! Want a luxurious hotel? We have it. Want a secluded romantic cabin? It's just a few clicks away for reservations!

Saturday morning and you've got a hankering for a big breakfast! Try the Honey Bee Café and Bakery,  known for their award winning Honey Walnut Baklava. But don't stop there, you've got to try their delicious specialty drinks and made-from-scratch baked goods! 

Now, it's time to walk off that breakfast with a stroll through Millersburg. We can't even list all the unique boutiques you'll see because there are so many. Needless to say, you'll have a blast and you'll be hungry again before you know it!

Spend your Saturday afternoon at The Original Holmes County Flea Market. Start with lunch at the Flea Market's exclusive Amish Wedding Cafe. Then, with over 60 vendors to see, you'll be able to find everything you want from unique treats and snacks, to clothing, home decor and seasonal items that you can only find during the fall. Plus, don't forget the Amish Pickers Antique Mall that is part of the Flea Market! Find your next great treasure there.

Saturday night and what to do? If you think we shut down at 5, no way! Grab a couple tickets to the Amish Country Theater and laugh your head off to their hilarious antics. Your kids will love it and you'll love their clean comedy. Note: you can order tickets ahead of time, but you will be seated as "best available" when you arrive to comply with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

After another great night's sleep, it's time to enjoy the quiet because on Sunday almost all of Amish Country is closed for a day of rest. There are no shortage of trails to take you through the beautiful countryside from Holmes County Rails To Trails.

The Original Holmes County Flea Market can still take groups, but you need to call ahead! Ready to plan your bus group trip to Amish Country, Ohio, but not sure where to start? We are now taking reservations for bus groups. We specialize in groups of any sizes and can help you book your trip. 

Ask about our discounted rates and coupons for our bus groups! For more information and discount rates, call us at 330-893-0900.

Finding Great Antiques!

Ever wonder how some people get those fantastic (and valuable) antique finds? It takes time, a good eye, and a little bit of RADAR! We'll explain the acronym in this blog.

Rarity

What makes something a rarity? That kind of sounds like a silly question, but it actually is not. If no one else on your block owns one, you know that it’s worth something. If no one in your zip code has one, it might be worth even more. And if no one in your area code has one, chances are, you have a piece that’s pretty valuable.

Of course, something might be rare because it just didn’t make it in the marketplace. The piece might be too large, too loud, or too ugly. Still, if you like it, well, this aspect of rarity can work to your advantage.

Aesthetics

This is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty and taste, as well as the philosophy of art. When you can look at an item without wanting to change anything, when all the elements of it blend together in perfect harmony, and when it has an overall pleasing appearance, then that item really has it in the aesthetics department.

Desirability

How much is this item in demand? Items from Tiffany's have a large desirability, but this is one where trends are key. Pay attention to what styles, colors or brands people want.

Authenticity

This one is where it might be a little more difficult to know. Is that lamp a real Tiffany or is it a knock-off from China? Part of the mystery and fun of antiques is separating truth from fiction. As technology and the ability to reproduce items become more advanced, identifying the authentic antique becomes more difficult. Study up on books and pictures of actual pieces so you'll get good at recognizing the real thing.

An object with a Tiffany signature is worth more than an object without one. However, a signature is not in itself enough to authenticate a piece. Here’s where your specialization comes in: You need to know the types of pieces Tiffany made — the texture of the glass, the colors, and the styles — and make sure that all the elements make sense before you can believe the signature.

Really Great Condition

Here’s the rule as far as value goes: The less that was done to the original item to alter it, the more it’s worth. That is, the fewer the additions or deletions over the years, the better.

Flea markets are a great place to find antique items, and our Amish Pickers Antique Mall at The Original Holmes County Flea Market is a paradise of antiques! Antiquers are often found wandering through looking for items. Smaller pieces of furniture, hand tools, dolls, toys and dinnerware are common antique items that can be found at flea markets. The prices are also usually much less than what you’d pay at an antique store.

Ready to plan your bus group trip to Amish Country, Ohio, but not sure where to start? We can still take groups, but you need to call ahead! We are taking reservations for bus groups. We specialize in groups of any sizes and can help you book your trip. Ask about our discounted rates and coupons for our bus groups!

For more information and discount rates, call us at 330-893-0900.

Why Going to the Flea Market is So Much Fun!

You are probably reading this blog because you like flea markets already, so we're going to talk about some of your favorite things! Feel free to drop a comment about why you love The Original Holmes County Flea Market!

1. Bargains. This is generally the main reason people live for going to flea markets. They are looking for bargains. That is the big selling point of flea markets. They’re similar to a giant garage sale with all the items organized on different tables. Some of the vendors are selling new items but many of them are selling used items in good condition.

3. Variety. You never know what you are going to find at The Original Holmes County Flea Market but you can be guaranteed that the products will cover a wide spectrum. You’ll usually find clothes, housewares, décor items, tools, toys, books, antiques and crafts. What is found on those tables one week will be totally different than what you might find another week. So the variety that exists is also always changing.

4. Collectibles. Collectors of all types of items will be found roaming through flea markets. They’re looking for rare pieces and parts that can’t be found anywhere else. For auto enthusiasts it may be a hood ornament or another original piece for their current restoration project in the antiques area. Dinnerware collectors are looking pieces to finish out their sets. Art collectors are looking for that rare piece of pottery or a painting of great value that has yet to be discovered. We also have vendors selling sports memorabilia and more.

5. Antique lovers. Flea markets are a great place to find antique items, and our Amish Pickers Antique Mall is a paradise of antiques! Antiquers are often found wandering through looking for items. Smaller pieces of furniture, hand tools, dolls, toys and dinnerware are common antique items that can be found at flea markets. The prices are also usually much less than what you’d pay at an antique store.

6. Food! We would be remiss if we didn't talk about food, because we have a lot of it. Between vendors with wonderful Amish canned goods, popcorn of all flavors, candy, snacks...there's just too many delicious things to list. You will definitely find that one-of-a-kind flavor or a brand new favorite treat when you come to the Flea Market.

Ready to plan your bus group trip to Amish Country, Ohio, but not sure where to start? We can still take groups, but you need to call ahead! We are taking reservations for bus groups. We specialize in groups of any sizes and can help you book your trip. Ask about our discounted rates and coupons for our bus groups!

For more information and discount rates, call us at 330-893-0900.