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.

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. 

    

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.

Amish Country Food

One thing that Amish Country, Ohio is never in short supply of is FOOD! From down-home Amish cooking to wineries and chocolatiers, you will find exactly what you are craving when you visit. This blog is going to introduce you to a few of our favorites, and it is by no means an extensive list. So do not be afraid to try another place that is not on this list. We know you will leave Amish Country satisfied!

Guggisberg Cheese

1. Guggisberg Cheese, Inc. This world famous and award-winning dairy is renowned for their premium Swiss and original Baby Swiss cheeses. If you don't find a favorite cheese here, then it doesn't exist! It's located at 5060 State Route 557 Millersburg, Ohio 44654.

2. Troyer's Country Market If you were looking for the perfect store to find all your Amish Country favorites, as far as the edible ones go, this is the place you must go! Troyer's proudly carries many of the places that we mention in this blog, along with their own delicious foods. Fresh butter, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more are found in abundance here. They are located at 5201 CR 77 Millersburg, OH 44654

Troyer's Country Market

3. Walnut Creek Cheese Another market filled to the brim with deliciousness! Walnut Creek makes their own cheeses, and has a fresh meat market. But what is probably their biggest draw is the HUGE ice cream cones they sell. So if you need an ice cream fix, stop by 2641 State Route 39 Walnut Creek, OH 44687. They also have a location in Berlin as well!

Roster's Fudge at The Original Holmes County Flea Market

4. And don't forget the food vendors at our very own The Original Holmes Country Flea Market!  Spend the day with us. Shop over 300 local vendors with unique items, sweets and treats, and one-of-a-kind gifts. Visit our 2,000 square foot antique wing for authentic antiques, collectibles, and vintage finds. After a fun filled day of shopping enjoy lunch at our full service cafe. Take a seat in our large dining room and enjoy a sweet treat. We're located at 4550 SR 39 Berlin, OH 44654.


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.

Holmes County Flea Market 101

We are so proud of the way The Original Holmes County Flea Market has grown over the years! It's exciting to see new and wonderful vendors find their home with us. We also love it when our beloved return guests bring new friends with them to experience all that we have to offer!

But what if you are new to the Holmes County Flea Market? What should you expect? This little blog post is going to be your primer on how to have the most fun at the flea market!

First of all, you've got to be prepared. We open at 9 a.m., so if you are coming right away in the morning, you want to make sure you had a great breakfast! There are many delicious restaurants in Amish Country that you can be sure to find one that suits your tastes! Wear comfortable shoes. The flea market does have a large dining area where you can find a place to rest, but this is probably not the place where you want to wear your stylish stilettos!

Second, don't rush! We like to use a food analogy when talking about shopping (because we love both!). Some stores you go into are like a butcher or a baker, you find one specialized good there, so it's a pretty quick trip. Just in and out. The Holmes County Flea Market, however, is like the biggest buffet ever! We don't recommend you trying to take it all in in one trip! You'll be overwhelmed! 

We have so many awesome vendors (over 300!), that if you try to get to all of them in one day, you will definitely run out of time! To continue the food metaphor, take the time to savor all the flavors at the flea market. Browse each one of our vendors. You'll be amazed that the selection of goods you will find!

Ready to plan your bus group trip to Amish Country, Ohio, but not sure where to start? Visit The Original Holmes Country Flea Market and spend the day with us. Shop over 300 local vendors with unique items, sweets and treats, and one of a kind gifts. Visit our 2,000 square foot antique wing for authentic antiques, collectibles, and vintage finds. After a fun filled day of shopping enjoy lunch at our full service cafe. Take a seat in our large dining room and enjoy a sweet treat. 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.

Exciting Changes Are Coming to Holmes County Flea Market

Holmes County Flea Market is opening again for the 2020 season on March 5th, and we can hardly wait! We have so many wonderful new things to share with you. We are completely revamping and remodeling the flea market. We will have fabulous, unique new items in the antique mall. We are welcoming new vendors, and we have some fun events planned! So many great things are happening at Holmes County Flea Market, and we are counting down the days until we can welcome our customers back to show off the awesome changes and additions.

Exciting changes are coming soon to Holmes County Flea Market! 

Let’s talk about our first couple of events that are coming soon! To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, we are having a Winning the Green $50 Flea Buck Shopping Spree on Saturday, March 14th! Participating is easy. Simply, visit Holmes County Flea Market and shop with any of our vendors.

For each purchase, you will earn tickets:

Purchases of $1 to $20 = 1 ticket
Purchases of $20 to $40 = 2 tickets
Purchases of $40 to $60 = 3 tickets
Purchases of $60 to $80 = 4 tickets

You will receive these tickets from our vendors. Fill them out completely with your information and submit them in the container at our information desk for your chance to win $50 in Flea Bucks.
In August, we are hosting our annual car show! Join us on Saturday, August 22nd. The first 100 cars will receive dash plaques. There will be giveaways, trophies, t-shirts, music, a 50/50 drawing, food, and fun. All proceeds will go directly to the Alzheimer’s Association. Registration for this event will be from 10am to noon, and the cost per car is $15 to enter. Additional donations are also encouraged! The show will be from noon until 3pm. All are welcome to join us, and we hope to see you there! It is sure to be a fun-filled day.

For more information about these exciting changes and additions, stay tuned to our social media accounts. Follow us on Instagram at @hcfleamarket and like us on Facebook! See you soon, friends!