Attending the world’s largest flea market, is the experience of a lifetime. Here are some key tips to make this the most enjoyable experience for you.
Come on Thursday or Friday – Not Monday:
One hundred years ago, “First Monday” actually took place on a Monday, but that is no longer the case. First Monday Trade Days takes place the Thursday-Sunday before the first Monday of each month. If you can work it out, try to arrive on Thursday or Friday to avoid the massive crowds and have time to see everything. It’s impossible to shop the entire grounds in one day, so plan to spend 2-3 days shopping and exploring the area. Turn it into a mini-vacation or girls’ getaway!
Bring a Cart and Large Vehicle:
There are literally hundreds of thousands of items for sale, from sunglasses to high-end furniture to champion-sired English Bulldogs, so bring a cart or wagon to tote your purchases around. Motorized rent-a-scooters with baskets are also available. Be sure to travel in the largest vehicle that you own, so you’ll have enough room to take your stuff back home! Rental vans and moving trucks are available in Canton for large purchases such as furniture or appliances.
Dress for Success:
The flea market covers 450 acres and many of the 7,500 vendors are outside, so dress appropriately. Watch the weather reports to see if you need to bring an umbrella. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Rental scooters are also available if you desire faster exploration.
Bring Cash and Credit Cards:
You will need to bring plenty of cash in case you find some expensive, high-end items you were not expecting to buy. ATMs are available but frequently run out of cash. Fortunately, a growing number of vendors are accepting credit cards.
Haggle:
Remember that bargaining over the price is part of the flea market mentality, so haggle with the vendors as much as you like to save money. This is expected.
Come Hungry:
Lots of specialty and unique foods are available, so come hungry. When you arrive, take advantage of all the samples until you taste what you need to satisfy your cravings.
Pick Up a Map:
Free maps are available, so pick one up to navigate your way through the market and to keep from getting lost amongst the 100,000+ shoppers and 7,500 vendors.
Reserve Lodging:
Book your lodging ahead of time, because most area accommodations fill up quickly and are often completely booked by First Monday Trade Days weekend.
You will enjoy your time so much more if you plan on staying 2-3 nights in a luxury log cabin like those at Hackberry Creek Getaways near Wills Point, Texas. You can spend the day at the flea market and then escape to a secluded, high-end, luxury log cabin in the woods. Hackberry Creek Getaways is just a 12-15 minute drive from the market. After shopping you can escape the hustle and bustle of the crowds and simply unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest. Many have said that returning to the cabin to relax was the perfect ending to a day of shopping at First Monday Trade Days. Don’t drive all the way back home completely exhausted after a full day of shopping! Come and experience all that Hackberry Creek Getaways has to offer. You will be so glad you did!
