TNPLL:Better Late Than Never:Mile High Flea Market

So if you have been following along with us this summer for There’s No Place Like Local, you might be scratching your head wondering what happened to July. Well it was the Fourth of July and I was so excited I totally forgot that I was supposed to take you guy’s on an adventure, then we had a family reunion, then Cheyenne Frontier days. Needless to say it was a busy July. Please forgive me. But I am ready now….and oh what an adventure we are going on.

This week we travel to the far away land of…The Mile High Flea Market. This is a place I remember from my youth, and really my only memory from back then was riding some various carnival rides. In the past several years it has undergone quite the revamping, so I am told. But I hate to say that this place was a dud (for me at least) as far as good pieces with nice bones or antiques. If, however, you are in the market for a nice t-shirt with a picture of Tupac and the quote “Hero’s live forever but legends never die.” (five cool points to whoever can name the movie that quote is from), a Scarface fleece blanket (in July?), a pair of knock off Dolce and Gabana sunglasses, or even skimpy undies (seriously?), then by all means head over to the Mile High Flea Market, it will become your new one stop shop.

The day wasn’t a complete waste, I did find one thing, this awesome enamelware pot that I will use as a planter,  and got some steps in and some great produce, (if it wasn’t for the distance this would be my new favorite place to get fresh produce, everything was amazing; lettuce and fruits and pepper’s….oh my!).

Tip #1

“Not everyone can be a winner” and when it comes to finding that great little local shop that has everything you want, and even the things you didn’t know you wanted, the only option is to give everyplace a try. Don’t be discouraged if a place that you thought was going to be a gem falls flat. “There are plenty of fish in the sea.” Not a week later I was in Denver shopping with a girlfriend and I discovered some great little places on Broadway Ave. and found a fun little pitcher with blue stars that makes a perfect vase for the flower from my garden.

Tip #2

Ask around. Recently I met up with a few other bloggers, from the Denver metro area, who are all part of a Facebook group devoted to Christian Women Bloggers called The Peony Project, Brooke from over at Bye Comparison (go check her out, she makes great things, has beautiful kids and love the Lord) mentioned a great little market she has been to, called The Horseshoe Market, they only do one market every season so I have to wait till fall till I can go check it out, but if Brooke likes it then I am sure I will. Word of mouth is a great way to find new and interesting local places that might be to small for big advertising etc, so don’t be afraid to ask someone where they got something, or if you have a shop you love ask the owners if there are any stores or markets they recommend.

Tip #3

The early bird gets the worm….the late bird gets the deal. Its kind of a double edged sword. If you know what you want to spend then get there early and see what is available. If there is nothing in your price range, come back in the afternoon and hope that the seller is wanting to get rid of their stock enough to come down in price. If you get there early it will be nice and cool, if you go in the afternoon it will be nice and hot…and the crowds will be thinner. Take all these things into account as you plan your day and hopefully you’ll be a lucky bird.