Okay, can we just talk about how amazing, fantastic, and incredible last weekend was? I distinctly remember Spring/Summer 2009 as cold, wet, and dreary. Ignoring the 35-degree morning last week, I think this summer is slated to be perfect (knock on wood)!
I really wanted to go on a bike ride this weekend to take advantage of the warm weather. In an effort to avoid Cape traffic, I planned on heading up to Plum Island outside of Newburyport on the Massachusetts North Shore. Since I was going to be passing through Rowley, I figured I’d swing by the Todd Farm Antique Market Sunday morning.
I first read about Todd Farm on Apartment Therapy in 2008. My first visit was extremely successful. I got a solid wood secretary’s desk for $50 (that I later sold for $120) and an antique coat rack for $10. I’ve been back a few times since then and I’ve talked to a lot of vendors about Todd Farm logistics. Here are the notes I’ve compiled about visiting the market:
(1) What do they sell? Furniture, artwork, textiles, musical instruments, jewelry, comic books, lamps, toys, home accessories and china galore. There is a limited amount of clothing for sale.
(2) When to get there: The market is open from 5am-3pm Sunday and supposedly fills up quickly. After interviewing several vendors, I’ve determined that: (a) you only need to get there around 6 am if you are looking for valuable antiques or something specific. Otherwise, arriving between 7 and 9am is reasonable; (b) you certainly don’t need to get there early in the late fall because the market is tiny during the cooler months; (c) try to visit during the summer when the market is larger; and (d) no matter what month it is, the dealers start packing up around noon.
(2) How to get there: You’re going to need a car. If you’re renting a Zipcar, know that Rowley is about an hour away from Boston and you should allot at least 2 hours to browse through the market. You don’t need to bring a van, but a small SUV or hatchback would be helpful if you’re thinking about buying furniture.
(3) What to wear: Not heels! The fields can get muddy if it has rained recently, so plan accordingly. In the summer, bring sunscreen and a hat because there isn’t a lot of shade.
(4) How much cash to bring: There’s no good answer to this question, sorry! Frankly, this depends on how much money you have and what you’re looking for. There are plenty of items around the $1-$5 price range, but I saw some great items (including mahogany tables and a violin) for $100. Come with enough cash that you can buy something you weren’t expecting to buy, but not so much that you’re temped to by everything you see and want (but don’t need or have space for). There are no ATMs on site.
(5) Haggling prices: Everything is negotiable! If you really want to lowball the dealers, go late in the day (noon-ish) or late in the season.
(6) Food: Does shopping wear you out? There are vendors on site that serve fresh pastries and coffee (~$1-3) in the morning and hamburgers and hotdogs (~$5) in the afternoon. But you should really consider swinging by the Agawam Diner on your way home. This antique diner was reviewed by Kate F., Girl Reporter and in Road Food.
I’ll cover my jewelry shopping adventures on Tuesday and my furniture shopping adventures on Wednesday. Until then, here’s a preview of what I found at the market this weekend.
Next: Rowley Antique Market Part II: Put a ring on it and Rowley Antique Market Part III: Flea market furniture
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh this place looks amazing! Let’s pretend that chair isn’t a knockoff, okay?
If you ever need someone to go with you, I’d jump at the chance. I think my husband would rather do anything than go there!
Thanky Thanky for all this good iofnrmaiton!
I might take you up on that! I’d love to go in August to do another post before everyone moves and flocks to Ikea!
my friend in real life and my blogger friend in the same comments making plans, uggghhh wiissshh i were in boostttonnn like noww
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