Known as the Gateway to the West, Ohio might conjure up images of rolling farmland, grazing cattle and barren landscapes but there’s far more to the “Buckeye State” than first appears. For one thing, it’s home to some of the best flea and street markets in America – each offering visitors the chance to pick up a unique item, hidden gem or a classic Americana-style souvenir to take away.
From the city fleas of Cincinnati to country markets, antique fleas and more, whatever kind of bargain you are looking for, you’ll be sure to find it.
Let’s have a look at the best flea markets in Ohio:
1. The City Flea
Running once a month from April through December in Cincinnati’s pretty Washington Park, The City Flea has over three hundred vendors, offering visitors everything from plants to vintage clothing, artisan food and collectables.
This relatively new flea, which began in 2011 with just a handful of merchants, has grown considerably over the past few years, and is popular with both locals looking for a weekend bargain and tourists for a day out.
The City Flea actively supports local businesses and encourages others to do the same by shopping local. The holiday market, held in December, is particularly busy – with handmade items and unique gift ideas.
Website: http://www.thecityflea.com/
2. Traders World
Lebanon’s huge flea market, Traders World, has over 11 acres of shopping for visitors to explore. With 850 inside vendors, and 250 outside, the market sells everything from arts and crafts, second-hand clothing and antiques to fresh local produce, and visitors can even pop into the onsite barbershop for a trim or find their dream dress at the bridal store.
Open every Saturday and Sunday, the market is celebrating 33 years of unique items and family fun in 2017, with new vendors being added on a regular basis.
The market building itself is something of a museum, with antiques, artefacts and Americana memorabilia hanging from the walls.
Website: http://www.tradersworldmarket.com/
3. Treasure Aisles Flea Market
One of the largest flea markets in Ohio, and a treasure hunter’s dream come true, the Treasure Aisles Flea Market in Monroe attract huge crowds of visitors every Saturday and Sunday.
Treasure Aisles, formerly known as the Turtle Creek Flea Market before it underwent a huge renovation in 2008, boasts over 64 acres of vendors, stores and food stalls, but those looking for a bargain have to be willing to rake through the bric-a-brac to find the real hidden gems.
Whether you are looking for a bike or first-edition book, kids clothing or computer games, this is one of the best flea markets in Ohio and the perfect destination for a cheap, family day out.
Website: http://www.treasure-aisles.com/
4. Tiffin Flea Market
Held once a month between April and October in the Seneca County Fairgrounds, the Tiffin Flea Market is a small but well-loved event, drawing visitors from all over the state and beyond.
Now in its 38th year, the market is organised by the Seneca Junior Fair Foundation, and features between 250 to 400 vendors each weekend, with anywhere from 5 to 10,000 people passing through its stalls. The Tiffin Flea has both free admission and parking, making it a great, budget-friendly day out for the whole family.
The flea also holds regular special events, including the Annual Tiffin-Seneca County Heritage Festival, as well as art, craft and music events.
Website: http://tiffinfleamarket.com/
5. Holmes County Flea Market & Marketplace
If you’re looking for a flea market with a difference, head to Holmes County Flea Market & Marketplace in Berlin – one of Ohio’s best flea markets.
Opened in 1989 in Walnut Creek, the market moved to its current location in 2008, but despite a change in ownership and venue, the flea continues to be known for its unique range of items and gifts, many of which reflect the local Amish community.
Running every Thursday to Saturday between March and December, Holmes County Flea Market & Marketplace focuses on handmade goods, locally sourced items and produce. It’s also worth checking their website to see what special events are coming up, with charity fundraisers, car rallies and more frequently adding to appeal of this Ohio flea.
Website: http://www.holmesfleamarket.com/
6. Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market
Named as one of America’s best flea markets, by the likes of CNN and Country Living Magazine, the Springfield Antiques Show and Flea Market has been drawing antiques collectors and bargain hunters alike for over 40 years.
Running nine weekends a year, the $3 to enter, but is worth every dime for the treasure trove of items waiting to be discovered. You’ll have to compete with an average of 20,000 visitors to see the wares that the 2000 strong vendors offer, but the busy atmosphere is another reason that this market is one of Ohio’s best fleas.
Website: http://www.springfieldantiqueshow.com/
7. Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market
One of the most historic flea markets in Ohio, the Hartville Flea Market was founded in 1939, originally providing a livestock auction and egg stall to the local community.
As the market grew in popularity, found Sol Miller began renting out spaces for others to sell their own produce and wares, eventually moving to its current location at 1289 Edison St.
Now offering visitors over 12 acres of outdoor shopping, the large flea is also home to a range of permanent store fronts, including the Hartville Children’s Boutique, Hartville Collectibles and the Hartville Food Court – where hungry shoppers can try out some of the delicious fresh food from a selection of local vendors.
Website: http://www.hartvillemarketplace.com/
8. Jamie’s Flea Market
Family owned and operated for almost 50 years, Jamie’s Flea Market in South Amherst started out as a furniture store and auction house, before growing into the busy market it is today.
Featuring over 200 inside vendors and around 400 outdoor vendors, the flea attracts some 250,000 collectors, bargain hunters and those who love to browse through the bric-a-brac each year.
You’ll find everything from gifts to musical instruments, beauty products, gardening equipment, books and more. As well as hundreds of items, you can also visit the fortune teller, grab a gourmet coffee or indulge at one of the delicious food stalls – with everything from pizza to Mexican food and popcorn.
Website: http://www.jamiesfleamarket.com/
9. Westland Flea Market
Columbus’s Westland Flea Market, located just off the I-270 near the Hollywood Casino, has been bringing unique bargains to the local community for over 20 years.
The 300 vendors that turn up to sell their wares every Friday to Sunday offer more than just the average flea market – this is one of the best fleas in the state to pick up the latest high-end electronics, including TV’s, PCs and laptops, tablets and mobile phones, all at incredible discounted prices.
As well as being a techy-paradise, Westland’s has a range of stalls selling clothes, jewellery, homeware and tools and, thanks to ample free parking and admission, those who simply want to browse can do so without spending a dime!
Website: http://www.westlandfleamarket.com/
10. Four Seasons Flea & Farm Market
Open every Wednesday and Sunday between 8am – 4pm, the Four Seasons Flea & Farm Market in Youngtown is the place in Ohio to pick up great local produce and browse for bargains.
Just three miles west of the Pennsylvania border, the Four Seasons Flea & Farm Market covers 88 sq.ft. of indoor space and 22 acres of blacktop outdoor stalls. Housed in a former airport, this is the largest farm market in the area, and offers completely free entry and parking for all visitors.
As well as local fruit, veg, baked goods and dairy products, you’ll also find plants, bric-a-brac and homeware.
Website: http://fourseasonsfleamarket.com/
11. Rogers Flea Market & Auctions
Take the whole family for a fun-filled day out at Rogers Flea Market and Auctions, scenically located in the hills of Ohio’s Columbiana County. The market has been repeatedly voted as the best flea market in Ohio, and with over five miles of vendors, regular concerts and events, delicious food and free entry, it’s easy to see why.
Open every Friday year-round, Rogers is the Tri-State area’s largest open-air market, as well as one of the most popular auction sites in the Ohio.
Browse the stalls at leisure, grab a bite to eat from one of the many food vendors or take part in a Rogers Flea Market Scavenger Hunt – where visitors with $20 can compete to find a list of items under a set amount of time.
Website: http://rogersohio.com/
12. South Drive-In Theatre
Grab a bargain and catch the latest movie, at the South Drive-In Theatre and Flea Market in Columbus.
Open every Wednesday and weekend-long, the South Drive-In Theatre is Columbus’s largest outdoor flea market and yard sale, as well as playing all the latest big movie hits in the onsite historic theatre building.
The flea market, which has more than 200 vendors selling everything from fresh fruit and veg to clothing and electronics, has been running since the early 70’s and visitors also have the option to turn some of their own unwanted bric-a-brac into money at the car boot sale.
Website: http://www.southdrive-in.com/
13. Rinky Dink Flea Market
Mid-Ohio’s year-round, self-proclaimed “Premier Flea Market” Rinky Dink, has a treasure trove of unique items and unusual bargains, just waiting to be rummaged through.
Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, between 9am and 5pm, the market sells both used and new items at their 75 plus vendor stalls. Whether you are looking for a gift, new piece of furniture for your home, a collectible item or a handmade quilt, Rinky Dink is known as the place to find “everything under the sun and some things that have never seen the sun!”.
If all of that raking around makes you hungry, stop by the snack bar before you leave for a tasty bite to eat.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Rinky-Dink-Flea-Market-114008828677337/
14. Fisher’s Flea Market
Logan County’s Fisher’s Flea Market, located near the beautiful shores of Indian Lake, might have over 27,000 sq.ft of indoor vendor space but still feels like a small, community flea market.
You won’t have to fight your way through dealers and collectors for the best bargains, but that doesn’t mean there is plenty of hidden gems to be found for those who are happy to hunt around.
Running from April through September, every Saturday and Sunday, the market is free to visit and has plenty of free parking space. For those who want to make the most of the surrounding scenery, there is also a campsite located nearby.
Website: http://www.fishersfleamarket.com/
15. Hocking Hills Fleamarket
Hit up Hocking Hills Fleamarket, open every Saturday and Sunday year-round, for some amazing Fleamarket bargains, local produce and a great selection of shops, places to eat and even a mini-golf course.
The flea market, which has wares from over 100 vendors each weekend, is the perfect place to buy an unusual gift. Those looking for serious antiques and collectables can find them at the Spring Street Antique Mall, which showcases items from over 120 dealers.
After shopping until you drop, enjoy a round of mini golf at the Hocking Hills Mini Golf course or taste delicious local dishes at one of the Hocking Hills eateries.
Website: http://www.explorehockinghills.com/