Boston's Best

Boston's Best Flea Markets

July 26, 2016 / 6:00 AM EDT / CBS Boston

Flea markets are like heaven for treasure hunters. Whether they are looking for a special piece or finding something that was not in the plan for the day, the thrill of the hunt makes flea market hunting a favorite pastime for many people. There are some great flea markets in and around Boston; some are open on a regular basis and others just return to their respective venues once or twice a year with a plethora of new wares.

SoWa Open Market
460 Harrison Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
(800) 403-8305
www.sowaopenmarket.com

Dates: Sundays at 10 AM to 4 PM, May to October

This open air flea market is booming on Sundays from May to October. There is a mix of crafts, artwork and accessories for sale by a group of vendors in the South End Arts Market area. The South End Farmers' Market hosts a variety of stands selling veggies, herbs, cheeses, flowers, meats, jams and jellies and more. In an adjacent parking lot, visitors can feast on grilled cheese, tacos, ice cream sandwiches and more at the South End Food Trucks after wandering around the flea market area.

SoWa Vintage Market
460C Harrison Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
(800) 403-8305
www.sowavintagemarket.com

Dates: Saturday and Sundays, year round from 10 AM to 5 PM

This indoor vintage market flea market is open every Sunday all year round, which allows Boston-area shoppers to enjoy hunting and finding special treasures in spite of the New England weather. The SoWA Vintage Market has clothes, furniture, jewelry and more available for sale. Interestingly, the market requires each vendor to offer new merchandise every week to keep shoppers interested in returning week after week.

Brimfield Antique Flea Market
35 Palmer Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
(413) 245-9269
www.brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com

Dates: Tuesday through Sunday, three times a year; May 10-15, July 12-17 and Sept. 6-11, 2016 Open and close times vary by show

Brimfield Antique Flea Market, the oldest outdoor antiques event in the country, draws visitors from all over the world to this outdoor antique event. The flea market is held three times a year, in May, July and September, for six days each session. The 2016 dates are May 10-15, July 12-17 and September 6-11. This massive flea market, which is attended by about 50,000 people each year, covers twenty different show fields in central Massachusetts.

Related: Boston's Best Flea Markets

Grafton Flea Market
296 Upton St.
Grafton, MA 01519
(508) 839-2217
www.graftonflea.com

Dates: Sundays, April to December from 6 AM to 4 PM

Open Sundays from April to December, the Grafton Flea Market has many acres of indoor and outdoor locations for visitors to browse for hidden treasures. Located in western Massachusetts, this flea market offers a vast variety of treasures. There are hundreds of sellers who bring unique items for the thousands of buyers who come to this country setting flea market each week.

The Somerville Flea
52 Holland St.
Somerville, MA 02144
www.thesomervilleflea.com

Dates: Sundays, May to October from 10 AM to 4 PM

A vintage and artisan flea market, The Somerville Flea is open every Sunday from May 31st until October 11th. There are many fun and exciting choices at this venue from the craft vendors and artists to a farmer's market and the many delectable snack options available. A unique feature of this flea market is the local musicians who start performing at the Davis Square location each week at 1 PM.

Nancy is a native Bostonian. She enjoys the sights, sounds and tastes of Boston while exploring the city by day or night. Nancy is also a school nurse at an independent middle/high school. Her work can be found on a variety of websites, including Examiner.com.