On the Hunt in Tampa
A friend of mine that worked at the pool hall directed me to theOldsmar Flea Market, just a few miles down the road. Since moving to the South, I have learned that aflea market can be quite a different thing then what I am use to inCalifornia. On the west coast these are usually large outdoor antique fairs. In the south they tend to more of a mish mash. Part farmers market, bargain bin and yard sale. However, if you're lucky and diligent, you may still find a few bits of of treasure.
I arrived close to closing but manage to move through a good portion of it quickly. It almost had a carnival feel with a funnel cake booth and all kinds of interesting signage. A large, fresh fruit market seem to be a big draw. I turned a corner and passed an odd and creepy display of carnival collectibles called "Sonny's Museum". Then I came upon two ladies just starting to pack up their booths, which were filled to the brim with vintage pottery and glassware. I snapped up fiveHazel Atlas State glasses for just $2 a piece, a true steal!
They also had an interesting and vast collection of ceramic shoes. From boots to elegant heels and lots and lots of clogs. I got excited that I might find the elusiveClarice Cliff hand paintedclog. When I asked one of the ladies if she might have run across it she told me they had bought the whole collection at an estate sale. They still had boxes of them unopened. She even took my info and promised to let me now if she ran across it. I did buy this sweet little example, about 3 inches long and in an irresistible soft green.
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 5:00AM
Reader Comments (7)
Hey Lara, I've heard the Rose Bowl etc fleas in LA are not what they used to be back in the day (90s)....do you know if that's true? I have such fond memories of the times I did Long Beach, Rose Bowl...the merch was SO different than East Coast 26th Street...lots of great denim, Mexican silver...not as antique-y as NYC....I suppose Ebay has a lot to do with all this, but your Tampa foray is pretty drool-inducing....
Flea markets are always so interesting and different where ever you go. Great finds!
I'm going to Tampa for Thanksgiving and I'm definitely going to attempt this stop!
I love your hunting stories and those glasses are a great find.
Love your blog... I have been on for hours! Beautiful.
Great finds!
Love it all!