Flea market fever

Southern Living, May 2001 by Griffin, Eleanor

What's old is new again. The hot decorating looks of old shutters, vintage garden furniture, and architectural antiques carry cachet today-as well as hefty price tags, if you're shopping retail. But if you have comfortable shoes and an eye for style, you're ready for the hunt. Come with us as we visit two of our favorite Southern flea markets, Lakewood in south Atlanta and Warrenton Antique Show and Sale near Brenham, Texas.

LAKEWOOD ANTIQUES MARKET

Come early and come prepared to this Southeastern mecca of vintage chic and bric-a-brac. With 1,500 dealers, moderately priced old furniture, architectural antiques, and the inevitable junk, it's a retro paradise. Be aware that you're competing with Southern shop owners for the best pieces. That dusty hand-- carved mantel you admire is likely to be snatched up, cleaned up, and, yes, priced up, by an eagle-eyed retailer.

"I like to call us 'America's biggest treasure hunt,'" says Lakewood owner Ed Spivia. "We have seven exhibit halls and three courtyards full of merchandise. I think we've got the region's biggest variety of merchandise."

What you'll find: Old furniture, lighting fixtures, architectural accents such as shutters and mantels, vintage decorative accessories, garden furniture, and some trash. All items are sold as is.

Plan of attack: You can do Lakewood in a day, but two days is preferable if you're on a serious hunt. Be sure to visit Building #1, home of the old-line dealers, first to give you a feel for the environment.

Insider information: Lakewood has a large selection of antique and brass lights. It's a good place to check if you are looking for an old fixture or need parts for one.

What's hot: "We get a lot of old garden furniture, painted syrup cans, rusted cans, and shutters that sell very well," says Ed. "And we can't keep stained glass in stock; it's so popular."

How to shop smart: All the pieces should have price tags. Some dealers will bargain; others may hold firm on especially popular items, such as architectural antiques. "Don't tell a dealer, 'I'll give you xx for that,'" cautions Ed. Instead ask, "Can you do better?" This avoids insulting a dealer yet lets him or her know you want to negotiate. Some dealers accept credit cards, but cash is always your best negotiating tool.

The last word: Be there when Lakewood opens to get first crack at new items.

Tell me more: Lakewood is open the second weekend of every month. (Upcoming dates are May 10-13 and June 7-10.) Hours: 8 a.m-6 p.m. Thursday (early buyer's day), 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-- Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. (Note: Dealer setup time is 8 a.m. Thursday. You may pay $2 for early buyer's day and enter at 9 a.m. Thursday.) Admission: $3 (good for the whole weekend).

For additional information: Call (404) 622-4488.

WARRENTON ANTIQUE SHOW & SALE

Texans are known for thinking big, so what other state would throw an antiques show and flea market that is 2 miles long?

Starting with three original dance halls now filled with regional primitive furniture and finds, the show also includes dealers set up in yards along State 237. Owners Smokey and B.J. Renck and a friend got everything going in 1981.

"Bring your checkbook, but leave your kids at home," says B.J. "We've got everything from fine Texas primitives to our State 237 vendors. It's like a big garage sale."

What you'll find: A large selection of old furniture, decorative accessories, and architectural antiques, such as old posts, doors, and windows. "We have a lot of Texas oak pieces," says B.J. Look here for vintage linens and quilts too.

Plan of attack: Regulars know to check out the dance halls first. "You'll find the really good Texas primitives, country American pieces, and old oak furniture in the dance halls," says B.J.

Insider information: B.J. will keep items for you overnight if necessary.

What's hot: "Meyer Crockery, made in Texas during the middle 1800s, is always hot," says B.J. "Lone Star Statemade Suttle Crockery from the 1870s to 1900 is also very popular."

How to shop smart: All the pieces should have price tags. If you want to negotiate, ask a dealer, "Is that your bottom price?" Do not expect discounts on highly popular items.

The last word: "Get out of the way when we open our doors on the first day," says B.J. with a laugh.

Tell me more: The Warrenton Antique Show and Sale will be held October 2-7. Show hours are 9 a.m.-- dusk Tuesday-Sunday. No early birds admitted. There is no charge for admission, and parking is also free. Snacks are available on the grounds.

For additional information: Call (979) 249-3141 or (512) 837-3965.

SURVIVAL TOOLS

You've only got two hands, so bring a backpack or large, lightweight tote bags.

Pack a measuring tape, notebook and pen, water, snack, sunscreen, and a disposable camera. (If possible, bring measurements of the rooms, walls, etc., you're shopping for.)

Bring a plastic sandwich bag to hold dealers' business cards. Carry cash securely in your wallet.

For faster admittance, park near a secondary gate rather than the main one. Start your tour at the farthest point away from your car, and work back toward it. You'll thank yourself at the end of a long, hot day.