I love it when I can fill my weekend with a new adventure.
On Friday, the hubby and I decided to do something unexpected, something that has been on my bucket list for years and something that would involve a bit of adventure. We decided to hit the road and attend the World’s Longest Yard Sale.
If you’ve never heard of it before, the World’s Longest Yard Sale event is a 4 day event, every August, that spans from Gadsden, Alabama all the way up to Michigan, 657 miles in total. Running along Route 127 (two lane back roads), the yard sale is just as it sounds.
As you drive along, you’ll encounter house after house with “stuff” in their yard for sale. And, between the houses, you run into open fields and lots where multiple vendors, 20 to 50, set up tables with more “stuff” for sale. It’ really is one long yard sale.
Now, when I use the word “stuff” to describe the items for sell, it’s a pretty broad description. You’ll find true antiques, old guns, vintage furniture, hand-made items, locally produced food items, jewelry, and then “stuff” (ok, junk) that people have pulled from their attics and garages.
Prices vary, some good, some great and some over-priced, but you’re bound to find just about anything that might be on your list.
You’ll need lots of patience to experience the World’s Longest Yard Sale. The car traffic is like being in a big city, but on two lane country roads. The weather is hot, there is lots of dust and people move at a snail’s pace. But, with a little patience, you can have a wonderful experience and find some great deals.
For me personally, the experience was a bit overwhelming for my first time, putting me in a bit of a buying coma, but I did pick up a few treasures.
I found some old letters and envelopes dating back to the 1913’s. These gems were only .50 cents and I plan to use them in some collage art I’ll be making.
I also scored some vintage jewelry, again .50 cents each. I plan to rework these into my jewelry designs. The leaf pins will be used as gift wrap adornment.
I’m always on the lookout for old keys to use in a variety of jewelry and craft projects. These skeleton keys and the old motel key were .50 cents and $1.00.
And finally, I scored big when I found this cut crystal and brass lamp with a marble base. The lamp needs to be cleaned up, re-wired and a shade added, but since I only paid .50 cents (yes, just 2 quarters) for it, the work I’ll put into it will be well worth it. I’m envisioning a black oval shade. What do you think?
Along with treasure hunting, we go to see some beautiful countryside…
Cornfields and Cows…
And, every now and then along the country road a beautiful house would appear out of nowhere.
So, all in all my weekend road trip was fabulous. We made our way to Gadsden, Alabama and traveled all the way to Chattanooga, TN, before heading home. It was a long day, but loads of fun. So much fun that I’ve already started to plan my route for next years World’s Longest Yard Sale adventure.
Who wants to join me?
Hope your weekend was packed with new adventures!
I’ve always wanted to do that as well. I actually stumbled upon part of it once when I was working in AL and I decided then, it is not for the faint of heart. Glad you found some treasures. I am really enjoying your blog — sorry I didn’t sign up sooner!
love a bucket list. ill join!!