Flea markets the place for deals and a little dickering
Whether you're looking for new furniture or clothes or just enjoy spending a day browsing what's for sale, get a change of pace from your local mall. Flea markets throughout the suburbs offer great deals on used and new products, plus food and activities to keep the day fun for the whole family.
• Wolff's Flea Market, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont, (847) 524-9590; wolffs.com
Hours: 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1
About half the things for sale at Wolff's are new with the rest being a mix of garage sale finds, collectibles and antiques. A destination for everything from jewelry and CDs to tools and sports equipment, serious collectors sometimes line up at 4:30 a.m. to get the first pick of items. For more casual shoppers and families, the peak times are from 8 a.m. to noon.
• 5 Star Indoor Swap Mart, 300 W. North Avenue, Villa Park, (630) 835-2800; 5starswapmart.com
Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; closed Tuesday
Everything for sale at 5 Star is new, but that doesn't make the selection any less eclectic. More than 100 independent retailers set up booths carrying everything from live birds to decorative bar signs, and haggling is part of the experience. You'll find plenty of ethnic goods, especially Asian decorations and clothing. If you want to spend a day browsing, grab lunch at one of two restaurants or snack on cotton candy, snow cones and popcorn. Bands perform live music every Saturday.
• Fox Valley Flea Market, 1500 E. New York St., Aurora and 480 N. State St., Elgin, (630) 898-3769; foxvalleyfleamarket.com
Hours: Aurora site noon to 8 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Elgin site 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
A discount mall, Fox Valley Flea Market only carries new products, featuring arts and crafts items, shoes, jewelry, sports gear, clothing and car equipment. The setup brings in local entrepreneurs, testing out a new retail business on the weekends, and an ethnically diverse customer base of shoppers scoping out deals.
• Montana Charlie's, 255 S. Joliet Road, Bolingbrook, (630) 739-4338
Hours: 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through November
More than 500 vendors sell new and used items at Montana Charlie's outdoor flea market, including collectibles, candles, woodwork and furniture. The aisles are often packed with strollers and there are pony rides for kids and a bounce house will be added soon. You'll find plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables for sale along with Latin American dishes and quick American eats like hamburgers and hot dogs. You can eat while strolling or settle down to take a break in the picnic area.
• East Aurora Flea Market, 175 N. State St., Aurora, (630) 499-7292
Hours: noon to 8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday
Selling all new items, the East Aurora Flea Market brings about 3,000 customers through each weekend. Organized like an outlet mall, the 8-year-old market offers clothing, shoes and electronics along with a hair salon, Mexican food and an arcade.