Really Big Fleas

One often-overlooked source of salvage: those sprawl

ing, destination antiques fairs that take place two or three times a year, usually within easy driving distance of a major metropolitan area. Thousands of dealers offer every imaginable type of vintage goods and ephemera. Architectural treasures ranging from stained glass and historic lighting to 14'-long Edwardian bars with zinc countertops pop up amidst old wardrobes and decorative jelly jars. Since salvage is a hot trend with designers, architects and other pros, you should arrive early to take advantage of the best deals. (Bring cash.) “You have to get there exactly when the dealers you buy from open,” says interior designer Carisa Mahnken, a long-time shopper at Brimfield. Most of her client-project shopping is finished just an hour after she arrives. Three of the largest:

1. Adamstown, PA

Home to thousands of dealers, this town 60 miles west of Philadelphia is the site of multi-day “extravaganzas” in April, June, and September and an outdoor market on Sundays yearround. antiquescapital.com

2. Brimfield, MA

The granddaddy of all outdoor venues, Brimfield—with 20,000 dealers participating three times a year in May, July, and September—is quite possibly the largest open-air antiques show in the world. Plan to spend at least a couple of days in the area to take advantage of both early-bird shopping and last-minute deals. brimfieldshow.org

3. Round Top, TX

Celebrating its 50th year, this Texas-size show is really more than 60 events spread out over half a dozen towns around the historic German settlement of Round Top (population 90) mid-way between Austin and Houston. Shows take place in October, January, and September/ October. roundtoptexas antiques.com