Often have experienced Brimfield, MA on my record of spots I’d personally someday really like to visit and show up at their highly-acclaimed antique exhibit. Though that may not take place at any time soon-next best thing? Having Jenn of Bellflower Bay be my correspondent and report again to us jewelry lovers while using the inside of scoop! Just take it away, Jenn!
Brimfield, MA Antique Display
Internet site: http://www.brimfield.com/
Dates: The showruns three times a calendar year: as soon as in Might, the moment in July and after in September (Test the web site with the specific dates). Though May possibly and September normally boast much more dealers and nicer temperature (while it is possible to under no circumstances prepare for rain) we discovered great offers in the July show, mostly simply cheap earringsbecause by mid-afternoon, absolutely everyone appeared way too scorching to haggle. Therefore if you may manage the heat…
Exactly where to remain:There usually are not any real motels in the area-only some B&B’s- so your most effective bet is to remain from the nearby town of Sturbridge. It’s about 15 minutes absent by car, but make sure you book rooms in advance!
The Lowdown:Brimfield is not one large antiques clearly show, but rather an outdoor extravaganza, comprised of 21 separate fields, all run independent of one another and loaded as far as the eye can see with everything you could ever want. Or things you didn’t think you wanted, but suddenly do. I had to restrain my mother from purchasing a larger-than-life size Green Giant-she was at the “we could tie this to the top of the car, right?” stage.
The clearly show is outdoors and runs down Route 20, a main stretch of the town-which is pretty antique in its own right, founded in 1731.
Since the different fields are all run independently, there’s not a really a excellent directory for that dealers, or types of dealers that will be there, but the web site does cover the basics (www.brimfield.com). The very best way to describe the overall set up: imagine a big outdoor flea market. Now multiply that by 21.
Full disclosure: we have under no circumstances made it all the way through Brimfield to all 21 fields, but we have done about 75%. Our most effective finds come from two fields that are conveniently across the street from one another: May’s and J & J Promotions. Since the fields are all operated independently, they all have different opening schedules. JJ’s didn’t open until Thursday this time, and some of the fields charge an entry fee (commonly around $5) on the first day they are open. Some fields open on the first day, typically a Tuesday, and they open bit by bit during the week, but all of the fields are open by Friday. Make sure to approach your trip accordingly.
Don’t system on getting through the whole present: each field is loaded with vendors, and the fields are not separated by specialty. If you’re there for jewellery, be prepared to keep an eye out for black display boxes on a tabletop and also be prepared for disappointment when you walk over and find a bunch of army medals under glass. Expect varying levels of organization: some sellers will have everything catalogued beautifully and others will have rings lying haphazardly in a box. Do not underestimate the sloppy display: often those dealers have hidden gems and are a lot more willing to move on the price. And should you acquire nothing else from this guide, do remember this: Constantly ask (politely) if the price you’re given is the very best price! As a general rule, sellers will move a little bit, even if it’s only $20, but that’s another $20 cheap wedding ringsfor you to spend.
Tips/Tricks:Make sure you dress in comfortable clothing and much more importantly: comfortable shoes. To get from field to field, you’ll be walking along the road, and the fields are all “paved” in loose stones and pebbles, which sneak right into low flats and sandals.
The best time to arrive is somewhere around 8:30 am. The fields open at different occasions, some as early as 6, but we’ve discovered somewhere around 8:30 to be a sweet spot: not so early that you have to compete with all the dealers buying 30 or 40 pieces (leaving the vendors with little patience for someone who dawdles over one item), but not so late you’re stuck behind the meandering “how did I get here?” folk. Also, sleep in a little! You’ll be walking a lot and you’ll need it, trust me. The road leading to the stretch of fields is really the only way to the present, and it is a two lane, slow-moving set-up. In the event you go later, you’ll definitely get stuck from the thick of late arrivals and traffic does not move quickly. Also, there is plenty of $4-$6 parking before you get to the first field, and some parking mixed in along with the fields. However, remember that you will be competing with all of the road and foot traffic when you are leaving. We identified parking in a lot prior to the first field is the ideal bet-there are two churches that are fairly close and each have ample parking. At most, you’ll have to walk maybe ? mile, which is a good time to get your game approach in order. MAKE SURE YOU NOTE Where YOU PARKED. SERIOUSLY.
They do sell food there, and in the event you didn’t consider time for breakfast (which, not to get all naggy here, but you should definitely have before you start talking money) then there are plenty of cute stands with bagels, homemade donuts, coffee, and the like. Towards the center of the demonstrate, there is a makeshift food court with a bunch of different options, including fresh lobster rolls and vegan food. Food/ water/ coffee are fairly easy to come by. Port-a-potties not quite as much. Yes, they’re around, but you may perhaps have to hunt a little. Also, in case you are not a port-a-potty person (and really, who amongst us is?) then there is an actual bathroom somewhere within the present that we never managed to find. My advice? Just limit your liquids. Or bring hand sanitizer. Maybe both.
What was Purchased: All the gorgeous rings, stacked on Jenn’s hand within the above picture-all of which are for sale in her Etsy shop-Bellflower Bay. Of course, any jewellery collector or shop owner can’t go away empty handed. Jenn fell in enjoy with an exquisite emerald, rose cut diamond bird necklace. So unique!