socialworker

Hmmm, wonder if that is the same one that appeared in the Sunday Parade magazine insert of many major newspapers. I saw it yesterday---did not read it---but thought of this post when I saw that the article had the same title!

Grouseandbadger

I'm heading back for my 5th year. And I also fly from California. Tons and tons of really bad stuff but my sister and I have a great time! Yes, socialworker, there was an article in Parade on Sunday, same event.

You might enjoy my "Dear 127 Corridor Sellers" blog that I just posted this afternoon. Talks about a lot of the "junk" and is humorous until you realize I'm not kidding!

http://www.grouseandbadger.blogspot.com

starrs

First of all, I've never been.
I usually skip the flea markets anytime.
But, most folks that I DO know that go, just visit a small portion of the route.
I can't imagine driving the entire route

LSky

If I were in the area I'd go just to see what's there. Yes, I imagine lots of junk.

Seems like it would be a good thing for solvent dealers who have some storage space. People may be willing to get rid of some things cheap, that when the economy gets going again will be worth more. Who knows.

Hershey

grouseandbadger,

Loved your blog entry much more than I would like the sale since I'm not a shopper. Thanks for sharing.

iceeu2

A friend that helps me clean house once in a while had a place set up and they made $700. She was very happy..but, I bet $350 worth of that stuff was mine!!!

sisgldnhr

My daughter, her best friend, my best friend and I are going to the sale this year. If we don't find anything...thats fine. I know that we're going to have a GREAT time! Packing up the motorhome and hitting the road. We're in NW Ohio. We plan to drive to Gadsden, AL and drive 127 all the way home. Hopefully with all kinds of goodies from the sale.

cw2kids

Help! My girlfriend from Chicago, IL and I (Asheville, NC)were planning on going this year (Aug 09)- meeting in or around Danville, KY. It's about 5-hr drive for both of us. Is it work the drive to go at all? Is there a better section to go to? We both like yard sales and don't mind looking through stuff... I'm reading conflicting blogs - need advice asap.

sisgldnhr

I don't know how true this is but I've been told that KY doesn't have the best stuff. Lol.....but who knows, one women's trash is another woman's treasure.

MikeT

Only in America

kilee

I just found this site and read several of the comments on the their trip. This will be our ninth year, and right after the last four trips I swear I'm not going back. But I always seem to come home with a truck full of treasures, and I am now in the process of planning out my route. Its true that there have been some bad years, especially the year after the tax man came thru and hit the vendors. And its also true that alot of the dealers don't know the meaning of the word sale or bargain. But there are alot of nice people up there who do, especially the people who live there and have the true yard sale. My husband and our 3 shih tzus load up our Rv and its a trip we enjoy seeing who can spot the best bargain and just looking and have a nice time. I'm from the deep south, I can talk to anyone, as my husband will testifiy to, I enjoy meeting the people and seeing what treasures I can find to decorate with, last year I found everything, including the dishes and table and chairs for my truely southern front porch. I hope people will take the sale in the spirit it is meant to be, go shop, look for the treasure you never know you might find under all that junk, and meet interesting people and enjoy the ride. Here's to the sale of 2009

roamin44

If you like yard sales or flea markets, Hillsville VA on I77 Labor day weekend is HUGE, took us two days of walking and did not cover it all. Just drive to Hillsville park the car and go looking for bargains to your heart's content.

anniej

I just wanted to chime in and say that last year was one of the dud years. The year before was good but gas was crazy high and the heat was overbearing - so last year took the hit with fewer good vendors. I was really disappointed last year but have a feeling this year will be a good one - who knows? It's a gamble. BUT the trip is a HOOT. The people are interesting and friendly. The countryside is lovely. It's an adventure. No guarantees, just go and have fun. (though I confess HGTV does make it seem a lot better than it is in terms of great finds)

kilee

This is to anniej, glad to hear someone see's the trip as I do, its an adventure, you never know what its going to be like, a good year which is always great, or a bad one which is always diappointing. I know I have fussed and fussed at times, but I always go back, my husband just shakes his head at me when I say it cause he knows about a month before the sale I'll be on this computer deciding where I want to start. Even though I'm from Al, I always seem to find more in Tn. Last year wasn't as good as the year before to me in AL, I'm like you hoping with gas prices lower this year more people will go, but with the economoy more people will want to sale which will mean better stuff and prices for us bargin hunters. Tv does push it. I'd love to hear where others feel their best place to start have been. We have done the whole thing, but quit, because we find more from Gadsden, Al to Crossville,TN, Happy Hunting

jubailjim

Hi! I just had to add my two cents worth. I attended my first sale over 12 years ago, and did the section from Gadsden AL to just outside of Chattanooga, TN. Since that time, I've done portions of the sale at least seven times, and one of those was from Gadsden to Covington, KY which was pretty much the whole route.Yes there is a lot of junk, but there is also a lot of junque. There are certain types of collectables I am looking for, and yes, some do get sold on Ebay, but the best have been kept for me! A fellow collector told me last year that he wouldn't waste his time because everything would be gone by Thursday noon. I brought back an albumin image in a gutta percha case that he felt was worth a couple hundred dollars. I told him that I found it on Saturday afternoon on the sale. He asked if I paid some obscene price like $25.00, and I replied no, just $20.00! Seriously, I have seen everything from fine European antiques outside of Gadsden, to someone who took a recently made "antique" cavalry sword imported from India and hand stamped Bailey Banks and Biddle 1861 on it, hoping to get a mere $1,200.00. And for every vender who has interesting items, there is a yard full of baby clothes and beanie babies.... to each his own. If you don't like what you see, go down the road, there are thousands more. Honestly I enjoy seeing what is for sale, as well as who is selling and who is buying. Yes, there are things I go looking for, but still end up with assorted Christmas presents, and as well as that item that just screams out BUY ME!!! even though I didn't know I needed it till then.
Little things I would share include it is very easy to get lost between DeSoto Park in Alabama and route 127 north of Chattanooga. I would also give a special Thank You to the many churches in Kentucky that set up "Oasises" along the route with air conditioned halls that stocked water, soda and other welcome refreshments. Heading north out of Gadsden, about 15 or so miles on the left is a church that sells barbecue and other refreshments I always have lunch at. Anyway, I've always enjoyed the sale, I hope to go this year, if finances will allow. BTW, I'm from the Baltimore-Washington metro area, and I have gone noth to south and south to north. Unfortunately I have not done the section in Ohio yet.

lisacreque

Last year a friend and I drove the Ohio section. It was very spotty-not very many participated-yet.

This year we are heading south and going to the "Uncliamed luggage" store in AL first-can't wait!!!!

Mary_Ann_Scott

First, full disclosure: I'll be a vendor/seller for the first time this year at the 127 Yard Sale, Eagle Lake Convention Center just north of Lawrenceburg, KY (Anderson County). It's about 32 miles from Danville on, of course, U.S. 127 (Google Map it at 1006 Eagle Lake Rd, Lawrenceburg, KY‎). I sell mostly jewelry (vintage and original, artisan jewelry) and artisan totes, along with nice yard sale-type items - anything from vintage/collectible to new things. Can't speak for all of them, but I know a few of the vendors who have set up at Eagle Lake in years past. They are lovely people, who like to have fun and who sell neat items. Prices will vary from vendor to vendor, no doubt, but I'm sure there are bargains to be found. I have tried to price my yard sale items, as well as the artisan jewelry, very reasonably. Besides the convention center, I think the Frankfort/Lawrenceburg/Danville area has a LOT of yard sales every year. Yes, you'll find junk and, yes, you'll find treasures - just the nature of the beast. My advice is try out the area, stop by Eagle Lake (where you'll also find food and restrooms), and keep an open mind. It's beautiful country with friendly people. Can't go too wrong there. Hope you enjoy!

Mary_Ann_Scott

P.S. If hunger pangs strike while in or around Frankfort, KY, check out Casa Fiesta on U.S. 127, or hit I-64 East (right off U.S. 127), go about four miles, take the Frankfort/Versailles exit, turn right onto U.S. 60 and go about a mile to Miguel's (it's on the right). Looking for a casual tea room? Candleberry Tea Room is on Lousiville Road, which is very close to U.S. 127 - just a stone's throw. It's one of the top 100 tea rooms in the United States. It's not fussy - you can wear shorts and the like. Check out directions on candleberrytearoom.com.

NeoPatrick

Thanks. I'm crossing this off my bucket list. It was right between climbing Mount Fuji at sunrise and seeing Machu Picchu.

drewlove

I am planning to go this year for the first time and was wondering if the sale is as active on Sunday or if Saturday is the big climax? I know in many rural parts of the US little to nothing is open on a Sunday, is this the case with this sale or should I plan to get the best deals on that day?