The Alameda Flea Market is one of my very favorite parts of living in the bay area, but it can be overwhelming to a first timer. Today we’re partnering with Metromile and their brilliant pay-per-mile car insurance to share a few insider tips to navigate this incredible antiques faire with Gaby and I…
The Scoop. The Alameda Flea Market is the largest antiques show in Northern California, and one of the most notable in the US. It’s held on the first Sunday of every month from 6am to 3pm. There are more than 800 vendors to explore, but the location is stunning by itself. Held on a naval base with sweeping views of the bay, San Francisco, and shipping containers and cranes in Oakland. People come from all over the country with their vans to find vintage treasures from furniture, clothing, and artwork, to books, rugs, and toys.
Getting There. The best way is by car, but there are a few shuttles around the bay area. Parking is free and there’s even a loading area if you’ve bought a large piece you can’t carry all the way to your car (more about that process later).
Recently, we bought a second car, this white 1986 BMW, and have been loving the freedom of having two cars. After buying a car, one of the first things we looked into was car insurance and signed up with Metromile. It’s perfect for a second car because it’s pay-per-mile insurance. So, if you aren’t driving a car as much, you can only pay for the miles you do drive. It’s pretty revolutionary and the prices are super affordable (the average customer saves $500 annually). Per-mile insurance through Metromile is currently available in California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Washington, Virginia, Oregon and New Jersey with more states are planned for 2018 (join the waitlist here).
What to bring to the market. Most vendors only take cash. A few take checks, but don’t count on it. There are ATMs at the market, but the lines are long and there’s a low limit to how much you can get out. So bring cash!
I’ve found it best to come with a few things in mind you’re looking for, otherwise it can be really overwhelming. If there is a specific piece of furniture or art, you’ll want to do some measurements before and bring your measuring tape with you.
You’ll also want something to carry treasures you collect in. Some people bring a bag, backpack, or even shopping cart. The great thing is that you can also rent a shopping cart there for $5. So if you find yourself without a decent way to haul stuff, you can just use one of theirs.
There are always a few lucky kids being pulled around in wagons too (sometimes I’m tempted to jump in them and rest for a bit!)
One of the best parts of the flea market is all the people watching. There are always so many interesting people (like this woman we met here who brought her baby goats!).
For a big haul. There are a few great systems in place for when you’ve found more stuff than can fit in your car, or a large furniture piece. I’ve bought a bunch of large pieces in our home like a dining room table, a 12 foot bench, and this dresser we just bought last weekend.
Here’s what you do. Vendors usually let you hold an item until end of day (which is usually 3pm). So after you purchase the item, ask them to hold it. They’ll make a note of your name and phone number and make sure you write down the lane number (A through Z) located in the aisles on the ground.
Food trucks. This is one of the best parts! Along the sides of the market on both the left and righ sides are some of the best bay area food trucks. My favorite is the Acai and Poke bowls. Acai for the morning (similar to a smoothie bowl), and poke for a take home lunch. Another favorite is the Liba Salad bar and the huge frankfurters always look so delicious.
i love flea markets! hopefully i’ll make it out to some of the big ones in California some day; this looks like a great one. the pay-per-mile insurance is really interesting. definitely makes sense if you aren’t driving that heavily. thanks for sharing!
Out of the Black
https://moveoutoftheblack.wordpress.com
Thank you for sharing!
Flea markets are my absolute favourite places to do. Love the hustle and bustle of the place. The market you introduced sounds so fun – I’d love to see it in person one day. 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com