Flea Market

[Michael623]

Which Kissimmee area flea market seems to get the most positive reviews? I'm traveling with a relative who wants to hit one of the "(in)famous Florida Flea Markets." If you've been why do you personally like it?

As a bit of an aside, I'm dreading going actually.

 

[bbwhos]

Hi, there are 3 main ones in Kissimmee. (Spent many trips at them).

The main one is on 192 right behind the Orange World store across from Cracker Barrell just east of Old Town. It is not what I really call a flea market as the items sold are new not the used or antiquey type. But it is a great place to get t-shirts. The prices are better than the outlet stores or WDW. Also important, this one is indoors and air conditioned.

There is another one across 192 from Old Town next to Pacino's, also indoors. The prices are a bit higher and mostly the same items.

There is one further east on 192 by the Wal-Mart/Medieval Times Restaurant. It carries also pretty much the same items but is not air conditioned at all.

All 3 may have a vendor or two that carry different things but mostly all 3 are the same.

Now if you really want a flea market with old and new items. Further east on 192 outside of Kissimmee on the left just past the FL turnpike is Osceola Flea & Farmers Market. It is more of a true flea market. Not at all like the 3 in Kissimmee. SOme of it is air conditioned and some not.

Pretty much there are 3 things I think they are good for: t-shirts, knock off hand bags, and jewelry. If you like jewelry there is a guy in the one by Wal Mart that makes this bead type jewelry with magnetic clasps. He is a wealth of knowledge with any kind of jewelry and has very reasonable prices. I'm not sure which building # but it's on the far right.

 

[tednvon]

Hi there, because you dread going, I am hesitant to send you any farther than 192. Unfortunately the first 3 are just glorified tee shirt and hand bag sellers. No booths with used cool junkie stuff. They are open every day however unlike the true flea markets which are Friday, Saturday, Sunday only affairs.

Sadly, the FSS one way east, The Osceola Flea Market, has fallen on hard times and is only a shell of its former self. Not worth the trip.....

sooooooo, either do one of the 1st three she suggested along 192 and hope you fool your guest, or......

Hop on toll 429 north about 20 miles to Apopka...go west on 441 about 12 miles to Mt. Dora and look for Renningers on your right. It is Saturday and Sunday only....It is a true classic flea market. Have fun...Ted

 

[bbwhos]

I've heard about Renninger's but have never made it up there. Going in May and hope to go then. Just my DH and he does do the parks that much so we look around for other warm weather things to do.

..... I wanna be a snowbird too!

 

[Seahunt]

If you want to drive just a little further (well, a lot ), the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market is rated one of the top 5 in the country.

They have a listing of vendors on their website if you want to look through to see what they offer:

http://www.daytonafleamarket.com/

 

[bbwhos]

Ooooh! That one looks awesome. Do you know what the drive's like up there on a Fri morning/evening? We're close to Wash DC and avoid rush hrs.

 

[Metro West]

I've heard about Renninger's but have never made it up there. Going in May and hope to go then. Just my DH and he does do the parks that much so we look around for other warm weather things to do.

..... I wanna be a snowbird too!

Renniger's is great and it's a lovely drive to Mount Dora. It's definitely worth a trip.

 

[bbwhos]

Thanks! That's two days for us! Looking at their websites, both look like definitely a full day each. My DH will love 'em both. (I keep him happy outside the parks and he keeps me happy inside the parks - win-win!)

 

[tednvon]

Poor Michael who started this thread is probably wondering what all the excitement is about with these glorified junk sales!!!

Most of us are older folks who just enjoy the culture of these things...some amazing characters, both sellers and and buyers...
Hope you have a great time Michael, whatever you choose to do....Ted

 

[BonnieP]

Webster has a very large flea market every Monday. It's 50 miles north from Rt192 & Rt27-which was near our rental house. We just got back from Kissimmee and went to it 2 Mondays in a row-took friends that arrived at our rental house and they wanted to go. They have a large outdoor area with antiques and flea market items, plus a large produce row under cover. We go for the antiques & collectables. It gets very crowded, but we know a back way to get there with easy access to the parking.
Our first Monday was a little wet and so there were not as many outdoor vendors. We do not like the "flea" part, mostly the collectables.