Every mom deserves a “me day” every once in a while, right?! One of my favorite ways to spend a solo weekend afternoon is by taking a trip to a vintage market (some may call it a flea market, craft market, or antique market) or visiting a fun downtown area to see a few different antique shops. It’s also a fun day to gather up a few girlfriends (or an older kiddo) to shop and then break for lunch.
Now that it’s almost fall and we’re about to enjoy some cooler weather, the perfect activity for a kids-free weekend day is browsing treasures with a mug of hot coffee in hand. Below are some markets taking place around the area this fall, as well as some antique shops categorized by town, if you’re interested in a little shop-hop day instead.
Vintage Markets & Craft Shows
Fall Market ONE | Scotch Grove Antique Fair: Sept 7-9, Scotch Grove
ICM Made Market: September 9, Coralville
Good Maker’s Market: Sept 14-15, Tipton
Harvest of Junk at The Farmer’s Wife: Sept 15, Marengo
Fall Flea & Fair at The Barn: Sept 21-22, Wellman
Bohemian Betty Fall Flea Market: Sept 21-22, Palo
Maquoketa Flea Market & Antique Show: Sept 23, Maquoketa
Nettianne’s 5th Annual Shed Sale: Sept 28-29, Marengo
Fall Edition: Vault Street Market: Sept 29, Swisher
2nd Annual Fall Fireside Winery Vendor/Craft Show: Sept 29, Marengo
What Cheer Flea Market: Oct 5-7, What Cheer
The Farmhouse Market Fall Show: Oct 5-6, Tipton
Antique Stores
Iowa City
Iowa City has a handful of antique shops throughout town instead of condensed in the downtown area. This lends itself to a few different shopping days instead of just one!
Artifacts : This one is one of my favorites and I’ve visited this shop a lot since I was in college. As a bonus, it’s near some great lunch spots, like Bluebird Diner, El Banditos, and Devotay.
Iowa Farmhouse: Formerly the Rug Cottage, this spot is along Highway 1. It’s en route on your way to Sister’s Garden and Bloom in Kalona, which is also along Highway 1.
Crowded Closet: Crowded Closet is a non-profit resale shop with a great antiques section as well as an international gift shop. All profits support Mennonite Central Committee.
Sweet Livin’ Antiques and Art: This store focuses on a great selection of vintage records. It’s in the South Gilbert Street area along with Crowded Closet. Big Grove Brewery has a great outdoor patio and is also in the same area.
West Branch
West Branch has a charming downtown area for an afternoon of browsing. Reid’s Beans is a great place to refuel after hitting the shops.
Mount Vernon
I love shopping and walking around in Mount Vernon. Fuel is a unique spot to grab a cup of coffee when you need a break. The shop even has its own treasures to browse.
Kalona
You can’t not love spending time in Kalona, especially when you can end your shopping day at Tuscan Moon or Kalona Brewing Company.
Of course, there are many other great places to spend a day shopping outside of the Corridor. Visit Iowa Antique Network for antiquing road trip routes throughout the state.
Do you have a favorite antique shop or show? Happy junking!
