The Bitter Truth is finding fun things for a family of four to do weekend after weekend can get expensive. You've already read my blog about being priced out of Disneyland. And even if they're free, there are so many times you can go to local museums, parks, concerts and BBQs. Now if I had my way the weekends would be spent at homes. Asleep. Usually in the back yard. But I have young kids and sitting still is not an option. What is a cash strapped entertainment starved family to do. I have two magic words--Flea Markets.
They go by many names: Swap Meets, Community Rummage Sales, Giant Yard Sales or as my 5 years old son calls them--Junk Markets. These monthly gatherings are held in public places where people come to buy and sell everything from new socks to vintage metal lunchboxes (my favorite.) They are usually spread out over fields, empty lots and deserted buildings. And every month is different.
This past Sunday we went to my favorite California swap meet--the P.C.C (Pasadena Community College) Flea Market. It is the best junk gathering for several reasons. Number one--They don't charge an admission fee. Some flea markets collect up to $8.00 per person for the privilege of checking out other people's trash. Number 2--It is spread out over several areas allowing for lots of walking. Yes, exercise and fun combined. Just don't tell the kids they are doing something healthy. Number three--Most things are cheap. Sure there is overpriced furniture and antiques but you can buy thousands of items for less than $5.00 each.
From 8am to noon on Sunday we walked about, enjoying the cool day, searching for treasures. Nigel bought a monorail for $3.00. Audrey picked up a $15.00 French suitcase. Along the way we stopped for a couple giant slices of homemade cake. ($3.00 each) and watched people. Lots and lots of people. The total cost of the whole days fun was $26.00 (including the $2.00 parking.) a small price to pay for a full morning of fmaily fun. I know that as the economy gets worse the flea markets will get busier and busier. Which is both bad and good. Good for more selection. Bad more competition. Flea markets are my religon, there is no place I would rather be on a Sunday morning than at the "Junk Market" with my family and that's The Bitter Truth,
They go by many names: Swap Meets, Community Rummage Sales, Giant Yard Sales or as my 5 years old son calls them--Junk Markets. These monthly gatherings are held in public places where people come to buy and sell everything from new socks to vintage metal lunchboxes (my favorite.) They are usually spread out over fields, empty lots and deserted buildings. And every month is different.
This past Sunday we went to my favorite California swap meet--the P.C.C (Pasadena Community College) Flea Market. It is the best junk gathering for several reasons. Number one--They don't charge an admission fee. Some flea markets collect up to $8.00 per person for the privilege of checking out other people's trash. Number 2--It is spread out over several areas allowing for lots of walking. Yes, exercise and fun combined. Just don't tell the kids they are doing something healthy. Number three--Most things are cheap. Sure there is overpriced furniture and antiques but you can buy thousands of items for less than $5.00 each.
From 8am to noon on Sunday we walked about, enjoying the cool day, searching for treasures. Nigel bought a monorail for $3.00. Audrey picked up a $15.00 French suitcase. Along the way we stopped for a couple giant slices of homemade cake. ($3.00 each) and watched people. Lots and lots of people. The total cost of the whole days fun was $26.00 (including the $2.00 parking.) a small price to pay for a full morning of fmaily fun. I know that as the economy gets worse the flea markets will get busier and busier. Which is both bad and good. Good for more selection. Bad more competition. Flea markets are my religon, there is no place I would rather be on a Sunday morning than at the "Junk Market" with my family and that's The Bitter Truth,
RSS Feed