I love a good treasure hunt, especially on weekends cruising through antiques, yard sales or flea markets — where the possibilities are endless. We have four primary flea markets in the Wilmington area that are perfect for your weekend adventures and should you be a treasure hunter too, definitely add these to your list. From a monthly market that has exploded in popularity to some salvage shops, check out these fun hidden gems around town:
Seaglass Market (monthly)
A monthly market that started in Leland has now moved to a massive warehouse in Castle Hayne. The vendor list grows each season, with dozens on the current roster selling painted, new and used furniture, handmade items, jewelry, home decor, woven baskets, fresh flowers, bath products as well as salvage and vintage items. Check out Seaglass Monthly Market on the third weekend of every month, Friday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5601 Castle Hayne Road.
Old Dairy Flea Market
Plenty of hidden gems are tucked away down on Wilmington’s Old Dairy Road. This industrial and commercial area is home to lots of local businesses tucked away from the main Market Street thoroughfare. Moreover, Old Dairy Flea Market is no different. The Whatever Shop (6 Old Dairy Road) is home to odds and ends you can plunder through for hours. Find items such as bikes, glassware, old tools and furniture, among other things. Check it out on the weekends (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Starway Market
If your vision of a flea market is crowds of vans and trucks unloading their contents onto tables in a field like a giant yard sale — Starway is your place. Vendors sell mostly used items from tents and yard sale tables outdoors and indoors on weekends here. Visit 2346 Carolina Beach Road on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Flea Body’s
If you are hunting specifically for home decor, Flea Body’s off Market Street near downtown Wilmington is your best bet for more one-of-a-kind finds. This multi-vendor shopping space is home to lots of painted, vintage furniture, collectibles and curated pieces. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Legacy Architectural Salvage
This salvage yard has mostly architectural pieces from old homes (think clawfoot tubs, wood doors, and trim pieces) but there are plenty of other treasures to find too. Several vendors occupy this warehouse along with all the architectural salvage pieces. Check it out Wednesdays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Check out a list of my favorite hidden gem furniture and resale shops here. What are some other flea markets that you have found in Wilmington?
