What is better than spending your weekend at a flea market browsing through the isles in search of hidden treasure?
Well, if that particular flea market was temperature-controlled and had a few restaurants that featured international cuisine.
That is what would make the perfect weekend activity.
That and leaving with a few bargains in hand, of course.
The 10 Best Flea Markets in Delaware
When looking up the top ten flea markets in the state of Delaware, we considered quite a few things.
Firstly, we looked at how big the flea market is.
Then we also consider how much foot traffic the market gets on any given day.
Other factors that are considered include the type and variety of merchandise sold on the market, the popularity of the market, and, of course, whether it is a year-round or seasonal market.
1. Spence’s Bazaar
Spence’s Bazaar is located in Dover, Delaware.
This indoor/outdoor market operates year-round and doubles as an Amish food market as well.
The market has a very long history in this community.
It operates on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 7 am to 3 pm.
This is everything a traditional flea market does with all the merchandise you would find at a typical flea market.
Bargain hunters know to arrive early in order to secure the best deals and the best merchandise.
Be aware that this market only accepts cash, so it is best advised to make a stop at the ATM before arriving at the market.
Another great feature of this flea is that it operates an auction outdoors on a Tuesday and Friday from 12:30 pm.
Apart from shopping for antique and vintage items at the market, shoppers can sit down to enjoy authentic Amish food.
You can enjoy freshly baked donuts and pretzels in the Amish food market as well as a meat counter with a lot of lunch options.
There is not much in the way of seating, so be prepared to walk and eat at this market.
2. Route 13 Outlet Market
Route 13 Outlet Market is located in Laurel, Delaware.
The market operates year-round and is open on Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm and on Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm.
This is an indoor market and the venue is heated in the winter and cool in the summer thanks to climate control features.
Both parking and admission are free to the public.
In addition, the market is wheelchair accessible as well.
Shoppers can visit over 100 different vendors each selling unique and interesting items, including jewelry, shoes, video games, toys, books, DVDs, clothing, furniture, and much more.
This is the market where you may find great deals and low prices!
3. Wilmington’s Flea Market
Wilmington’s Flea Market is located in Wilmington, Delaware.
The market is open year-round on specific dates and times:
- Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to pm
- Friday and Saturday from 9:30 am to 9 pm
- Sunday from 9:30 am to 7 pm
This outdoor flea market is absolutely weather-dependent.
It features 75 vendors that each sell unique antique pieces, furniture, collectibles, fresh produce, and just about everything in between.
Parking and entry to the flea market are both free.
If you get famished from all the shopping, simply head over to the church cafe where they prepare and sell fresh breakfast and lunch during the opening hours.
This is a standard flea with all the standard flea market items.
But, you can still score a great bargain on this market.
4. Laurel Junction
Laurel Junction is an indoor/ outdoor flea market situated on 25 acres in Laurel, Delaware.
If you are looking for a traditional, warm, and welcoming flea market experience, you may want to hop on over to Laurel junction.
This flea has everything from antiques to vintage art and everything in between.
And, if you get tired from shopping all day, there is also a full-service restaurant where you can sit down and relax while you grab a bite to eat at the food court.
In addition, the venue also features some full-time retail shops to get your shopping fix on new merchandise as well.
During the weekend, customers are entertained with live music while they shop and scour the booths in search of treasures.
There is even a mechanic and barbershop in this market.
The stores operate at various times during the week and the market is open year-round.
This is also a great place to find your weekly produce.
5. New Castle Farmer’s market
New Castle Farmer’s market located in New Castle, Delaware, is a used merchandise flea market only.
This melting pot of commerce features over 70 vendors that each sell unique merchandise.
You will find meat markets, fresh produce, baked goods, freshly tossed pizza, warm and delicious Philadelphia-style pretzels, and much more at this market.
In addition, you may find books, toys, electronics, furniture, video games, paintings, and much more at this flea.
The market runs over four days in the week:
- Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm
- Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm
- Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
The best part is that entry and parking are free.
You should plan to visit and stay for at least an entire day at this market.
6. Heritage Antiques Market
Heritage Antiques Market is located in Lewes, Delaware.
This indoor flea market is situated inside 10,000 square feet of selling space.
The market features over 65 vendors under a single roof and is considered to be the largest antique market in Delaware.
Shoppers feel like they are on a scavenger hunt in this market with the large variety of merchandise available both old and new.
The market operates year-round and is open every day from noon until 5 pm.
This is where you will find the most unique and largest selection of antique and collectible items.
Parking and entry are free and you should plan to spend the day at this venue.
You will find anything from pottery, furniture, lighting, and fine porcelain to wall art.
7. Dave’s Treasure Hunt
Dave’s Treasure Hunt is located in Frankford, Delaware.
The indoor market is open on Thursday and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and on Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.
What a dream for a bargain hunter.
You will find old vintage clothes, new shoes, jewelry, bags, furniture, collectibles, artwork, baby clothes and accessories, sporting goods, toys, hobbies, and much more at this market.
The good news is that entry and parking are free, so you can simply park your vehicle and step back in time in this antique wonderland.
8. Mitchell’s Flea Market
Mitchell’s Flea Market is located in Bear, Delaware.
This indoor market is open three days a week and operates year-round.
You can go shopping at Mitchells Flea Market from Friday through Sunday, from 9 am to 5 pm.
This is what a standard flea market looks like.
It is family-friendly and well organized.
If it is a rare antique item or something unique and vintage, you are going to find it at one of the booths.
Feel free to bargain at the store for better prices as shoppers are welcome to do so.
Parking and entry are free for everyone at the market.
9. Dutch Country Farmer’s Market
Dutch Country Farmer’s Market can be found in Middletown.
The market operates on Thursday and Friday from 8:30 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm.
You will find the freshest produce, dairy, and meat selection at the Amish market.
You can sit down for a home-cooked meal in the restaurant or take something sweet home with you.
Apart from the delicious food vendors, there are a plethora of other vendors selling merchandise including antiques, collectibles, small appliances, flower arrangements, furniture, repairs, and even a barbershop.
In addition to the great merchandise and food that can be purchased at this venue, there are several events hosted throughout the year that attract people from all over the city and even the state.
10. First State Flea
First State Flea is a traveling market in Delaware.
The owners of this market are primarily event organizers for artists, crafters, and antique dealers.
The market can be found in Wilmington, Delaware on the first Saturday of every month from 9 am to 3 pm.
The market promotes local artists, crafters, and other vendors that sell new and used merchandise, including antiques and collectibles.
There are a variety of food stalls to choose from that offer freshly baked goods for you and your family to snack on while you browse through the stalls.
There is free parking and the entrance to the market is free also.
It is a very neat and well-organized flea market that offers community members a chance to get out and meet new and interesting people.
The 10 Best Flea Markets in Delaware – Summary Table
| Flea Market | Address |
|---|---|
| Spence's Bazaar | 550 S New St, Dover, DE 19904 |
| Route 13 Outlet Market | Rt. 13 outlet, E Market St, Laurel, DE 19956 |
| Wilmington's Flea Market | 1902B Maryland Ave, Wilmington, DE 19805 |
| Laurel Junction | 10912 County Seat Hwy, Laurel, DE 19956 |
| New Castle Farmer's market | 100 N Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720 |
| Heritage Antiques Market | 16168 Coastal Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958 |
| Dave's Treasure Hunt | 34606 Dupont Blvd, Frankford, DE 19945 |
| Mitchell's Flea Market | 1570 Red Lion Rd, Bear, DE 19701 |
| Dutch Country Farmer's Market | 701 N Broad St, Middletown, DE 19709 |
| First State Flea | 512 Armstrong Ave, Wilmington, DE 19805 |
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Safety Index:
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- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
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Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a flea market usually?
This is a somewhat difficult question to answer.
The reason is that flea markets come in all shapes and sizes.
There are indoor and outdoor markets.
Some markets are seasonal and others are year-round.
This will have a major impact on the size and foot traffic of the market.
Generally speaking, a flea market can have a few vendors and up to a few thousand vendors.
In addition, where the market is located will also have a significant effect on the size of the market.
Should you arrive early or late?
This is another long-standing debate. Some veteran bargain hunters swear to arriving late and leaving late.
The idea behind it is that most vendors will want to offload their last merchandise and be willing to negotiate a lower price for the items.
On the other hand, the earlier you arrive the better chances you have of getting better merchandise.
Should I bring a bag for all the things I purchase?
This will depend on what it is that you purchase and how much money you will be spending.
Many bargain hunters only go to buy small items.
In this case, a bag to carry your shopping load will be ideal.
However, if you are in the market to purchase larger items, you may want to invest in a wheeled implement that can help you carry bulky items to your car.
