Remember the awesome flea market that used to run at the Portland Expo Center on weekends in the summer? Well, even though it hasn't happened for at least 5 years, it's still listed on most of the Maine flea market lists that you can dig up on the internet. According to my research, the last comprehensive list of flea markets in Maine was updated in 2002, and many of them don't even exist anymore. Outrageous! It's definitely time for an update.
There are a ton of great antique stores and junk shops all over the state that are definitely worthy of a visit, but I have focused this list to include primarily indoor flea markets & large multi-dealer antique malls that aren't super ritzy (sorry Cabot Mill Antiques in Brunswick- you are out of my price range!).
4 Seasons Flea Market- 33 US-302 Westbrook, ME 04092
This is a great close one to visit regularly if you live in the Portland area. Housed in an old bingo hall, 4 Seasons has been expanding rapidly since it opened last year, and has some really stand out vendors for vintage video games and all things retro kitsch. Also, check out the big buffalo head in the back- it's kind of amazing.
Antique Market Place Cafe- 65 Main St- Bangor, ME 04401-6305
It doesn't look like much from the outside, but inside it's huge! Grab a snack at the cafe for your trek into the basement labyrinth. The have a ton of books and records, and all the weirdo knick knacks you can carry.
Antiques USA- Route 1- Arundel, ME 04046 & Arundel Antiques- 1713 Portland Rd- Arundel, ME 04046-7938
I grouped these two shops together because weirdly enough, they are right next to each other, about the same size, and about the same price range (Antiques USA might be a hair higher). You can definitely make a awesome thrifty afternoon out of visiting Arundel, and both shops have a ton of stuff to offer from fancy glass case goods to dusty dollar bins.
Big Chicken Barn- 1768 Bucksport Rd- Ellsworth, ME 04605
Exactly what it sounds like- a big old chicken barn filled to the roof with stuff. I found them a little on the pricier side, but they have an incredible book section that takes up most of the top floor of the barn, and is guaranteed to knock your socks off.
BO MAR Hall- 1622 Post Rd- Wells, ME 04090
BO MAR is pretty sizeable, pretty reasonable, and pretty full of interesting stuff. Weirdly, I have never actually purchased anything there- despite going several times. Perhaps my timing is off? Also, they don't have a public restroom, so beware of the porta-potty!
Cliff's-RR 1, Scarborough, ME 04074
If you're out shopping in the Scarborough area, Cliff's is always worth a pit stop. It's not huge, but they do have a weird and wide range of goods from vintage girl scout patches to creepy-cool religious paintings. Favorite find: A ceramic nurse head planter.
Fairfield Antique Mall- 382 Route 201- Fairfield, ME 04937-3403
I traveled pretty far for this one because it was billed as "Maine's Largest Group Antique Shop". I'll admit, it was pretty big and had a decent selection, although it was a little bit on the pricey side for me. If you're up in the area hitting the Lakeside, another 30 minutes north could turn this into a nice afternoon thrifting adventure.
Lakeside Antiques- Route 202- Winthrop, ME 04364
Though not the largest by far, Lakeside is one of my favorites. They have a really well groomed selection, and are run by the nicest couple ever. Favorite finds: melamine sugar dishes and vintage cake decorating books.
Montsweag Flea Market- Mountain Rd- Woolwich, ME 04579
Nothing beats Montsweag in the summer time. Get there early, because the out of state dealers do descend on the good stuff- and there is tons of good stuff. The only outdoor flea market I've been to in Maine that's really worth the visit. The only down sides are the porta-potties and the fact that it isn't open year round.
Pa's Tradin Co.- 1190 Main Street- Oxford, me 04270-3312
Just down the way from the Undercover in Oxford, Pa's is a bit smaller and a bit less discriminating, but still had some good stuff tucked away- and is absolutely worth a jaunt down the street.
Sabattus Antique Mall- 519 Sabattus Rd- Sabattus, ME 04280
It's a little small and a bit of a drive, but if you're from the area or passing through, stop here! Some highlights include retro cameras and vintage toys, and the prices are more than fair.
Searsport Antique Mall- 149 E Main St- Searsport, ME 04974-3321
Searsport in general is a little on the upscale side, but the quality at this mall is top notch. I found that I was willing to pay a little more, because the things they had were so unusually awesome. My favorite find: incredible vintage chocolate molds!
Undercover Antique Mall- 960 Main St Oxford, ME 04270-3563
This is my absolute favorite flea market ever. Huge, crammed full of great finds, and reasonably priced all around. The have a giant used book and dvd section in the back, and crates full of retro video games to boot.
Waterfront Flea Market- 14 Maine St- Brunswick, ME 04011-2049
The Waterfront Flea Market has been a year-round Brunswick fixture for quite some time now, and is always worth a stop in. The volume is huge, and lately their selection seems to be turning over more than it used to. If you can't find something there to bring home, then you're not looking hard enough. Favorite finds: Vintage jewelry & old Nancy Drews.
These are my tried and true favorites, but if I missed something that's worth a mention, please let me know!
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