Trader's Village

As my lovely friend T.W. calls it, the place of my people. Lol. Seriously. You'd understand if you've ever been there. My friend, R.T., and I went on Sunday afternoon. Usually when I go to the Traders Village flea market I'll spend less than $5.00. Seriously. This time, maybe I knew the damage I'd do to my pockets because I took my little red wagon. Oops. Next time I'll take the big one!

The primary reason we took the wagon was a way to carry our twelve-pack. Note to readers: A twelve-pack isn't quite enough for five hours of flea marketing. Next time we're taking at least an 18. Especially since even the flea market vendors were asking if they could buy beer off us! lol.

R.T. and I got there about noon and immediately headed for the garagesale-esque area, all the way to the back left corner. This is where the normal people like you and me sell things. It's more of a hunt here, and more of a win when you find something amazing. Like the $60 brand new with tags Express sweater that I got for $2.50. Or the brand new $40 Gap blouse with tags for only $2.50. Or the gorgeous brand new Liz Claiborne blouse for $2.50. Yes, lots of stuff was 2 for $5. Can you tell? :)

I also scored and got something really cute for a girlfriend for only 50 cents. I had to text and let her know she's getting something really nice for Christmas. lol. Of course, the gift will mean so much more if I leave the 50 cent tag on. So I will.

Also, be sure to think out of the box. The flea market is the perfect place to stock up on household goods such as toilet paper and cleaner, as well as personal products like shampoo and feminine products. You can even buy grocery products like dry cereal and cans of chili... or fresh fruit by the bag or crate! Or smaller quantities if you insist.

Right now since we're heading into tamale and posole season, there were many vendors selling aromatic bags of dried chilies. Yum! Some cute little rascal even suckered me into buying 1/2 a kilo of peanuts. He tried reverse sales therapy on me by offering me a peanut and walking away. He didn't even tell me where the peanuts were sold. Wily little 9-year-old! Yes. He got me. Now what on earth am I going to do with so many peanuts?! Hmm. Maybe they can be uniquely wrapped and gifted to unsuspecting friends and family?

Place? Traders Village

Location? 2602 Mayfield Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75052

Number to call when you get lost? (972) 647-2331

Cost? $3.00 for parking, no entry fee. Take as much (or as little) as you want to spend. There are also terrific fair-type foods for sale, including corny dogs, ice cream, pizza, sausage on a stick, elotes, etc. You are forewarned!

Kid-friendly? Yes!

Date-friendly? Yes! We saw so many cute (and not-so-cute) young (and not-so-young) couples. Take your sweetie!

Place to meet those of the opposite sex? Yes. Although I've never met anyone at a flea market, it's totally possible.

Place to go with friends? Oh, yeah!

Bathroom cleanliness? Um, no. Remember to take hand sanitizer and try not to touch anything!

Good service? The food stands usually have nice folk. The vendors are usually pretty nice as well. Beware the talkative vendors!!

Would I do it again? Of course. :)