Imagine the best flea market you’ve ever been to: are there endless fields of booths, refreshingly reasonable price tags, and is it a whopping six days long? That’s Brimfield, the biggest flea market on the East coast. More than 50,000 people attend the Massachusetts fair each year, and for the first time this July, I was one of them. I went with three of my most vintage-obsessed friends, and while we were kids in a candy shop for every waking moment, there are a few things we’d do differently next time (because there will absolutely be a next time).

After six years of living with roommates, I moved into my first studio apartment in January and pretty much started from scratch with furniture. Until attending the market, there was one crucial piece left on my shopping list: a coffee table. Because dining at a desk feels slightly sad, this was my only hope at having a nice place to eat. Multipurpose is key in any small space, so I wanted something that could be home to hefty art books, serve as a dining table for a small gathering, or operate as a workspace, all while being no deeper than 18 inches. Here’s what I learned in the process, and pass down to you.

Nail the Timing

The Brimfield Antique Flea Market is three times a year, with this year's dates being May 9 to 14, July 11 to 16, and Sep 5 to 10. A friendly hotdog salesperson told us that July is actually the quietest round, due to the heat, with May as the busiest and September the runner-up. As someone with nothing to compare it to, July in no way felt dead to me on the dealer's end—there were more than enough stalls to peruse. But, in many instances, I was the only customer in a booth. Waiting in lines, finding parking, and battling crowds was not an issue.

We went for three days, which felt like the right amount of time to see it all. If you’re considering a day trip, know that you’ll have to skip sections and might not find what you’re looking for. On our first day, I only bought a small glass pitcher, and I’m not sure that would have been worth the expedition. By the end of day three, I had scored two tables, a mirror, and some more homewares.

We arrived by car on Thursday the 13th (it’s about a three hour drive from New York City). The market had started on Tuesday of that week, which is when dedicated shoppers, like Instagram dealer Madison J Santos, known as @doubles_tennis, arrived. Over DMs, Santos explained “I always go early, it’s the only way to do it.” For Santos, there’s more to it than just checking into an Airbnb and rolling out of bed, though. “Not a lifestyle for the faint of heart, gotta sleep on the fields and get up at the crack of dawn to really do it right.” While the market didn't seem picked over to me by Thursday, I’m certainly intrigued by the idea of what day one would offer.

Know What You Want

They say the first step to manifesting is knowing exactly what you’re looking for. As it turns out, that law applies to antiquing, too. So, before you arrive, craft your wish list. This should be much more detailed than a grocery list, though—get really specific. I knew my dream coffee table needed to have these characteristics: be around 18 inches deep and four feet wide; an organic, round-edged shape since my existing furniture is all angular; in a dark weathered wood to balance out my modern pieces; and under $400. And on day two, I found exactly that. Not only did looking for something specific give me direction in an overwhelming environment, but it prevented me from walking away with a piece I didn’t fully love.

Brimfield was heavy on American vintage: shaker furniture, spongeware, rusty iron tools, old gas station signs, and patchwork quilts dominated. One of my favorite purchases was a 150-year-old solid wood mirror for just $20. Small goods were everywhere, so if you’re in the market for accessories, you’re guaranteed to fill up your tote.

Haggle with Intention

Overall, I was impressed by the low prices at Brimfield. It, of course, varied from booth to booth, but they were nowhere in the vicinity of what you’d find in New York City. And on top of that, nearly every dealer I spoke with was open to bargaining. The teak coffee table I scored is by Danish mid-century designer Arne Hovmand-Olsen. It was listed at $265 and I easily talked it down to $220. Part of why the price was so low is because the previous owner had slightly repositioned the legs—but I actually happen to like the change more than their original placement. (It was thrilling to find a similar style for $1,150 on 1stDibs.)

I bought the table from Eliezer Garcia, a dealer who goes by @antiquehustle on Instagram. I couldn't help but wonder if the time of the week had anything to do with my breezy bargaining experiences, so I followed up with him to get a little more insight on what it’s like from a dealer's point of view. Garcia admitted that most vendors, himself included, are more likely to loosen up on prices at the end of the week. “One thing I wish customers knew, when bargaining with a vendor at any show, is don’t be afraid to make a reasonable offer,” he says. However, Garcia urges people to be mindful of not taking it too far. “Some individuals make unreasonable offers which is an insult to most antique dealers.”

Gear Up

The more physically comfortable you are, the more stamina you’ll have. That means wear the most comfortable shoes you own, and a pair that you’re ok with getting covered in mud. Sporting a hat is a must, as is wearing clothes with pockets. And check the weather report—we got caught in what may have been the heaviest rain I’ve ever seen. Dealers don’t offer shopping bags, so we brought a few tote bags with us each day, and saw plenty of attendees with full-on folding shopping carts. A portable charger will be your friend, as will sunscreen with a high SPF. You don’t need to bring snacks or water, as there are plenty of reasonably-priced food stations around. Most importantly, don’t forget cash.

Before You Go

How to approach Brimfield has everything to do with your priorities. As a design editor living in a studio apartment with a passion for a good patina, these tips served me well. But if you’re a dealer, a designer, or a homeowner attempting to furnish a three-story house, you may need to adjust accordingly. If you’re looking to pull from the widest pool possible, going on day one is the move. If you’re on the hunt for great deals, arriving later in the week might be right for you. But one thing is true, no matter what you’re looking for: no other flea market compares to Brimfield.

Top photo courtesy of Valery Rizzo/Alamy Stock Photo