Metrolina Expo

For thrift shop fans and garage-salers, Metrolina Expo Marketplace weekend is the Mecca of all that is junk and antique.

The girls and I met at my apartment at the crack of dawn on a Saturday (the equivalent of 9:30AM) to drive down in my mom’s van, prepared for a day of sifting and bargaining. We paid the adorable old lady the $5 admit fee at the door and started in the outdoor section, where right away I was berated by a lady selling electric candles. But we did find a few treasures. I found this guy to paint white:

And Michelle found this old English tea canister:

Basically, it’s one huge flea market. Bring your purell and be prepared for the stamina of looking through endless piles of junk for your treasure.

Around 12:00, I could not look at one more “antique” glass coke bottle or over-priced side table. It was time to eat lunch, and we found the highlight of my day—a taco truck that had FREE guacamole with your purchase. Free guac is hard to come by, and the street tacos with all the fixins’ did not disappoint for $6.

When we moved to the inside vendors, I needed some refreshment to give me my second wind. Glass bottles of soda, including Cheerwine, are $2.50 and the splurge was worth it. After running into an old friend from high school who was selling guns from World War II, we made our way through the rest of the buildings, where Emily found a hand-made terrarium.

So was it worth it? Well, you really could find the best treasure of your life. Or you really could just get annoyed with the rocks, the vendors, and the heaps of garage sale knick-knacks. I could see myself going back again in a few months—but probably not right away.

A few tips:

Make it a date day. This place has the potential to be really adorable if you and your boo like looking at all of the random trinkets, particularly because they also sell beer that you can walk around with, and you can bring your furry friend! Dogs are welcome, and the vendors and shoppers alike bring them to Metro Expo. It can get hot outside so be sure to bring water for yourself and your pet.

Bring cash. This place is pretty much cash only. Very few vendors accept credit cards or personal checks so bring cash—depending on what you’re looking for, I’d bring atleast $200. Metrolina Expo Marketplace weekend is the first weekend of every month and is located 10-15 minutes from Uptown.


Pictures by: Michelle Parker, Emily Hole, & Danielle DeVizia