Elephant’s Trunk Bazaar

February 11, 2012

If you like hunting for bargains, or just like looking at acres and acres of stuff, head out to the Elephant’s Trunk Bazaar, a weekly outdoor flea market in New Milford that has been in operation since 1976, when it started with about 15 vendors. You will find everything from the truly classy to the trendy to the kitschy; about 50% antiques. In an open expanse along Route 7, as many as 300 vendors gather on Sunday mornings at 5 from April through Nov. 27, weather permitting (no market if there is snow or ice on the field).

There’s parking for 1,000 visitors and the true devotees get there early, but not as early as dealers who start setting up at 5 a.m. (Early buying admission, from 5:45 until 7 a.m. is $20, cash only). Regular hours are 7 to 2; admission is $2 for anyone over 10. Expect to find slow-moving traffic from Brookfield north. There is little or no shade, so a hat is advisable.

In addition to tables with old and new things to buy, there are food vendors with everything from hot dogs to Italian ices. No pets are allowed on the grounds. After the market, head north a few miles for a late lunch in New Milford’s village area; follow Route 7, then take Route 202 over the bridge.