There’s something exciting about walking up to a parking lot full of stuff people have plucked from their homes in order to declutter and make a few bucks at a flea market. Will you find the perfect painting for your living room, or maybe a vintage Pyrex bowl for your collection? Shopping second hand is all about the thrill of the hunt — whether you’re driving around to garage sales, roaming the thrift store or searching for something special at an antiques show.
Here are some ways to look for bargains in South Florida in February:
Salvation Army of Palm Beach County
The “Thrifting for Valentine’s Day” Sale is on through Feb. 14 at the Salvation Army Family Store, 655 N. Military Trail, in West Palm Beach. The thrift store is offering discounts on jewelry, baskets, glass and crystal jars, floral arrangements and pet supplies to help shoppers on a budget celebrate Valentine’s Day. Customers who provide an email address will be eligible to participate in a Valentine’s Day Gift Drawing on Feb. 14 for a two-dozen rose floral arrangement donated by Love’s Flower Shop. The store’s sales benefit the Salvation Army’s programs that help people overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through social services. Call 561-686-3530 or visit .
Step-Above Rummage Sale
Organizers have designed a department store-style layout for the three-day sale at First Presbyterian Church, 33 Gleason St., in Delray Beach. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 9 to 11, shop for items set up in three areas. The Fellowship Hall will have clothes and shoes (some with new tags, according to organizers) for women and children. In the Courtyard, shoppers will find men’s clothing and shoes. Shirts, pants and suits are hung and sized. Books, craft supplies, toys, sports equipment, bicycles, luggage, electronics and tools also will be for sale. In both areas, shoes are arranged by size and can be tried on in a sitting area. All clothing and shoes are $3 with accessories priced less. At Holly House, find jewelry, purses, accessories, lamps and art. The linen department will include bedding, towels, table coverings and decorative pillows. In the housewares are, look for tableware, cookware and small appliances. Cash and checks are accepted. If you get hungry, grab lunch prepared by the Men’s Fellowship for $3. Call 561-276-6338 or visit .
Island City Yard Sale
During season every year, from November to March, the city of Wilton Manors sponsors yard sales at Hagen Park, 2020 Wilton Drive, on the second Saturday of the month. The next sale is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 11 with vendors selling everything from linens and clothes to furniture, home decorative items, tools and sports equipment. Some vendors specialize in antiques, plants and collectibles. Admission is free. Visit . Freebie alert: Wilton Manors residents can stop by Mickel Park, 2675 NW Seventh Ave., from 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 11 for the annual Free Tree Giveaway. Trees will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis with proof of residency.
Used Book Tent Sale
With hardbacks for $1 and paperbacks for 50 cents, The Friends of the Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library’s Used Book Tent Sale makes it easy to keep that resolution to read more books in 2023. Bring cash and stop by the library’s temporary home at the Deicke Auditorium, 5701 Cypress Road, in Plantation from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 11 to find your next read. Children’s books (50 cents), puzzles and games (prices vary) and DVDs (25 cents or five for $1) also will be for sale. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the library, which is undergoing repairs and maintenance. Call 954-797-2140 or visit plantation.org.
Kids’ Yard Sale
Shop for secondhand finds for your little ones while enjoying food truck snacks and a movie in Royal Palm Beach. The village is planning a Kids’ Yard Sale in conjunction with its Food Truck and Movie: “Raya and The Last Dragon” event from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 11 at Commons Park, 11600 Poinciana Blvd. Browse for toys, clothes and accessories, books and games for children. Admission if free with food and drink available for purchase. Call 561-790-5196 or visit .
West Palm Beach Antique & Flea Market
After you pick out some fresh produce, flowers and baked goods at the West Palm Beach Greenmarket, which has been named “Best Farmers Market” in the U.S., according to a USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice poll, make sure to venture west along Clematis Street. From 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday (except March 25) through April 15, in the 300 and 400 blocks of Clematis Street, you’ll find the West Palm Beach Antique & Flea Market offering antiques, collectibles, sterling silver, vintage clothing, jewelry and mid-century furnishings, among other items. Adriana Dolabella, owner of Duck’s Nest Curations, is one of the market’s anchor vendors. She brings racks of vintage clothing to flip through along with shoes, handbags and accessories. Admission is free and free parking is available in the city garages on Clematis in the 400, 500 and 600 blocks until 1 p.m. and $5 after that for all day. The Evernia Street Garage is $5 all day. The West Palm Beach Brightline station is 1/2 block away from the antique market. Call 561-670-7473 or visit wpbantiqueandfleamarket.com.
The Rust Market
With 75 vendors sellingvintage goods, repurposed items, handcrafted goods and collectibles, The Rust Market & Car Show will take over the 700 block of Park Avenue in Lake Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 18. Admission is free. The event pops up the third Saturday of every month (September through April) in the Lake Park Arts District. The School of Rock will provide music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out vintage cars on display in the alley. Brunch, beer and cocktails are available from Locale Gastropub & Test Kitchen and The Brewhouse Gallery. Other food vendors also set up at the market. Once you have perused all of outside vendors, make sure to visit the two retail shops in the plaza. Kelsey Vintage Goods, owned by Jesse Furman, co-sponsor of The Rust Market, sells everything from neon signs and advertising memorabilia to vintage toys, records and ephemera. Next door, Attic Fanatics Vintage has vendor booths filled with knick-knacks, glassware, signs, dolls, collectibles, vintage clothing, toys, bottles and books. Visit .
Flamingo Flea
Striving to be “a platform for thrifters, doers, dreamers, entrepreneurs and artists to grow,” according to organizer Carley Sumner, the Flamingo Flea features vintage, handmade, upcycled, health-conscious and small-batch vendors every other month in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale. The goal is to showcase local artists while providing a place for them to network and collaborate. The next event is from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 18 at Crazy Uncle Mike’s, 6450 N. Federal Highway, in Boca Raton. Celebrate the pop-up’s four-year anniversary from noon to 4 p.m. March 12 at Tarpon River Brewing, 280 SW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale. Admission is free. Visit flamingoflea.com.
