North Carolina
Attractions|Markets

Everyone In North Carolina Should Visit This Epic Flea Market At Least Once

Smiley's Flea Market in Fletcher, NC offers a vast array of items and a unique shopping experience.

Updated Feb 28, 2023

Written by 

OnlyInYourState Staff

When it comes to finding antiques, oddities, and even unique candies….where does one turn to? Flea markets, of course. They’re your one-stop shop for simply everything. Yet, sometimes flea markets come down with a bad reputation, or even being known for being filled with ‘junk.’ But one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, right? While this can be applied to most, one flea market in North Carolina will give you the total experience, with some great finds included. In fact, Smiley's Flea Market in Fletcher, NC might just make you smile.

Smiley's Flea Market in Fletcher is the 'largest and finest' in the Carolinas.

alt
Kipper S./Yelp

It's true, you really can find everything here.

advertisement
alt
Ahmed K./Yelp

From antiques and collectibles to a barber, produce, books, plants, new and used items, appliances, and even various food vendors....there really is EVERYTHING at Smiley's.

alt
Ahmed K./Yelp

One aspect that makes Smiley's so interesting is that anyone can sell here. Of course, you have to pay for the table space, but this can make your options both easy and difficult.

alt
Ahmed K./Yelp

You'll be bombarded with a variety of different vendors. Give yourself a few hours to wander around at first, you might even need a visit or two to navigate the sheer craziness of it all.

alt
Ahmed K./Yelp

Smiley's has people come from all over the country to both sell and shop.

alt
Kipper S./Yelp

You really can find ANYTHING here.

advertisement
alt
Ahmed K./Yelp

Really, even if you're not shopping, the experience of visiting once is worth it.

alt
Ahmed K./Yelp

Smiley's is located just a half-mile north of I-26, on HWY 25 off of exit 44.

alt
Ahmed K./Yelp

You don't want to miss out on a truly one-of-a-kind experience in North Carolina.

Walk around Smiley's Flea Market in Fletcher, North Carolina with Rusty The Reseller as he hunts for deals to make him, well, smile:

Everyone has their own opinion on flea markets, from finding the perfect antiques to refurbish or a massive waste of time, it’s true you might have to dig through some junk once in a while, but you can’t beat the experience. Have you been to Smiley’s Flea Market in Fletcher before?

advertisement

If Smiley's isn't your cup of tea, check out these other must-visit flea markets throughout the state.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Attractions|Markets

The Enormous Depot At Gibson Mill In North Carolina Will Bump Your Thrifting Game To 11

Published Aug 14, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Once a textile manufacturing company, The Depot at Gibson Mill is now an enormous thrifting destination in North Carolina. Gibson Manufacturing Company was established in 1899 and the factory became Cannon Mills' Plant No. 6 in 1928 with 31,396 spindles used for spinning fibers into colored yarns, fabrics, clothing, and other items. The joy here is the bones of the building — bricks and hardwood are just as inspiring to look at as the inventory. And with more than 600 individual dealers, that is saying a lot. See why The Depot draws such a crowd in Concord, NC.

advertisement

The Depot has become one of the largest antique malls in the Southeast with more than 750 vendor booths.

alt
beachloversnc2015/Tripadvisor

The 88,000-square-foot sales floor is spacious, so plan for a day to really look.

This tourist destination is a picker's dream and a delight for lovers of architecturally interesting spaces.

alt
The Depot At Gibson Mill/Facebook

We can tell from the front door that something exciting and appealing awaits.

From household items to antiques and collectibles - you'll find it here.

alt
The Depot At Gibson Mill/Facebook

Don't be surprised if you decide to make some big changes at home.

alt
cheryl h/Tripadvisor

Folks have been known to redecorate entire rooms with the inspiration drawn here.

The displays may have you looking at art in new and inventive ways.

advertisement
alt
cheryl h/Tripadvisor

Did you know there is a fabric room full of interesting patterns?

alt
CarolinaNurse323/Tripadvisor

If you're looking for a particular fabric - bring a swatch and see if it's available.

And try not to miss the details with a general sweep of this enormous thrifting destination in North Carolina.

alt
niteowljune/Tripadvisor

From antique and hard-to-find bottles and leftover equipment, something will call out to you.

And if you need a hand - just ask; the staff is super friendly.

alt
niteowljune/Tripadvisor

Eyeballing all of this stuff can bring on a mean hunger.

alt
cheryl h/Tripadvisor

Stop for a delicious sandwich and chips at The Depot Deli.

advertisement

Head out to this enormous thrifting destination in North Carolina. Arm yourself with pricing information on some of the antiques. And since you're a fan of the old, enjoy the vintage arcade games and a drink at The Basement Arcade Bar in Concord.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/playground-bar-nc/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Attractions|Markets

The Massive Rummage Warehouse In North Carolina That Takes Nearly All Day To Explore

Rummage Warehouse in Wilson, North Carolina, offers a 10,000-square-foot space filled with vintage items, holiday decor, and collectibles from liquidated estate sales.

Updated Feb 7, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Rummage Warehouse is a 10,000-square-foot vintage treasure hunt and all-day shopping trip in Wilson, North Carolina. Believe it or not, this vast space is packed full, floor to ceiling, with inventory from liquidated estate sales. In addition, Culbreth and Company shares the warehouse with Christmas and other holiday decor, collectibles, and gifts to make your holidays special. If you need furniture, dishes, clothing, or even if you don't need it, you are sure to find a unique or long-forgotten prize in this massive Rummage Warehouse in North Carolina that takes all day to explore.

advertisement

Rummage Warehouse Wilson NC is a 10,000-square-foot eclectic assortment of possibilities.

alt
Pamela L/Tripadvisor

You never know what will pop up, so keep your eyes open.

alt
The Rummage Warehouse/Facebook

Because on everything you see, the price is always negotiable.

alt
The Rummage Warehouse/Facebook

Picture frames, art, glassware, and home furnishings are available by the dozens in every shape and color.

Do you need some work clothes or something for a special occasion?

alt
The Rummage Warehouse/Facebook

From ballgowns to office wear, we love the variety at Rummage Warehouse Wilson, North Carolina.

And remember your favorite vinyl albums?

alt
The Rummage Warehouse/Facebook

Spend hours looking for your favorites.

advertisement

You will surely discover something on which to play them.

alt
The Rummage Warehouse/Facebook

Don't forget the golf clubs, and with the handy assortment, you are sure to find your size.

alt
The Rummage Warehouse/Facebook

If you should injure yourself on the golf course, help is here.

alt
The Rummage Warehouse/Facebook

Also, the front of the store features Culbreth and Co. for some colorful ornaments and holiday home goods for every occasion.

alt
Culbreth & Company/Facebook

These will look pretty on your Christmas tree.

Watch out for the occasional street sale, when prices are slashed on the already affordable inventory at one of the best rummage sales near me.

alt
The Rummage Warehouse/Facebook

Rummage Warehouse in Wilson is an interesting place to shop. Have you already visited this store? If so, please share your experience in the comments below.

advertisement

Discover more on the Rummage Warehouse website. If you're visiting Wilson, reserve a room on Booking.com. And while you're there, be sure to visit the nearby, one-of-a-kind Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/whimsical-whirligig-park-nc/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Experiences
Sights & Landmarks

We Visited a Historic Mill in Minnesota During Peak Fall Foliage and It Was the Highlight of Our Trip

by Jennifer
on Oct 26
alt
Food
Restaurants

The Panoramic-View Restaurant on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania Is a Must-Visit

by Beth Price-Williams
on Oct 26
alt
Trip Ideas
Small Towns

If You Only Have One Day to Visit This Small Town in Connecticut, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss

by Jasmine Vieau
on Oct 26
alt
Nature
Hiking

Hike the Port Penn Wetlands Trail in Delaware for an Unforgettable Adventure

by Jasmine Vieau
on Oct 25
alt
Stays

The Remote Work Retreat Center in New Hampshire You Will Never Want to Leave

by Kim Falchek
on Oct 25
The lodge at Quietude conference center in Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. A firepit sits in the forefront. The lodge is set against a backdrop of trees.