Bring on the Bargains at the Route 11 Yard Crawl
By Erin Smith:
Attention thrifters and treasure hunters: it’s time to start clearing space in your car for the annual Route 11 Yard Crawl, on Saturday, August 14. Virginia’s largest yard sale was cancelled in 2020, but it’s happening this year, and excited bargain hunters from all over are already planning to gather for a yard sale and antique adventure like no other. The Crawl stretches for 43 miles from Stephens City to New Market along Route 11/Old Valley Pike. The road meanders through beautiful farmland with views or the mountains and historic towns with quaint shopping districts. Made up of hundreds of individual yard sales and business sales, the Crawl offers a chance to score a bit of everything including baby items, toys, comics, clothes, furniture, collectibles, and much, much more. And there’s more to the crawl besides vintage items: you’ll find lots of sunshine and community spirit, as well as food trucks and vendors selling snacks, treats, and fresh local produce.
Know Before You Go
- The Crawl stretches from Stephens City to New Market, but you can start at either end or anywhere in between.
- The Crawl starts at 7 a.m. Give yourself plenty of time to complete all or part of the route.
- Many vendors set up on Friday so come early and stay the night to get a head start before the Crawl officially begins.
- Bring plenty of cash to pay for your finds.
- Wear comfortable shoes and take sun protection.
- Know the size of your space at home and in your car. Bring a tape measure.
- Exercise caution when driving and don’t park on Route 11.
- Don’t forget to pick up your awesome purple t-shirt, available at Edinburg Flea Market, Edinburg Mill, New Town Commons, Route 11 Potato Chips, Shenandoah County Chamber Office, Shenandoah Valley Flea Market, and The Strasburg Emporium
- Here’s a fun video showing what to expect.
- Like, Follow and Look for updates on Facebook.
- Planning to make a weekend out of it? Find places to stay in Shenandoah County.
The crawl is made of hundreds of smaller yard sales that pop up in yards and lots along the route. Additionally, many established businesses take part in the festivities with great selections and specials. Here are some in each locality that you should make sure to check out.
Strasburg
While in the town of Strasburg, visit the Strasburg Emporium, a massive 52,000 square foot space filled with the wares of over sixty dealers. You’ll find period furniture like pie safes, candle boxes, and sugar tables. The Strasburg Emporium also sells rare coins, military items, and vintage jewelry. The website shows new arrivals, so you can plan ahead and leave space in your car!
Clementine Vintage started as an Etsy shop selling refinished furniture. Now, however, it’s a brick and mortar store in Strasburg’s historic and restored 1880s pharmacy building. You can find home decor, jewelry, furniture, and gifts like soy candles, canned goods, and greeting cards.
Since 1975, Vilnius Antiques has been selling high-end historic furnishings, decorative arts, and art in estate condition. Vilnius Antiques can work closely with you to help you furnish your home according to your design vision.
Woodstock
Valley Treasures offers up a glorious 6,500 square feet of display space including 90 booths and display spaces to encourage and educate the public on how to decorate modern living spaces with old things. You can find estate jewelry, coins, tools, furniture, toys, and handmade quilts.
If upscale fashions at good prices are what you’re looking for, try On Second Thought Consign & Thrift. You can also find jewelry and purses, antiques, home decor, housewares, collectibles and furniture. Check back at the beginning of each month to get the best selection of newly marked-down items.On Second Thought provides community members a way to make money on their items. Profits from donated items support several local charities.
Looking for a gift for someone special or for the perfect item to complete your home decor? Stop by Travelers Treasures for unique and locally made products like honey and soap kitchen wares, country accents, wine accessories, jewelry, and more. This store takes your safety and shopping convenience seriously. You can visit the showroom online or have a staff member help you via Facetime. You can opt for curbside pickup or even sign up for a private shopping session.
Edinburg
The Flea Market in Edinburg is a large space filled with 90 indoor booths that’s guided visitors down memory lane for three decades. You’ll find furniture, glassware, primitives, collectibles, toys and new inventory is constantly being added. The Flea Market is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year round (except for Christmas).
The Edinburg Mill hosts several vendors making it a great stop to browse a number of items, and grab a bite to eat at the restaurant.
Mount Jackson
Mount Jackson Thrift and Gift is located right along Route 11. It’s known for its friendly staff and orderly selection of furniture, tools, jewelry, and country primitives like baskets, buckets, signage, metal stars and more. Crafters will find materials for wreath making and holiday decor.
Another can’t miss shopping adventure awaits at Shenandoah Valley Flea Market, located along Route 11 between Mount Jackson and New Market. Offering a selection from more than 70 individual vendors, there’s lots of variety awaiting those seeking relics from the past. You’ll find antiques, primitives, tools, jewelry, books, and dishware. Customers rave about the cleanliness and fresh smells inside.
New Market
Vintage shoppers of all types will find a wide range of new and used wares at New Market Flea Market. From country and decorative decor, to jewelry, to furniture, coins, and collectibles, there’s something here for every shopper.
Buying vintage is fun, easy on the pocketbook, and a wonderful way to help the environment by keeping things out of the landfills!
