From crystals to pet tuxedos, it's all at the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market
Yes, you can find almost anything online nowadays, but the experience pales next to the shopping sensory overload of the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market.
A yard sale on steroids, the weekly marketplace that stretches across more than 40 acres next to Interstate 95 at 1425 Tomoka Farms Road attracts almost 2 million annual visitors with its array of 650 registered vendors.
A Daytona Beach fixture since 1981, the market offers everything from fresh, locally grown produce to clothing, electronics, custom jewelry and toys to, well, anything you might imagine.
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with free admission and parking, the market offers something for everyone, even if you're just browsing. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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You might even leave with the raw material to build a dream, which is what happened to Volusia County native and future country music star Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line fame, who bought his first guitar as a teenager on a Daytona Flea Market trek with his father, former Volusia County Chair Ed Kelley.
“It was one of our things because you never know what you'll find out there,” the singer said of the family’s flea market trips in a 2016 story in The News-Journal. “One day I just really wanted to play guitar. So dad bought me one. It wasn't very expensive, but I learned a couple of songs.”
Before you go, here’s a look some cool spots to check out and an update on monthly special events:
Magical Crystal Enchantments
This is the go-to shop for rare healing crystals, rocks, spheres, towers and crystal clusters, as well as Wicca, Santeria and metaphysical books and supplies.
The shop also offers beginner and advanced tarot cards and lessons, along with insights into hypnotic past life regression and pain management. Spells and curse removal also is available.
Find it at corner shops 9,10.
JC's Fun N Sun
If you need something for your canine, feline or even an exotic pet, you’ll likely find it here.
Items include pet strollers for up to 150-pound dogs, as well as cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets, raccoons, skunks and other critters.
There’s also an impressive inventory of pet apparel ranging from bandanas and bikinis to boots, bows, caps, pajamas, raincoats, custom T-shirts, tuxedos and wedding dresses.
Find it at booths B242,B244,B246,B248.
Steve's Pickle Palace
As the name suggests, pickles are the stars, but this vendor also offers Koegel brand Pickled Bologna and Koegel brand Vienna Hot Dogs, both rarities hereabouts.
When it comes to pickles, here’s a short list: New York Half Sours and Full Sours; Southwest Sweeties; Pucker Sours; Ginger Snaps; Hot Garlic Dill; Horse Bites; Dutch Pickles; Crunchy Dill; Garlic Dill and Jumbo Kosher Dill on a Stick.
Free samples are available. The shop is open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Find it at booths P205,P207,P209,P211,P212.
Back to the '60s Smoke Shop
This nostalgic shop specializes in glass water pipes, bowls, rolling papers, grinders, torches, scales and pipe accessories. Pretty much everything you need for a time-travel trip “upon your magic swirling ship,” to borrow the poetry of 1960s folk laureate Bob Dylan.
Find it at the corner of South Street and row D-South.
Don't miss monthly events
Garage Sale Weekends. The new monthly Saturday and Sunday promotion unfolds on the third weekend of every month. It offers a flea market row filled with all your neighbors’ second-hand treasures. Browse for free or book a garage sale booth for $5 per day to sell your own treasures.
Classic Car Cruise-In. Vintage and collectible cars are in the spotlight at this monthly event that happens on the first Saturday of every month in the Flea Market’s west parking lot. It’s free admission and also free to bring your classic car to showcase at the event.
If you go
Visit daytonafleamarket.com for more information on vendors and events.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona Flea & Farmers Market offers wide array of treasures
