5 Michigan antiques and flea markets worth your time

The slower pace of summer is great for wandering through antiques and flea markets.

You'll want to arrive early for the best selection, though know as the day goes on and it gets closer to closing time, you might be able to strike some good deals with vendors who don't want to haul everything back home with them.

You'll want to dicker. Often, sellers have a little wiggle room in their prices. While some vendors accept credit card payment, others don't. So bring cash. Besides, sometimes vendors are more likely to offer a discount if you're paying cash; that way, they don't need to shell out credit card processing fees that cut into their bottom line.

Also, know that an object needs to be 100 years old to qualify as an antique. You'll find some at these antiques markets, but you'll also find lots of vintage wares.

Here are five spots worth a visit. The outdoors markets take place rain or shine. But in case you don't feel like walking in the rain, we've included an indoor option as well.

Now, lets shop.

Utica Antiques Market

Held thrice yearly at the 25-acre Knights of Columbus park in Shelby Township, the Utica Antiques Market has been around since 1986. The event makes for a pleasant weekend stroll. Vendors set up under tents, though a few get space at a covered picnic pavilion. When it comes to antique and vintage finds, you'll find all the usual suspects here: dishes, linens, glassware, pottery, toys, furniture, mirrors and more. You'll also find a few food trucks and gourmet popcorn. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed and well-behaved. The next shows are July 13-14 and Sept. 7-8. And here's a good deal: Pay for admission on Saturday and you'll be able to return on Sunday for free.

Address: 11541 21 Mile Road, Shelby TownshipAdmission: $10 a person, kids 15 and under are free Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 13; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, July 14More info: www.facebook.com/uticaantiques

Davisburg Antique Market

Situated on the sprawling grounds of the Springfield Oaks County Park, the Davisburg Antique Market takes place twice a year. The next show is scheduled for Oct. 12-13. You'll find treasures in pristine condition and some that need a bit of soap and polish. Specifically you'll find jewelry, garden gewgaws, Christmas ornaments, toys, books, linens, lamps and furniture in pieces large and small. There's an onsite ATM and a collection of midway-worthy food options, too. Some vintage vendors get spots inside the park's big barn but most are outdoors, under tents. At some point during the day, a pre-recorded version of the national anthem will blare from speakers and an honor guard will fire guns in salute.

Address: 12451 Andersonville Road, DavisburgAdmission: $10 per person Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct 12.; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13More info: www.miantiquefestival.com

Livingston Antique Outlet

The Livingston Antique Outlet in Howell features offerings from roughly 200 vendors. Unlike a lot of antique malls, this one has largely resisted the temptation to become a purveyor of crafts and potpourri. The staff is friendly and the merchandise runs the gamut. Some booths are better than others, but the overall quality is good. You'll find books and baubles, records and rings, pottery and porcelain and lots more. The store has occasional sales, with discounts up to 30%. The bathrooms are clean — the bonus to shopping at an indoor mall: no portable toilets! If you buy something gigantic or heavy, you'll need to bring your own movers. Open daily; weekends are busiest.Address: 1825 N. Burkhard Road, Howell Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays.; noon-5 p.m. on Sundays More info: livingstonantiqueoutlet.com

Allegan Antiques Market

You'll want to hit the road early for this one because it's a bit of a drive ― 40 minutes south of Grand Rapids. Or turn the Allegan market into a stop on a long weekend in west Michigan. The Allegan market takes place five times a year ― the last Sunday of the month from May through September and it has some of everything. The show's rules for vendors indicate merchandise must be antique, vintage or out-of-production collectible. Clothing must be at last 50 years old, that means the 1970s or earlier. No newer crafted items or blankets, paintings, jewelry, kitchen or yard decorations. Sounds good, eh? This year's remaining markets: July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 29. Address: 150 Allegan County Fair Drive, Allegan. Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission: $5; children under 12 are free. Pets are not allowed. More info: alleganantiques.com.

Sunday Market at Eastern Market

Closer to home: Every Sunday from June through September, the sheds at Eastern Market in Detroit host a Sunday extravaganza. The market features lotions and potions, handmade jewelry, clothing, T-shirts, handbags, hand-drawn renderings, old records, succulents, a small assortment of vegetables, plants, deodorants and lip balms and other self-care items that advertise themselves as all natural. In the mix: food trucks. Once you've sauntered through the sheds, you'll want to check out the nearby stores. DeVries & Co., the longstanding cheese shop is always fun, with merchandise such as lawn ornaments, flower pots and seasonal decorations in boxes on the sidewalk in front of the shop. And the antiques stores on the market grounds may be worth a look, too. Address: Sheds 2, 3 and 4 in Eastern Market, along Russell Street in DetroitHours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sundays through September. For more info: easternmarket.org.

Bonus: A Michigan tradition

If you're up for a road trip, the U.S. 12 Heritage Trail Garage Sale, known as Michigan's longest garage sale — it's about 200 miles long — takes place Aug. 9-11. The event runs along U.S. 12 from Detroit to the edge of west Michigan. More info: us12heritagetrail.org.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 5 Michigan antiques, flea markets worth visiting this summer