My First Trip to Canton
Lately I've had the itch to explore a new place, so when Tim told me about an upcoming visit to HighRidge Longview, I knew just the spot!
First Mondays in Canton is a flea market that's held once a month. Just find the first Monday of the month on the calendar, then move back to the previous Thursday. In this case, the dates were from May 31 – June 3. It's huge! Over 100 acres of people selling just about anything you can imagine!
I've lived close to Canton for years and haven't ever thought about visiting. It's funny how the places closest to you tend to be the ones that go undiscovered...
Here's what I learned during my first trip to Canton:
Parking
We lucked out on this one! We exited onto Highway 64 from Interstate 20 and took Flea Market Road. This led us right to a series of parking lots. Confused, we drove all the way down until the road ended at a gate with parking attendants. We learned that this is the only parking lot on the grounds that profits a charity. Each month, a charity is picked to man the parking lot and all of the proceeds go toward the organization. This month's organization was the local Knights of Columbus Chapter. We paid $5 and parked behind the RV parking, which was only a short walk to the "Unreserved" section. (More on that in a second.)
Weather
Saying that it was HOT is an understatement. (I'm giving you some major side-eye, Texas. You've gotta do better.) It was already in the mid 90's when we arrived at 10 and it only got hotter!
Sunblock, hats and sunglasses are a necessity if visiting during the summer months. The Arbors and the Pavilions are covered and the shade provides a bit of relief, but not much. Forgot to pack a hat? No worries. There are several hat stands throughout Canton averaging about $10 a piece. If you're looking for something trendy, don't get your hopes up. (I looked thoroughly.) Most of the hats sold are for function, not fashion.
Oh, and on that note: this is not a time for cute shoes. Sneakers are your best bet! Trust me!
Was it worth the heat? Yes! In fact, a lot of vendors tend to be a bit more negotiable in hotter temps. Traffic is slower and your purchase is one less thing the vendors have to load up. I'd venture to say that extreme weather leads to the best deals...
Food
Tamales for the win!
Canton is full of treats! Funnel cakes, pretzels, BBQ and turkey legs can be found in almost every corner. Zara and I opted for some hand-made tamales and fresh lemonade & Tim got a burger, of course.
On the way home, Tim and I passed a restaurant called Buttermilk's a few blocks outside of the First Monday Grounds. It has great reviews! I plan on checking it out next time.
Finds
So let's talk about shopping. Let me preface by saying this:
If you know me, you know that I love a good deal. I love the hunt for quality but kitschy items. Even if I were a gazillionare (Lord, I am willing to be tested with this), I would still venture into thrift stores periodically. To me it's more about finding statement pieces that are weathered and have a story. Anyone can buy online (I do that, too), but there is something special about looking for gem in a pile of junk. You didn't just buy it, you found it. Am I the only one?
Canton surprised me. I envisioned more of a flea market- haggling over trinkets and rummaging through piles. If that appeals to you, you will want to stay in the Unreserved Section of the grounds- the tents and tables behind the Civic Center. This is where all the treasures will be found: old furniture, vintage leather bags, costume jewelry. We even found a vintage ring that I intended to buy Tim from Etsy for a fraction of what I planned on paying.
If Magnolia Market is more your vibe, check out the Arbors. They have everything from Rustic Farmhouse items (shiplap, anyone?) to cute clothing. Many of these items could be purchased from the retailer's website, which took the novelty out of it for me.
I will say this though: if I had to choose between taking a trip to Magnolia Market in Waco or First Mondays in Canton. I would pick Canton. Hands Down. (Insert Dashboard Confessional music here.)
Please don't tell Joanna Gaines- I still think she's a genius! Canton just has more vendors and these people do the Farmhouse look just as well for much less. If you haven't been to Magnolia Market, you should still go...
Overview
Overall, we had a great time in Canton! I would sum it up this way:
- Dress for the weather
- Indulge in the snacks
- Buy something weird
- Enjoy the experience
I want to go back to Canton during the cooler months, check out the Wilde House or the Spirit Warrior Tipi at Music Springs. I'm thinking of a girl's trip. Any takers?