Sort through racks of worn-in denim and piles of antique jewelry and vintage magazines.
We like city life because of its proximity toculture , thriving nightlife , andtop - notch eats , and we have sex it despite the abyssal air character and noisy traffic . But every once in a while , we all thirst greener pastures where we can romanticize a muted macrocosm , full of favorable neighbour , fresh air , and repose .
A place to satisfy that desire for a slower life is the unpretending town ofNew Milford , Connecticut , the nursing home toElephant ’s Trunk , a nearly 50 - year - old flea market that ’s the antithesis of an overprice metropolitanthrift store .
open up every Sunday from April through December , upon entering , you ’ll mark the lofty size of the market . take up the couple of a 55 - acre field of view , waltz in without a game plan can be quite daunting , so here are some pointers to get you started .
The Town Green in New Milford, Connecticut.|Fadein/Wikimedia
We recommend start your sojourn at the far odd recess of the marketplace , leisurely making your means through the rows of booths , one by one . You ’ll find yourself striking up conversation with the lettered vendors , made up mainly of locals with a genuine interest in their pieces who often make it a family affair by sell alongside their child .
It ’s absolutely necessary to at least peruse each stall ; even if one does n’t offend your initial interest , each is rich with treasure you ’re unbelievable to find anywhere else . Sift through piles of antique jewellery , vintageLifemagazines from ’ 60s , deliciously wear thin - in leather jacket , and a plethora of unique , funky glasswork .
Once you ’re in full satiated retail - overbold , pick up some aliment from the line of food truck for sandwich service on new sourdough along with summer - friendly ice cold lemonade and snowcones . Whether you pick out to grab a bite at the market or somewhere else , verify to pull up a nates at one of the picnic tables and take heed to the local bluegrass banding .
Drive time:
2 hour from NYC.2 hours , 45 minutes from Boston.3 hour , 45 minutes from Philadelphia.5 hr , 45 minutes from Washington DC .
More things to do in the area:
One of New Milford ’s greatest assets is its sleeper to our country ’s rich chronicle . There are a plethora of landmarks listed on theNational Register of Historic Places , like theLover ’s Leap BridgeatLover ’s Leap State Park(built in 1895 ) and the home - run , three C oldHunt Hill Farm(now known as a non-profit-making ethnical center , The Silo ) .
To really fleece in the woodsy , small-scale townsfolk vibes , embark on theNew Milford Barn Quilt Trail , a path of 19 paw - paint quilt approach pattern displayed on various barns and historical building throughout the townsfolk . The trail leads you from one final stage of the Ithiel Town to the other ; it ’s the perfect way to get to know the area and take in its marrow . Plus , you ’ll most likely see some farm animals along the direction ; think babe goats , kine , and hog .
Where to stay in New Milford:
Part of the charm in stay in a place like New Milford is its bounty of main , local businesses — hence why it ’s unlikely you ’ll line up a chain hotel in the area . Instead , opt for theHomestead Inn , a bed and breakfast that has hosted famous guests like Marilyn Monroe and the Kennedys . Decked out with cosy nooks , picturesque views , and vintage touches , the hostel will avail you live out all of yourGilmore Girlsfantasies .
Where to eat in New Milford:
Located a few international mile fromLake Waramug , Upper Crust Cucinaserves delectable northerly Italian cuisine in a Tuscan - mode farmhouse . The air alone is enough of a intellect to snag a table ; the lush verdure and welcome surroundings make it feel like you ’re inspect a friend ’s villa on an ideal summertime evening .
Before lead the lodge and make the route , toss off over to nearbyRiver & Rail Cafefor The Lavender Hive , a spiced honey and lavender infuse latte . Take your pick of breakfast sandwiches from their seasonal carte , and get a newly broil burnt umber chip muffin for the road .
Photo courtesy of Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market
