Some go for the fresh produce. Some just look for bargains. When I spot a flea market, I love taking a trip back to the 80s. Seeing board games, tech and gadgets I grew up with for a couple dollars gets me all giddy. Especially when I'm tempted by 2024 technology like the Apple Vision Pro that sells for $3500. Yours truly also just bought his first electric vehicle. So as a big kid, being able to buy that tech that wow'd me back in the 1980s for a dollar or two is fun. And a lot easier on the wallet.
The Pinellas Farmers and Flea Market opens Saturday and Sunday mornings at 7am and wraps up for the day around 2pm. It's a at 13600 Icot Boulevard in Clearwater. That's at least what you would pop in the GPS. To me, it seems more like it's located on Ulmerton Road in Largo. It's right near the ice arena. After living in Pinellas for years, I finally stumbled upon the flea market recently. I'm not usually up early on weekends and by 3pm, when you go by the field, you'd have never known what was going on just an hour or two ago.
For those who miss the Wagon Wheel Flea Market in Pinellas Park, this is pretty much the next best thing. There are locally grown vegetables, handmade arts and crafts, very very used tools, antiques and some vendors even sell household products. If you're hungry, there are plenty of food trucks. There's quite a bit of Asian street food in particular.
But for me, it's all about going back in time to my childhood of the 80s. And the Pinellas Farmers and Flea Market never fails. Here are some of my favorite recent finds I spotted.
A Radio Flyer Wagon
I couldn't have gotten through my childhood without one of these bad boys. From giving pets a ride to hauling, these little workhorses were a vital part of life for any kid in the 80s. Or 70s. Or 60s. Or go back even further. The toy company got their start in Chicago way back in 1917.
45's
The 80s were the last decade where we bought singles on vinyl. My early days of pretending to be a DJ were spent on my toy turntable playing Wang Chung and Billy Joel. Now I get paid to do it.
Atari 2600
I really should have bought this. There was no way to try it out at the flea market. But I've wanted to snag one of the original Atari 2600s for years now. They've put out new ones for those who want that retro experience. But I'd want to have the real deal like this. The problem is I'd have to find working game cartridges again. But if you have an Atari 2600 with Activision Ice Hockey, I'll totally come over and play this weekend.
Rotary Phones
My grandmother in Maine still has one of these... and it works! Slowly. If you play Geno's 4:20 Useless Trivia, I highly recommend using a phone that's a bit more modern. Ask anyone who played our contests back in the 70s or 80s... trying to redial on these things gave a whole generation carpal tunnel.
Cars
I saw only a few Matchbox cars on my 2 visits. That was my jam as a kid. But there was this really neato collection of model cars on display.
Let's Rock
I guess these next two aren't specific to the 80s for all but they are for me. Our neighbors had these all over their house where I grew up. I never quite understood the appeal. They're fun to look at ... for a minute. Then to me they just take up space.
Creepy Ornaments
We all knew that collector of animals of various types. I remember my mother's best friend was obsessed with collecting frogs.
Try this!
I was pleasantly surprised to see a couple vendors grinding sugar cane for juice. This doesn't so much take me back to the 80s, but it takes me back to my vacations in Colombia. So good!
Produce
Back in the 80s, your mom told you to eat your vegetables. And you have a LOT to choose from here. There's especially a large contingent of Asian produce sellers on hand that will probably offer stuff you've never heard of before. Try it. It's cheap. And mom will be happy you ate your vegetables.
