
Treasure Hunting: Rarities Await You at Connecticut’s ‘Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market’
It was a gorgeous Sunday morning in October 2024 when Mindy and I realized that in the 45 years we've lived in New Fairfield, we've never checked out the legendary New Milford Elephant's Trunk Flea Market.
At 4:15 am, the parking lot gates open as a line of cars and trucks wait for their turn to get loaded onto the field. Vendors from all over the East Coast come to the pre-dawn lineup. This flea market has been operating since the 1970s, and many of its vendors have attended it ever since.
Mindy and I walked every aisle at the Elephant's Trunk with dual purposes in mind. Mindy loves to shop, and I would do anything but shop. My mission was to meander up and down every aisle with a single purpose in mind: to snap as many photos as possible of the more unique items for sale so I could show them to you.
Every week, however, a unique mix of old and new vendors brings merchandise that is sure to catch your eye. By 6:50 a.m., the field gates are closed, and vendors are busy unloading their trucks and displaying their wares for the droves of buyers who rush through the gates at 7:00 a.m., looking for deals and rare items not usually found in famous department stores like these gems.
Several seasons of 'Flea Market Flip' have featured the Elephant’s Trunk, increasing awareness significantly over the past few years. People recognize they have things they want to sell, projects to make, and collections to add to. The Trunk meets all of those needs and doubles as a fascinating experience.
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