The Flea Markets of Jacksonville
Whether it’s a computer from a traditional storefront that accepts major credit cards or a used lawn mower put out by someone simply attempting to de-clutter their garage, you can stumble upon nearly anything imaginable at a flea market. Fruits and vegetables, canned food, clothes, electronics, and vintage items for low prices are all up for grabs.
The National Flea Market Association claims that there are over 1100 flea markets in the U.S. that oversee $30 billion in annual sales. Being synonymous with bazaars and yard sales, it’s easy to wonder where the term flea market came from and why we use it today; the image of a flea juxtaposed with the idea of buying used goods certainly isn’t appealing. Although the origins of the term are disputed, two common theories maintain that the word comes from New York City in the 18th century, where the Fly Market was a popular market that resided on a salt marsh. Another theory suggests that the phrase is a translation of marché aux puces, a French phrase that translates to "market of the fleas." Today, flea markets are a staple of American culture. Let’s take a look at five ofJacksonville’s largest:
Beach Blvd Flea Market
Image courtesy of https://youboughtwhatfromwho.blogspot.com/2011/10/beach-boulevard-flea-market.html
Located near Beach Blvd and St. John's Bluff, Beach Blvd Flea Market advertises over 800 booths in aisles that are fully covered from the skies, so it remains open if it rains. The aisles are long, connected in a maze-like fashion, and have everything you might want out of a flea market – including a few automotive services like car stereo installation and window tinting – and the huge swathes of electronics and knick knacks littering the tables in the middle of the aisles are enough to make any bargain hunter or antique shopper excited. Dining in is a possibility, as various food and drink vendors are scattered about. The market itself is open seven days a week, though some vendors choose to forgo a non-traditional flea market schedule, instead only opening for business on weekends.
https://www.beachboulevardfleamarket.com/
Pecan Park
Image courtesy of https://quinnsawesomejourney.blogspot.com/2012/10/10202012-trip-to-pecan-park-flea-market.html
According to the Pecan Park website, Pecan Park is the largest flea market in Jacksonville, boasting over 750 storefronts in an open-air, covered establishment. The Pecan Park market has been open for over 20 years and also contains and RV park. Although larger than Ramona Flea Market, the Pecan Park market is free, and contains a couple of attractions outside of the standard flea market fare including bounce houses and mini golf. The Pecan Park flea market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
https://www.pecanpark.net/
Norwood Plaza
The largest flea market in the Northside, Norwood Plaza Flea Market is located just off I-95 at the intersection of Norwood Ave. and W 44th street. Norwood plaza was established in 2004 and is the only all indoor flea market featured in this list. Norwood Plaza is open on Thursdays from 8am - 3:30pm, and 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Friday through Sunday.
Ramona Flea Market
Image courtesy of https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ramona-flea-market-jacksonville?select=4i5DKkYzgZhu-bhc6sXkIg#4i5DKkYzgZhu-bhc6sXkIg
For those of you in the Westside, Ramona Flea Market is worth a visit. Falling in behind Pecan Park, Ramona is the second largest flea market in Jacksonville and is home to a plethora of vendors that sell the usual assortment of flea market standbys like electronics, clothes, and the various uncategorized knick knacks that are often found at garage sales. The market is sprawled out over a large area, containing covered storefronts and tents set up around the perimeter. It is worth noting that it is the only flea market on this list to charge an entry fee: 50 cents per person and kids 11 and under get in free. Ramona Flea Market is located right off of I-10 East near 1-295 -- you've probably seen it from the highway -- and is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Bargain House of Fleas
Image courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/90184917@N00/29097720/in/photostream/
Bargain House of Fleas in located on Blanding Blvd just south of 103rd street and advertises a wide array of products, including music, antiques, cooking supplies, and international produce. On some occasions, you might find livestock or animals looking for a new home taking up space next to the tables filled with assortments of old movies and forgotten treasures. Food is also available if you're in the mood for Cajun boiled peanuts or a pulled pork sandwich. Interested parties can reserve yard space for $10 and shed stalls for $18. Bargain House of Fleas is open on Wednesdays from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
https://www.houseoffleas.com/
Article by Matt Stoops
Beach Blvd Flea Market
Image courtesy of https://youboughtwhatfromwho.blogspot.com/2011/10/beach-boulevard-flea-market.html
Located near Beach Blvd and St. John's Bluff, Beach Blvd Flea Market advertises over 800 booths in aisles that are fully covered from the skies, so it remains open if it rains. The aisles are long, connected in a maze-like fashion, and have everything you might want out of a flea market – including a few automotive services like car stereo installation and window tinting – and the huge swathes of electronics and knick knacks littering the tables in the middle of the aisles are enough to make any bargain hunter or antique shopper excited. Dining in is a possibility, as various food and drink vendors are scattered about. The market itself is open seven days a week, though some vendors choose to forgo a non-traditional flea market schedule, instead only opening for business on weekends.
https://www.beachboulevardfleamarket.com/
Pecan Park
Image courtesy of https://quinnsawesomejourney.blogspot.com/2012/10/10202012-trip-to-pecan-park-flea-market.html
According to the Pecan Park website, Pecan Park is the largest flea market in Jacksonville, boasting over 750 storefronts in an open-air, covered establishment. The Pecan Park market has been open for over 20 years and also contains and RV park. Although larger than Ramona Flea Market, the Pecan Park market is free, and contains a couple of attractions outside of the standard flea market fare including bounce houses and mini golf. The Pecan Park flea market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
https://www.pecanpark.net/
Norwood Plaza
The largest flea market in the Northside, Norwood Plaza Flea Market is located just off I-95 at the intersection of Norwood Ave. and W 44th street. Norwood plaza was established in 2004 and is the only all indoor flea market featured in this list. Norwood Plaza is open on Thursdays from 8am - 3:30pm, and 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Friday through Sunday.
Ramona Flea Market
Image courtesy of https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ramona-flea-market-jacksonville?select=4i5DKkYzgZhu-bhc6sXkIg#4i5DKkYzgZhu-bhc6sXkIg
For those of you in the Westside, Ramona Flea Market is worth a visit. Falling in behind Pecan Park, Ramona is the second largest flea market in Jacksonville and is home to a plethora of vendors that sell the usual assortment of flea market standbys like electronics, clothes, and the various uncategorized knick knacks that are often found at garage sales. The market is sprawled out over a large area, containing covered storefronts and tents set up around the perimeter. It is worth noting that it is the only flea market on this list to charge an entry fee: 50 cents per person and kids 11 and under get in free. Ramona Flea Market is located right off of I-10 East near 1-295 -- you've probably seen it from the highway -- and is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Bargain House of Fleas
Image courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/90184917@N00/29097720/in/photostream/
Bargain House of Fleas in located on Blanding Blvd just south of 103rd street and advertises a wide array of products, including music, antiques, cooking supplies, and international produce. On some occasions, you might find livestock or animals looking for a new home taking up space next to the tables filled with assortments of old movies and forgotten treasures. Food is also available if you're in the mood for Cajun boiled peanuts or a pulled pork sandwich. Interested parties can reserve yard space for $10 and shed stalls for $18. Bargain House of Fleas is open on Wednesdays from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.
https://www.houseoffleas.com/
Article by Matt Stoops