Redlands Flea Market

Last week we braved thunderstorms to bring you Lighting Paradise. This week? We’re sharing our own version of paradise, and bringing you the best thrift spot in South Florida.

The drive to the Redlands Flea Market is one of my favorites; if you can find US-1, you’re halfway there. Located at 24420 S. Dixie Highway, this place is dubbed the “Mexican Flea Market” because of the heavily Mexican population in Homestead who are vendors and regularly frequent the market. If you’ve ever been to a mercado in Latin America, this place has a similar feel with the added bonus that it’s incredibly simple to navigate and beautifully organized (I love me some bochinche, but some Fleas? Tremendo revolu).

At the main entrance you’ll find the indoor market, this has your typical swap meet feel. There you’ll find loads of jewelry laid out on red velvet, electronics from every decade, sneakers, both faux and authentic, and cd’s if you still fuck with cd’s.

The party really starts however, once you hit the heart of the Flea in the Farmer’s Market. This area is packed with fresh produce, native and exotic plants, and delicious ready made food. You’ll find produce here that they don’t sell even at the swankiest wholefoods, and exotic fruits to fulfill every pinterest recipe desire. Adjacent to the farmer’s market is the restaurant area for the foodie in all of us, where you can enjoy authentic Mexican staples like flautas and enchiladas, or fast street food like ears of corn, freshly squeezed lemonade, and shaved ice to satisfy your craving while you peruse the last part of the market; my absolute favorite, the open air sales.

I first came to this market years ago, when my parents suggested we take a day trip to visit a friend of theirs who is an open-air vendor at the Flea; I instantly fell in love with the people, the setup, and the incredible finds. Nearly all of my accessories, furniture, and home decor are thrift finds, and I never leave this place without buying something. On this particular outing, I scored a beautiful handmade hair clip for $1. I later found out, it’s originally from Nicaragua. This area of the flea is expansive, and because each vendor is independent, no two trips are ever the same. There are dumbbells, bird cages, antique sewing machines, knick-knacks from all over the world, vintage jewelry, tires, socket wrenches, furniture, apparel, beautiful artwork, and even bulk discounted toilet paper if you want to save big per roll.

All in all the Redlands Flea Market is a perfect day trip for any South Floridian. Boisterous in some locations, and laid back in others, the colors are vibrant, and the atmosphere suits any pace. Take a stroll while drinking coconut water straight out of the coconut, fill your tote bag with fresh produce for the quiche recipe you’ve been dying to try out, make new friends over an arepa, hear the story of how the Aussie vendor acquired the aquamarine pendant you’re perusing, or buy a bedazzled hat to go with the watch you scored at the swap. If you ever find yourself in homestead, and are an avid thrifter, foodie, or adventurer, you must check the Redlands Flea Market off your list. See you next week where we do our first couple shoot, and make Patrick and Cindy into #MyXXFLY parallel universe versions of themselves. Happy Fourth of July weekend, and hope to see you at the Flea!