Post Banner Image
Culture

6 of America’s Greatest Highway Yard Sales

By Fiona Mokry
Read time: 4 minutes

Do you love hunting for vintage goods and antiques? You probably already know you often have to hit the road to find the best treasures, and luckily, there are dozens of annual yard sales to explore from coast to coast. Some of these shopping events even span multiple states, drawing thousands of antique hunters in search of one-of-a-kind items. And as an added benefit, you’ll be able to explore some of the country’s most charming small towns during your search. So, gather your cash and jump in the car to check out six of the best yard sales across the U.S.

127 Yard Sale – Alabama to Michigan

Shoppers perusing the 127 Yard Sale
Credit: Education Images/ Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The world’s longest yard sale spans six states and covers 690 miles from Addison, Michigan, to Gadsden, Alabama. Taking place the first Thursday to Sunday of August each year, the event transforms stretches of rural highway into a haven of antiques and vintage treasures. The 172 Yard Sale isn’t just a shopping event — it’s a cultural and social phenomenon, drawing veteran vendors with fascinating stories and histories, as well as thousands of eager shoppers. To make the most of your shopping experience, pinpoint which regional items most appeal to you before you hit the road. Also consider planning your bargain hunting around other local tourist attractions to round out your visit once you’ve finished shopping.

100-Mile Yard Sale – Virginia 

Highway welcome sign for Virginia with slogan "Virginia is for lovers"
Credit: grandbrothers/ Shutterstock 

On the first Saturday of July, Virginia hosts its highly anticipated 110-Mile Yard Sale, drawing enthusiastic crowds from across the region. Established in 2009, this sale has steadily gained popularity in the years since, extending beyond Route 360 to include neighboring towns. The result is a meandering route, so download a map to keep yourself on course. While the focus is on antiques and vintage treasures, vendors offer a diverse array of other goods for sale, too. 

Historic Highway 80 Sale – Georgia to Texas

Aerial view of U.S. Route 80
Credit: halbergman/ E+ via Getty Images 

Hundreds of vendors gather along historic U.S. Route 80 in this annual highway yard sale that runs across five states from Mesquite, Texas, to Savannah, Georgia. The East Texas Tourism Association has hosted the sale for 25 years running, and turnout in the Lone Star State is especially strong. Look for stalls set up in fields, churches, and parking lots along the route, and keep your eyes peeled for signs pointing to off-highway sales. Within the 400-mile stretch, you’ll find a host of antiques, collectibles, farm equipment, tools, houseware, furniture, toys, vintage goods, and other handmade crafts. The biannual event takes place during the third weekends of April and October.

301 Endless Yard Sale – North Carolina

Shoppers perusing stalls at 301 Endless Yard Sale in North Carolina
Credit: Image courtesy of Johnston County Visitors Bureau

North Carolina’s biggest annual yard sale covers a 100-mile stretch of U.S. Route 301. Hundreds of vendors flock to sell their antiques and vintage wares across five North Carolina counties, spanning from Weldon to Dunn. Held annually since 2013 on the third weekend in June, the 301 Endless Yard Sale is an ideal place to find vintage Americana goods, in addition to baby and children’s clothing and toys, antiques, collectibles, and crafts. The event was originally put together to promote travel, tourism, and economic development in many of the participating rural towns along U.S. Route 301. Today, the annual sale draws shoppers from around 20 states, while boosting hotel and restaurant sales all along the route. 

50-Mile Garage Sale – New York

Roadside sign advertising 50 Mile Yard Sale in upstate New York
Credit: Image courtesy of Tour Cayuga

Set in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of New York, the 50-Mile Garage Sale along U.S. Route 90 is the state’s largest yard sale. Held annually on the last weekend of July along the shores of Cayuga Lake, this event has been a local tradition since 1987, when founders Connie Reilly and Barbara Noden recognized the potential of uniting individual garage sales across New York state’s small towns into one coordinated event along Route 90. Today, the sale draws treasure hunters from California to Canada. A wide array of items, including antiques, handcrafted goods, household items, and even vehicles are all on offer.

Antique Alley – Indiana 

Sign denoting shops along Antique Alley in Indiana
Credit: Don Smetzer/ Alamy Stock Photo

If your timing doesn’t align with the above garage sales, antique enthusiasts can always visit Antique Alley, Indiana’s year-round destination for vintage treasures. Two interlocking loop trails host hundreds of dealers offering their one-of-a-kind goods throughout the towns of Cambridge City, Centerville, and Richmond in Indiana, along with Lewisburg in Ohio. Cambridge City is considered the main hub of Antique Alley, with over a dozen antique vendors and several malls in a two-block radius, but visitors should follow the map to ensure they hit the shops they want. Expect to find handcrafted wood items, stained glass pieces, vintage clothing and furniture, glassware, and more. 

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Email

Featured Stories

What To Do if You Forget Your ID Before a Flight

Tips

5 of the World’s Biggest Plateaus

Tips

5 Architecturally Stunning Parking Structures Around the U.S.

Architecture

Should You Use the Hotel Safe? Travel Experts Weigh In

Tips