I love old things and antique markets are my happy place. It the thrill of the hunt, the exhilarating feeling of finding something before someone else does, and the excitement of the discovery of a forgotten and discarded past. I can spend hours searching for a unique pre-loved serving platter, or a globe with outdated borders, a set of jewel colored cordial glasses, or simply gawking at some of the objects of the past, from the wonderful to the bizarre. Not to mention the fabulous people watching - if you like quirky characters! My favorite markets are in non-US locations, because the past of other cultures is even more fascinating to me than my own. You can learn so much from an antique market, especially if you engage with the vendor, who is usually more than happy to weave a story about an item, or explain its use. I have sake cups, kimonos, and wooden rice bowls from the shrine sales of Japan, I have vintage jewelry and a leather jacket from German and French antique fairs, and I still regret not buying the antique seltzer bottle from a market in Buenos Aires (and that was many years ago!). One thing I have learned - if you like it, you should buy it, because if you do not, its ghost will haunt you as you search for it in subsequent markets!

When is the Alameda Point Antiques Fair?

The Alameda Point Antiques Fair only takes place on the first Sunday of every month….you would think it wold be relatively easy to target going, but somehow between travel, holidays, and other family obligations the first Sunday of every month is very elusive! If you love antique fairs, it is absolutely worth the effort to put it on your calendar and spend the morning there. I have been twice now and look forward to going this weekend! Since I am bringing a friend along who has never been, I thought it would be a good idea to write this post as an introduction for what to expect, and some tips to make it more enjoyable.

What is the Alameda Point Antiques Fair?

The Alameda Point Antiques Fair is the largest outdoor antique market in Northern California. Up to 800 unique vendors drive in from all over California and neighboring states. Vendors may only sell items that are 20 years over over (yes, the 90’s are now that old), or items that are “upcycled” and transformed to something new. Some vendors specialize in certain collectibles (for example all wedding dresses, or all amber jewelry, or all animal skeletons, all dolls heads?) while others sell a random assortment with no rhyme or reason! While there are perhaps 30 rows of vendors, circling the entire fair are all varieties of global food trucks, from Poke to Pierogis, and Acai to Arepas. What is truly wonderful about this fair, besides the antiques and food trucks, is the location, with some of the very best views of San Francisco! If you are infatuated by container ships (as I am) you will love this location.

Napanista’s tips to make your visit more pleasant

Here are my Napanista tips on how to have the most enjoyable visit.

• Go with a friend - two sets of eyes to scour the treasures, a buddy to grab lunch at the food truck, and someone to help you carry your stuff!

• Get there early and pre purchase your ticket. Purchase the $15 early entry ticket on the website in advance which allows you to enter from 7:30 (there is a 6am entry as well for $20 if you are very hardcore, and don’t mind the early hour). Getting there early is important for a few reasons - first of all, the best stuff is snatched up by the experts shoppers in the early hours. Less obvious but just as important, is finding a parking spot close to the entrance. I know its rough, but brew yourself a big coffee and get there by 7am! If you can’t get there early, the last entrance is at 3pm and sometimes there are some good deals to be had as vendors want to sell!

• Make a note of your parking location. If you get there early as I suggest, then upon returning to your car later in the day you will be amazed at the number of cars who have parked after you. You will be lost in a sea of Nissans, Honda’s, Teslas, and pickup trucks and they all look the same. Its a nightmare if you forget where you parked! Note that parking is free, and there is a shuttle (it really is a huge lot!)

• Phone reception is very poor (at least for Verizon)! Maybe stash an extra phone battery since your phone will strain trying to connect. Do not rely on your phone to make plans to meet people, or to find your car (ha ha, I obviously learned from experience)

• Dress in layers - it can get chilly on this waterfront location until the fog burns off. Feel free to have fun with your wardrobe, since this is where you can be eclectic!

• Bring old blankets or towels to wrap your treasures in

• Rent a shopping cart for a few dollars. Do this right away because even though you think you won’t need one, you probably will and the line will get long later.

• Write down the stall number of vendors you want to circle back to. If you see something you are considering, ask the vendor their location and write it down (Aisle and Stall). You think you will be able to find them again, but you won’t! (“I could have sworn it was next to the booth with all the crystal vases…oh wait, that’s a different booth with crystal vases!”

• It is a good idea to look around before buying, since there are certain items that are sold by many different vendors, and you will likely find a cheaper one or better quality one elsewhere.

• On the other hand, if you like it, buy it, don’t have any regrets! It is painful to see the item you were thinking of buying in someone else’s cart!

• Yes you can bargain-There is some room for negotiation with most vendors. Try not to be offensive!

• Exiting the fair: If you get a really large item, there are free flatbed trolleys available. These are extremely difficult to push and steer, but they do the job. They are located at the exit. The idea is that when you are ready to leave, you get the trolly, pick up your item, then temporarily park the trolly next to the exit (trollies are not allowed into the parking lot). At this point it is good to have a friend who will watch your trolly and purchases while you go get your car (and hopefully find your car), drive to the temporary loading area by the exit, and then load your items. If you are alone, you will have to leave the trolly unattended or ask a nice stranger who is also waiting for her partner to get their car, if they wouldn’t mind watching yours.

• Prepare for traffic jams on your way out…while arriving is relatively painless at 7 in the morning, leaving around noon can be a nightmare of traffic. Cue a good podcast and take a deep breath!

Whether you just go to look, eat, or shop, the Alameda Point Antique Fair is a lot of fun! Happy shopping everyone!