The Rose Bowl Flea Market makes me gitty. Wendy and I were like two
magpies, combing the aisles for sparkly treasure. She has a great,
vintage-20s, flapper-deco aesthetic. It was fun to see what trinkets
called her name—definitely a great way to get to know each other on a new level.
I highly suggest it.
One vendor offered metal letters of every size and color, including
polkadots. I sorted through his alphabets for a good 20 minutes—they
were comically hot in the bright sun. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a
website or even a business card. If someone’s looking for at Etsy
opportunity, track this guy down. He’s a Rose Bowl Flea Market regular.
And we all need his letters.
With our car trouble, we had to leave the trailer behind, so my
blinders were on when it came to furniture. That was a bit painful.
However, a hunt for small treasures brought an interesting challenge. In
the end, my eclectic loot included: plastic chicks, pink buttons, a
rhinestone buckle, embroidered ribbons and silks, a green vase, a red
scarf, and a sequined gold and black vintage circle skirt. If you're a
treasure hunter too, The Rose Bowl Flea Market marks the spot. In
charming ol' Pasadena, CA.
LOVE the flea market! It’s one of the things I miss most about living in Pasadena!
Too fun!It’s on my bucket list. If only I weren’t slowly moving farther and farther away.
I bet Kansas has fantastic antiques and vintage finds. I would love to go flea market shopping in the midwest.
I can’t imagine living right around the corner. That would be dan-ger-ous.
I am an admirer from the UK and I am so jealous that you have this source materials.
I make handmade jewellery and I like to source unique items for my designs.
I lived in Southern California for almost 5 years. The Rose Bowl flea market is a dearly missed friend. Looks like you scored some sweet finds!
Hi Heather
Thank you so much for including links to the places you visit. I am planning a taking a trip north to the US (from Oz) and don’t want to do the traditional touristy things (ie I am so not a Disney fan; can’t see a reason to visit Las Vegas- except for a wicked snigger at the calamity I guess-; and despite admiring the spectacular wonders of the world, I am not planning on stopping by the Grand Canyon.)
What I do want to do is experience the fairs and markets. I want to experience life in different parts of America and get to know some real people. I definitely want to hear lots of great music and attend some folk festivals. I’d love to drop in on some schools and see how learning is produced (being a high school music teacher here in Sydney). I value experiences and love mingling with the everyday folk.
I have no idea what markets and experiences I’ll be able to fit into one trip, but your blog gives me some good places to start. So, once again, thanks.
Cheerio! Hoo roo!
I want that Q so badly for my Quinnie!!
I have been back to the Rose Bowl many times looking for the Guy with the letters……
I have my Daughters name and since my son was born I have been trying to track him down to buy more but to no avail 🙁 If anyone see’s him there again or knows of him please, please let me know 🙂
Thanks so much!
Hannah