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Those of you
that have never experienced Antique Alley might appreciate
some local information that hopefully will make your
treasure hunt more enjoyable and safe. If possible, plan to
spend the entire weekend with us! One day just doesn't allow
enough time to experience this unique event! Local bed &
breakfasts, hotels and RV parks fill up quickly, so you'll
want to make your arrangements early. Click on the
Accommodations link for more information. The Antique Alley shopping trail is very scenic and even
breathtaking in places. It is a road with sharp curves, twists and "hilly" turns
that can prove to be very distracting for those unfamiliar
with the route. Traffic is naturally heavy during the
Antique Alley event. Extreme caution is recommended while driving the shopping
route. Do not park on the highway at all. The Texas Department of
Public Safety will issue tickets for violations. Be aware
that this is a safety issue. Participating landowners should
provide parking in their pastures. The route is a two-lane
farm-to-market road and sections have no shoulder. Do not
park on the shoulder, or any part of the highway. Antique Alley always occurs on the 3rd Friday, Saturday
and Sunday every April and September. The only time this schedule may vary is when there is a
conflict with Easter. In this case, each participating
community and private landowners would make the decision as
to when to schedule their show. Click on the Calendar link
for future show dates. Portable restroom facilities are provided in all the
downtown areas and at many of the private landowner shows
and sales. The historic downtown sections are worth a visit where you
will find a variety of antique stores, gift shops and
restaurants. There are sidewalk sales, farmers markets,
antique & collectible dealers, food vendors and unique art &
craft displays including a mix of yard sales and
fund-raisers. Some of the folks out on the highway conduct top notch
antique and collectible shows attracting dealers and guests
from all over the United States. Also, if you like junk, rummage sales, church
fund-raisers and bake sales then you won't be disappointed.
There is no telling what might turn up for sale during
Antique Alley! In many places you'll find live music, many
festival-style food choices and an occasional classic car or
tractor display along the way. Dress for comfort because you will do a lot of walking.
Texas weather is unpredictable. Wear layers, a hat and bring sunscreen. Many of the
landowner shows are held on beautiful, shaded property but
that Texas sun can still bring on the burn! Map your treasure hunt in advance! From the Home page, click the link to get directions to
Antique Alley. If you see an item that you did not purchase, but wish
that you had, check AntiqueAlleyTexas.com and click on the
Vendor link to see if they have a vendor listing. Mention to the vendors that you saw them on
AntiqueAlleyTexas.com. Some vendors will add bonuses to
purchased items, or additional discounts if they know their
advertising dollars are working for them. Antique Alley happens through the efforts of many
different groups of volunteers. Although the Chambers of Commerce and Cities support this
community event by helping to advertise, they do not
entirely sponsor or host the event. The Antique Alley event
is possible through advertising dollars collected from food
vendors and dealer space rentals. Any participating business
or individual profiting from this event should consider
helping to advertise. You could advertise your show in
conjunction with Antique Alley or contact your local Chamber
of Commerce for more information on how you can help promote
the event. We hope you
enjoy visiting our "neck-of-the-woods" and shopping the
Antique Alley Trail!
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