An impractical girl’s guide to Brimfield.

If you haven’t heard of Brimfield before, I’ll let you in on my secret addiction: it’s the country’s largest and also perhaps, most chaotic, outdoor antique market that takes place three times a year in the middle of nowhere, Massachusetts. It’s free to attend (aside from paying for parking) and highly entertaining for many reasons.

Brimfield is such a special place. It’s unlike any other outdoor shopping market in the world and I often see friends from New York there (avid antiquer and style icon Lynn Yaeger can also usually be spotted running around). I’ve found so many one-of-one jewelry pieces at Brimfield that people ask me about non-stop. Brimfield happens three times a year in September, May and July. I suggest going to the May edition, when the weather is perfect. So! I’ve prepared an in-depth guide for you, in case you too want to take the journey and go. Since 1959, thousands of dealers have come to Brimfield, Massachusetts selling everything under the sun.

What to look for