We went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market this afternoon to satisfy our curiosity. The flea market is often mentioned on HGTV and by vintage wardrobe designers for shows like Mad Men. The HGTV shows make it look like there are bargains to be found everywhere.
The reality of the experience is that it’s just a flea market on a larger scale. We have been to flea markets on the east coast over the years, the Rose Bowl wasn’t that much different. Having entertainment industry around provides some extra items of interest and some extra fame for the flea market. The clientele looked more upscale than those at a typical flea market, but the vendors were the same as anywhere else. Much of what is there looks like it might have been fished out of a dumpster and many of the furniture pieces need refinishing.
If you set aside enough time and patience, there are opportunistic bargains to be had. The couple of hours we spent wasn’t long enough and it was too late in the day. It isn’t really my idea of a good time, but I can see why people enjoy it. Having to drag the kids along nagging didn’t improve the experience.
