Everyone In Delaware Should Visit This Epic Flea Market At Least Once
By Kim Magaraci|Updated on February 28, 2023(Originally published February 23, 2023)
×
Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Delaware is sort of a shopper’s paradise. From our tax-free status to our gigantic malls, to the Rehoboth Beach outlets (oh, the outlets!), there might not be a better place in the country to spend your paychecks and treat yourself. The best shopping in Delaware, though, isn’t located under a fancy Tanger sign, or on floor 2349 of the Christiana Mall. The best shopping in Delaware is hidden in tiny, neighborhood shops where independent artisans and local craftsmen sell their wares. These places are so amazing, actually, that they’ve joined forces to create the ultimate Delaware shopping experience – at Spence’s Bazaar in Dover.
Spence's Bazaar has been a Dover landmark for over 90 years!
Sure, the photo says 75 years, but it was taken in 2010. Spence's has been around as long as any of us can remember. It was first opened in 1933 by Harry and Emmaline Spence. No trip down to Dover is complete without at least a quick visit.
This farmer's market, flea market, and auction combination is what dreams are made of.
Spence's Bazaar is open Tuesday & Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The outdoor, open-air flea market is a great place to find treasures, and the indoor vendors have been selling their goods at Spence's for decades. The Amish vendors bring freshly baked goods, fresh meats, and more.
Advertisement
When you head inside, be sure to check out the Gallery.
With plenty of goods, you'll be certain to find a great deal on the treasures you uncover at the Gallery. Antiques, glassware, old books, vintage marketing merchandise and more are hiding out here.
Of course, don't skip the Candy vendor!
Freshly made chocolate candies and vintage "throwbacks" like licorice wheels line the shelves here - you can buy in bulk or just treat yourself to something small. Definitely don't miss this section of Spence's Bazaar, though.
Longaberger baskets, collectible plates, small and handmade furniture, plus plenty of whittled wood signs are for sale here. You'll find something for that hard-to-buy-for person, so you can even start your Christmas shopping early here!
Dave has been running the best sports and collectibles store in the state for years.
Dave's stall is a favorite of airmen coming into town because his shop has merchandise from every single professional sports team. Plus, he's got great NASCAR merchandise, rare baseball cards, license plate frames, and more. If you're looking to show some team spirit, Dave is your guy, and you can only find him at Spence's Bazaar.
All of the shopping will make you hungry - and you're in luck!
Pulled pork sandwiches from Spence's Bazaar are amazing - but there are so many other food vendors making fresh meals that you'll find something for everyone in your group. Get there early, while the vendors are selling breakfast, and you can enjoy some fresh scrapple, of course.
Fresh fruits and vegetables line the outdoor stalls, and you can even pick up a beautiful bouquet of flowers for a great price. Now you've got a great excuse to buy your loved ones some "just because" flowers, which they're sure to love.
Advertisement
And of course, what flea market would be complete without a great vinyl collection?
The music stall has an impressive collection of vintage and modern vinyl records, as well as any music and stereo equipment you could possibly need. Chanba's team of experts can repair electronics of all sorts, too, so drop off that broken gadget and thumb through some records while you wait. We can almost guarantee you'll walk out with that Bread record you never knew you needed until you saw it hiding behind some Bon Jovi at Spence's Bazaar...
Let's walk around and grab some deals at Spence’s Bazaar in Dover, Delaware in this video walkthrough of this lovely flea market:
Have you had the pleasure of spending a day at Spence’s Bazaar in Dover? Tell us all about your great finds with a comment. Also, if you have discovered any flea markets near you that you really enjoy, let us know about them.
If you just love digging through treasures like you can at Spence’s, you’ll really enjoy these 11 amazing antique places in Delaware.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
More flea markets near you in Delaware
Chris Muras|February 28, 2023
What are the best flea markets in Delaware?
The best flea markets in Delaware can be found in hidden pockets of small towns and big cities. You just need to know where to look. Here are a few of the best flea markets in Delaware for you to find some treasures:
New Castle Farmer's Market, New Castle, DE: If you love flea markets and farmers markets this is a dash of both. With awesome farm goods, food vendors, and people selling their wares, you are sure to find some great deals and leave with a full tummy.
Mitchell's Flea Market, Bear DE: This flea market is one of those hidden gems only the locals know about - until now. With plenty of vintage goods to look through you will certainly find some treasures for your home, or as gifts for family and friends.
Laurel Junction, Laurel, DE: With 25 acres of indoor and outdoor spaces filled with treasures to discover you will have a blast at Laurel Junction. You'll also find it has some of the best fried chicken around town. With numerous food vendors and shopping stalls, you can easily spend the entire day at the flea market.
Wilmington Flea Market, Wilmington, DE: This indoor flea market has just about anything you are looking for. From electronics to beauty supplies, there is something for everyone.
Dutch Country Farmers Market, Middletown, DE: Delaware really knows how to bring the heat when it comes to outdoor markets. You need to come for the food just as much as you do the hot deals.
Route 13 Outlet Market, Laurel, DE: This is another flea market in Delaware that doesn't get much press, but locals will tell you there are some great deals to be found. It does get pretty packed on the weekends, so show up early to grab the best treasures.