Everyone loves a bargain and I am no exception.
Out of the several flea markets in the Orlando area I think the one at St Cloud is the biggest and the best-it is certainly my favourite.
Situated along the 192 East just before you get to St Cloud –I find the quickest way to get there is to take to Osceola Parkway to the Florida Turnpike and then after 4miles on the turnpike (toll road) you turn left onto the 192 and keep your eyes peeled-as it is just about a mile on the left.
There is abundant free parking to the front and rear –just don’t park in the designated trader spots. It is under cover –but not air conditioned so it can be stifling when it’s very hot. It is on hard standing so ideal for buggies, wheelchairs and anyone with mobility problems and the stalls are all laid out in orderly fashion, so nice and easy to get round and see which aisles you have covered.
It’s a very good mixture of just about anything and prices are very reasonable. The fruit and veg section is located altogether at the back but all the other stalls are just as you find them, from Disney souvenirs, Tshirts, bags and suitcases for your extra purchases, Avon products, electrical goods, music and film, jewellery and watches-there’s always something to tempt those dollars from your wallet.
Villa owners take note as well as pictures, rugs, lamps, beds and bedroom furniture, dining room furniture there’s also three stalls that offer ceramic tiling and tillers-and very reasonable they are too.
Also to the rear of the market there is a second hand goods section which if you are really lucky you can net an even greater bargain.
If in the heat of the day a little snack or cool drink takes your fancy there’s a couple of kiosks in the middle who can offer this service and this is where it gets really quaint-at one of them there’s a lively little karaoke area with seating where locals can get up and ‘do a turn’. Yes really! And do not worry if you feel over-dressed if you turn up in your cowboy gear-you’ll be given a big yee-ha! as you clamber up to the stage for your turn!
Serious drinkers are well catered for as there is a saloon bar just at the entrance to the market. It used to be a real spit and sawdust joint but they have smartened it up a bit without losing any character.
The market is open Fri, Sat and Sun from early-ish morning till about 5pm but we found a lot of stalls do not open on a Friday so I would stick to the weekends to be on the safe side.
Although the market itself is very accessible –toilets are dire-basic and cramped. Shame because this is usually an area where Florida really scores.
Happy bargain hunting!
Out of the several flea markets in the Orlando area I think the one at St Cloud is the biggest and the best-it is certainly my favourite.
Situated along the 192 East just before you get to St Cloud –I find the quickest way to get there is to take to Osceola Parkway to the Florida Turnpike and then after 4miles on the turnpike (toll road) you turn left onto the 192 and keep your eyes peeled-as it is just about a mile on the left.
There is abundant free parking to the front and rear –just don’t park in the designated trader spots. It is under cover –but not air conditioned so it can be stifling when it’s very hot. It is on hard standing so ideal for buggies, wheelchairs and anyone with mobility problems and the stalls are all laid out in orderly fashion, so nice and easy to get round and see which aisles you have covered.
It’s a very good mixture of just about anything and prices are very reasonable. The fruit and veg section is located altogether at the back but all the other stalls are just as you find them, from Disney souvenirs, Tshirts, bags and suitcases for your extra purchases, Avon products, electrical goods, music and film, jewellery and watches-there’s always something to tempt those dollars from your wallet.
Villa owners take note as well as pictures, rugs, lamps, beds and bedroom furniture, dining room furniture there’s also three stalls that offer ceramic tiling and tillers-and very reasonable they are too.
Also to the rear of the market there is a second hand goods section which if you are really lucky you can net an even greater bargain.
If in the heat of the day a little snack or cool drink takes your fancy there’s a couple of kiosks in the middle who can offer this service and this is where it gets really quaint-at one of them there’s a lively little karaoke area with seating where locals can get up and ‘do a turn’. Yes really! And do not worry if you feel over-dressed if you turn up in your cowboy gear-you’ll be given a big yee-ha! as you clamber up to the stage for your turn!
Serious drinkers are well catered for as there is a saloon bar just at the entrance to the market. It used to be a real spit and sawdust joint but they have smartened it up a bit without losing any character.
The market is open Fri, Sat and Sun from early-ish morning till about 5pm but we found a lot of stalls do not open on a Friday so I would stick to the weekends to be on the safe side.
Although the market itself is very accessible –toilets are dire-basic and cramped. Shame because this is usually an area where Florida really scores.
Happy bargain hunting!