Little bit of everything and good prices. Cool little spot in Lesterville after floating the Black…read moreriver

Let's tell you the story ... about a princess who changed everything about herself, and how it…read morebackfired in so many ways. Somewhere in the land of Illinois, in a little yonder place called "Granite City", there used to be a storage location that was simply known as "THE flea market'. 100's of vendors every weekend, it was THE place to go just for fun flea market shopping, along with the fun aesthetics of the history of route 66. It didn't matter if it was Rain, sleet, or snow, she was the belle of the Flea Market ball and everyone came to see her.... but it wasn't enough. The offer came in to buy her out and she took it. The problem was that not everyone that served under the princess wanted to move over and that those that didn't want to move were being thrown to the royal outlands! The princess set a bad tone for everyone taking the money and running... So, when she opened up her new kingdom, just being down the road, she thought everyone would welcome come running back to her. Her most loyal guards making an effort of staying with the princess, but the subjects had felt the agony of being tossed aside and vowed never again! That unfortunately is what happened to Rte 66 Flea Market. This was the place you shopped if you wanted something fun, whimsy, or just if you just wanted to make the day of perusing (and it could take a full day to peruse everyone) and all in one location. However, after wheeling and dealing they sold off the 'locker-complex' (yes think storage wars), and started rebuilding a new complex, no more than 100 feet away. This way they were able to keep their key building for their restaurant and bar (used to be known as Tina's Diner, then Rte 66 Diner, and now I don't' remember what it's called). The problem was this move was done so quickly that the vendors barely had time to even ask "what about us", as they were shown the door, with only a promise of something new. That new thing was the new Rte 66 Flea Market, same basic principle, but now with fewer vendors, and most of those were the, for the lack of a better term, long-timers, loyal guards, the ones who were set in what they sold, so finding something special or new just seemed to disappear in the wind, finding new accommodations as quickly as possible. Basically, the magic, that made Rte 66 Flea Market special, has slowly been withering away. Oh, you'll find some good shops along the way, Gary's Vintage Vinyl, The Leather Emporium (Harley jackets as far as you can see), Used appliances, even a Crystal shop, and a few others. And the Diner and Kickstart are still there (pub and diner) and they're worth stopping by just for those alone, but the "Flea Market Magic' just isn't there like it used to be. The owners do try to bring customers back, they even had a small mini-auto car show with a decent vintage classic vehicles showing off (see the Photos), and the vendors are friendly enough, but a lot of feelings were hurt of the vendors when they got told to "shut down and move", so they did. Sometimes changing things is the worst thing you can do, and Rte 66 has kind of learned this the hard way. Rumour had it that the owners were looking to buy back the original storage center, and have twice the flea market in size. It'd definitely make for one of the LARGEST flea markets in the area, but it's still hope against hope that they can bring the magic back. But we'll have to see. I'd really hope that one day Rte 66 gets back that flea market magic, but until they do, it's a very low 2*'s., but maybe someone can tell me the magic is back? But I'd still recommend a quick run by and you never know the vendors might have already made a quick change/improvement as the summer months approach

The prices were reasonable, and many sellers were willing to negotiate, making it a great place to…read morefind hidden treasures at a bargain.

We actually set up a booth there and sold a few things, the other vendors were really nice, the…read moremanagement was very helpful and there are lots of good deals there if you just look around and the customers were really nice and yes everyone tries to negotiate the price but that's what they do at flea markets.

I have been there many times and I go almost every Saturday. I usually come home with a treasure or…read moretool I did not know i needed.The Sellers are Friendly. Like any used or new item, Just try or test before you buy.

Loved going there things were very cheap more so than the junk stores and people are very friendly…read moreand the food was excellent

Would you believe me if I told you that I once had a guy take me on a first date here? No? Seems…read moretoo ridiculous? Ok, it's true, and I dated him for two years....so obviously, I think this is a pretty amazing thing to go to. The Gypsy Caravan comes every Memorial day and they always change the location from UMSL to SLU...just stay on top of things or watch Channel 5 and you'll know where it is...seriously, that's how I always find it. Basically, this is nothing more than a gigantic garage sale/flea market and it's all for the benefit of the St. Louis Symphony's Educational Programs. Guilt free shopping is my favorite kind of shopping. This is the kind of place that you can spend all day digging through old junk to maybe or maybe not come up with a great treasure. There's everything from jewelry to paintings to just plain garbage that you have no idea what it might be at this place. The stuff is pretty cheap, though some of it is overpriced for what it is. This is no different than any other flea market but seriously, it only comes once a year and therefore, is a pretty amazing stop in if you are looking for something to do other than heading to a pool on Memorial Day. I may be a little late (or early) in the year to be talking about this, but I have such cherished memories of heading to this thing every year that I can't say enough good things about it. Seriously, what a place...and what people that go.

Extremely happy we camped out at truck stop (in rv) to visit the antique malls in the area. The…read moreguys working the counter were awesome, friendly down to earth and happy. That is so important!! Prices were pretty fair and we recommend the two old crows. Next time we are in the area we will definitely go shopping!! Thanks guys

This antique mall is highly recommended!! I was driving…read morethrough on a long road trip and stopped in. They have beautiful display cases of some items including old coins and collectibles. The display was so nice we were able to identify quickly the coins that we needed for our personal collection! The gentleman behind the desk was super friendly! The business was very clean and well kept. It was a perfect little stop off the side of the highway.

This place was fun! There was so much to see and all the vendors were friendly. I was able to pick…read moreup a comic for a reasonable price. This market is only open on the 3rd weekend of each month. Food and drinks were good. Bathrooms were clean. Overall a nice wY to spend the day.

A great place to treasure hunt! Don't worry about getting there early, I've already been there!…read more ;-)

This storage facility is super clean, the units are clean, hallways large. Nice to have my own…read moresecurity entrance code. It even has clean bathrooms inside the temperature controlled area for convenience! The management was very nice and helpful! Highly recommend!

From the owner: Specializing in climate controlled and traditional non climate self storage units. Conveniently…read morelocated in the center of Cape Girardeau just down for the Cape Public Library. Smart Technology including state of the art security system and ability to manage your account and check on your unit online. Rent online and move in today