BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Shop Canton Trade Days

By eHow Travel Editor

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Canton Trades Days or First Monday takes place in Canton, Texas on the first Monday weekend of every month. Canton Trades Days started in 1850 when the locals came to town to buy, sell or trade. It is now the largest open air flea market in the world. Canton Trades Days is home to more than 10,000 vendors and is a shopping experience like no other.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Plan your trip early. If you do not live within driving distance of Canton, Texas, you need to book accommodations as soon as possible. Hotels inside Canton are booked up a year in advance. During Trade Day weekend, hotels within a 90-mile radius are completely booked. The best scenario is to find lodging outside of Canton and book your room six months before your trip.

Step2

Find parking. There are many parking areas available around the Canton Trade Day site. Park inside the Trade Day area or directly outside the Trade Day area for a small fee. Get to the grounds early for the best parking and for a lightly-crowded shopping experience. Most of the vendors open at 7 a.m.

Step3

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Canton Trade Day's shopping is spread out over four different areas. The smallest area measures about 6 acres and the largest is more than 25 acres. Shopping scooters are available for rent. Carts are available for big items.

Step4

Visit Cantontradedays.com for a complete list of vendors, maps of the various areas and links to area hotels. The Canton Trade Days website also offers a free parking pass, discount coupons for various vendors and a map to the Trade Days location.

Step5

Eat as you shop. Canton Trade Days has a variety of food vendors. In the pavilion areas of Canton Trade Days there are also two sit-down restaurants where you can sit and eat inside.

Tips & Warnings

If you are visiting Canton Trade Days for the first time, avoid visiting during November and December as those are the busiest times of the year.
First Monday weekend begins on Thursday and ends on Monday with most vendors setting up a week in advance.

Resources

Find information at the Canton Trade Days website

Comments

simplegrace said

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on 8/24/2008 I have to disagree about first timers avoiding November and December. These are the best months to come! There are the most vendors present during these months. Come visit the Canton Marketplace center during those HOT and COLD months where we are climate controlled!