As promised, I went on a scouting trip to the Cleveland Street Flea Market. I have seen the sign for this dozens of times and it just never occurred to me to go take a look. The only association I have with flea markets is being dragged around as a child at “The Big One” in Memphis summer heat. I guess in the back of my mind I associate flea markets with sweat, sunburns, and hagglers.

Well, not only is THIS flea market indoor, but I also found countless treasures just ripe for the picking. It’s amazing what 20 years does to your perspective. I know taste can vary from person to person, so rest assured – I also saw lots of stuff that didn’t appeal to me. So there’s something for everyone!

Coming in from the west side of the building, the first thing I encountered was a wall of purses. Female hormones piqued, I was immediately drawn in the direction of handbaggery. (I don’t even carry a purse!) Drifting by shelves, I found myself suddenly eye level with an amazing shelf of boots.

I have never wanted to be a size 9 more in my life. Or size 6. Or 8. Basically if you aren’t size 7, you’ll find something great. I didn’t spend much time lamenting my average-sized feet though. This yellow brick road was paved with accessories of every different color.

Shirley Patten, a clothing design guru, welcomed me into her booth with the assurance that she can tailor anything I may want.

I was tempted to take her up on the offer when I spied the neckline of this long dress. But, fortunately, I was able to hold myself back. Me? In a dress? C’mon, let’s be serious.

While I hemmed and hawed, the group of women in the surrounding booths chatted about their merchandise. Mostly they find their products with good, old-fashioned legwork. Some of them have had their booths for many years, so they know how to quickly find quality items that you would otherwise spend all day hunting. I don’t personally enjoy spending my time shopping at estate sales. It seems like that is best left to the experts.

Luckily, after some digging through boxes, I was able to find a great pair of dangly earrings from Mattie in the next stall down. Then I spotted another cache of shoes in a nearby booth.

Once again stymied by my overly common shoe size, I realized that my $5 donation to charity was in danger the longer I lingered. I made my escape from the plethora of shiny objects calling my name.

Around the corner, the market revealed its true splendor. A huge room full of just about anything you can shop for. From vinyl to silver platters, there is something for everyone. Toys, clothes, furniture, even VHS tapes. I’m not much of an interior decorator, but even I could find a talking piece among this trove.

If vintage kitsch is your style, keep to the east side of the building. Not far from the table of silver, I stumbled upon Linda and her long-time companion “Trudy”. The paper mache accent piece has lived in her booth for a good long while, just waiting to find the right home.

If you are in the mood for something more practical, then perhaps retro kitchenware is apropos. I found a quaint little table of treasures near The Market Cafe, where you can stop for snacks and a cold drink.

After poking around the Betty Crocker section, a nice gentleman tried to entice me with a set of “portion control dinnerware” that was popular back in the day. If I was back in college and living with roommates, I would probably have taken him up on the offer. Durability can be a concern for me.

As you shop, whatever your decorative leanings, the smell from the back at the market will steal your attention at some point. Just past the cafe and pop-up barber shop, I was lured by the heavenly scent of sandalwood and lavender into a shop called the Bubble Bistro.

This small business proudly displays the many different ways you can bring exotic scents into your daily routine. From soap apparently made of Smurfs (are they in season?) to serve yourself bath salts, this is what Bath & Body Works wishes it could be. The proprietor, relocated from the Virgin Islands, opened the shop in 2010 and provides luxury handmade bath accessories in just about any style you want.

Finding this little gem made my foray into thrift a completely success. I spotted countless things that will make my holiday gifting much more creative this year. I’m also inspired to get into gear for my own yard sale this summer. I know one of the first places I will be advertising. I don’t think I’ll have to worry about unloading what’s left at the end of my sale now.

After dropping my minimal purchases in my car, I strolled around the nearly empty area just to enjoy the weather. The Sears Crosstown building really is an architectural sight to behold.

I don’t often look up and appreciate it when I drive by, so I snapped a picture. I can’t wait to see what it’s like after the revitalization. If you’re one of those people that likes contrast, now’s the time to visit this budding area of Midtown. I have a feeling it will be a completely different place in a few years.

I finished sightseeing just in time to catch the start of the Citizens for the Preservation of Overton Park benefit at the Hi Tone. But the hour grows late and there is ambient music to be heard. I’ll fill you in tomorrow. G’nite!