Rice’s Market

If you’ve been to Europe and have seen the enormous and frequent flea markets in their old streets, you might be feeling down about coming back to the states and finding nothing of the kind. But all you need is a little know-how about where those markets are held and what kinds each city offers, because there actually are many flea markets available in the United States. You just have to look a little harder to find them.

One of the oldest and largest flea markets in the nation is held every Tuesday year round from 7 AM to 1:30 PM in the town of New Hope, Pennsylvania. It’s known locally and around the country as Rice’s Market, named after its 1860 founder, Mr. A.L. Rice, who settled in Pennsylvania and began auctioning off his and his neighbors’ goods every week. His success at getting rid of the products spread quickly around town, and soon dozens were approaching him to get him to sell their cattle and produce.

Today, you can find a myriad of products for a myriad of prices. The whole market is held on a 30 acre lot, and has been renovated several times to make it more accessible and shop-friendly for customers. There are paved sidewalks and streets for strollers and wheelchairs, bathrooms, and 2 ATMs.

Chances are you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for, no matter what genre it lands in. Rice’s Market sells antiques and collectibles, jewelry, fresh fruits and vegetables, Amish meats and baked goods, clothing, handbags, real and dried flowers, hand made collectibles and household and gift items.