The World’s Longest Yard Sale {Hwy 127 Yard Sale}

Every summer, during the first weekend in August, is the World’s Longest Yard Sale. It continues through 6 states, spanning 690 miles, from Gadsden, Alabama to Addison, Michigan. We’ve always hit the Kentucky portion, primarily from Lawrenceburg to Danville. However, this year we started in Jamestown, Tennessee — where the Hwy 127 Yard Sale began in 1987 — and traveled down to Crossville, Tennessee.

So what kind of Yard Sale spans 690 miles? Well, there are plenty of typical yard sales — and that is where you will probably find the best prices. However, with two small kids, we primarily shopped the vendor areas. All along 127, there are parks, fairgrounds, etc. that will rent out tons of vendor booths in open spaces. This is the perfect option for us because we can unload the kids and walk around for awhile. Plus, these vendor areas are where you can find some of the best items.

Clockwise from Left: Vintage Metal Signs, Old Windows, Lawn Decor and Patio Furniture

Clockwise from Top-Left: Hand-Turned Pottery, Handmade Rug, Old Windows, Bowling Pins

Clockwise from Top-Left: Wicker Furniture, Painted Drawers, Antique Quilts, Furniture and Dishware

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The prices are a bit higher because the booths are rented and some of these vendors are serious sellers. These vendors have amassed some seriously impressive collections.

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Pyrex

If you are a collector or simply looking to complete a vintage collection of Tupperware, Pyrex, Fiestaware, etc… plan a trip to the Hwy 127 Yard Sale. If you’re intrigued, read on to find basic tips and tricks, my favorite purchases and even some tasty treats to eat along the way.

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HWY 127 YARD SALE: TIPS

#1: Plan Your Route

We covered about 50 miles over two days and 12 hours. There were just so many places to stop and shop, including 3-4 large vendor areas, with over 100 booths each, in that 50 mile stretch. Our original route would have taken us down to Dunlap, TN and covered about 85 miles; but after the first day, we knew we would not get that far. Many people shop faster, of course, and cover more ground. It is a four-day sale {Thursday thru Sunday} and depending on your shopping goals, whether you have children with you, etc.; you may be able to make it through several states. Here is a list of the major vendor locations that you can sort by state.

#2: Make a List

Nearly everything that I bought was on a list. There were a million things that I would have loved to buy, but I stuck closely to my list. Having a list will help you spend wisely, shop faster and come home with less junk that you don’t actually need. All that being said, be flexible. If you find a treasure at a great price, it might be your only chance, so take it.

If you’d like, enter your email below and download a free printable shopping list to take with you.

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hwy 127 yard sale shopping list

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#3: Bargain

This is still a yard sale, even if it is the World’s Longest, so make sure to bargain for better prices. The vendors expect you to bargain, so there is no reason not to ask. In fact, as soon as you show interest, they will often begin bargaining with you. I typically won’t bargain if I know it’s a great deal, but otherwise, will offer lower.

#4: Check the Weather

It’s the first week of August, ya’ll. It’s most likely going to be hot — and over the course of 4 days, there will probably be some rain. Pack rain jackets, sunscreens, hats, cold water and whatever else you might need to brave the weather.

#5: Book Hotels Early {or be willing to drive off-route}

If you want to stay on the Hwy 127 Route, book hotels early. They will fill up and be priced at higher rates. If you don’t want to be tied to a certain stop location each day, be prepared to book your hotel off-route. We didn’t book our hotel until Friday evening and ended up staying about 30 minutes away from Hwy 127.

[Tweet “How to get the kids in on the #127yardsale fun.”]

#6: Include the kids

Now, don’t get me wrong, this is a great adult trip. Perfect for a long weekend with the girls. However, my husband and I both enjoy the Hwy 127 Yard Sale, so we needed to bring the kids along — and they liked it! My son {5 years old} brought his own money and purchased toys on his own. We had him ask the sellers for prices, pay the sellers, and get his own change. My daughter is 18 months, and she enjoyed riding in the stroller, snacking and being outside. We took the sale at a slower pace, enjoyed delicious food, and let the kids play in the park area; which made for a relaxing, family weekend. 

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HWY 127 YARD SALE: PURCHASES

So, what treasures did I come home with?

Jamestown, TN – Brass Mid-Century Candlesticks – $2.50

My first purchase was a set of skinny, brass, mid-century candlesticks for $2.50. Yes, what a steal. Considering they go for $50 and up on Etsy, this was probably one of my best buys of the weekend.

Clarkrange, TN – Wooden Folding Plant Stand – $5

Clarkrange, TN – Wooden Folding Plant Stand – $5 // Clarkrange, TN – Potted Succulents – $3

Clarkrange, TN – Potted Succulents – $3

Clarkrange, TN – Potted Succulents – $3

A plant stand has been on my shopping list all summer. I’ve been scouring end-of-season sales and flea markets for an affordable, simple, plant stand. So, I was excited to happen across a painted wood Folding Plant Stand for only $5 at the South Fentress Community Park location. Only a short drive down the road, at the Cumberland Mountain General Store, I also picked up 4 potted succulents in vintage containers for $3 each.

Clarkrange, TN – Marshall Pottery Drink Dispenser – $35

Clarkrange, TN – Marshall Pottery Drink Dispenser – $35

Since we’ve been working on our deck this summer, a drink dispenser has been on my wish list. I’ve mostly shopped for them new, at places like Target and At Home, but hadn’t found one that I really loved for an affordable price. Thank goodness, because this hand-turned crock will be a treasure to display and use.

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Clarkrange, TN – Hamilton Printer Tray – $35

My son has accumulated quite the collection of Hot Wheels and Lego People. I’ve been watching flea markets for a well-priced printer tray to display his favorites. This Hamilton Printer Tray, priced at $35, fit the bill since other similar trays were in the $60-$75 range. He had actually found a few Hot Wheels during the sale, so we stuck them in the tray and tested it out before buying.

Crossville, TN – Vintage Macrame Wall Hanging – $7

Crossville, TN – Vintage Macrame Wall Hanging – $7

I know Macrame is very 1970s, but it has been making a comeback over the last few years — particularly for hanging plants. I like the bohemian vibe and that it is a soft-textured item to hang on the walls. So much of what we use as wall decor has hard angles and solid surfaces. These wall hangings start around $30 on Etsy, so it appears I got a pretty good price.

Crossville, TN – Farmhouse Oil Painting on Canvas – $2

I’m always a sucker for a good oil painting — and at $2, I couldn’t pass this little canvas up.

Clarkrange, TN – Wooden Play Barn with Farm Animals – $25

Clarkrange, TN – Tinker Toy Set – $5

 Clarkrange, TN – Tin Picnic Set with Woven Basket – $6

The kids found several treasures, too. We bought them a wooden play barn for $25. My daughter has a wooden dollhouse {it’s in storage until we move} and this will pair well with it in a playroom. My son took his own money and bought a vintage Tinker Toy set for $5, along with some Hot Wheels {not pictured} and a Wooden Rubberband Gun {not pictured} for about $10 total. Lastly, I found a darling Tin Picnic Set for our little girl. I mean, isn’t it too cute?

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Are you convinced that you need to book the first weekend in August next year? If you need one more reason, you’ll find some delicious food on the route.

Jamestown, TN – BBQ Pork and Homemade Slaw

Jamestown, TN – Chicken Fajita Nachos

Put the Hwy 127 Yard Sale on your calendar for 2017, you won’t regret it. We’ll be there!

If you enjoy long weekends filled with thrifting, check out my review of the 2017 Country Living Fair, the 2016 Country Living Fair, and the 2015 Country Living Fair.

Have you ever been to the World’s Longest Yard Sale? How did you like it?

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