Everything- Even the Kitchen Sink: J&J Flea Market

Yesterday Courtney and I ventured out for what started as a class project (for Court's Rec and Leisure class) and turned into a very fun day and a photography adventure for me. We went to the J&J Flea Market; they sell EVERYTHING, literally. We even saw a booth with a couple of kitchen sinks. In addition, there were booths of every-day items like socks, and then the not-so-every-day odd antiques (or junk in some cases). There are activities for the little ones: a train ride and pony rides. There are several restaurants on the property including a taqueria that was screaming my name. It is only about 10 minutes outside of Athens, but it feels like a totally different world. There are people from all walks of life, and I think that's what makes it so special. Unfortunately, not everything is happy. There are people selling (or giving away) puppies and other animals in not-always-great condition. Some of the puppies we saw were in a crate that was too small with soiled newspaper, not fun to see. Despite these sad images, though, the day was a lot of fun, and it looks like we've found a fun place to take adventures. The pictures below are some of my favorite ones from the day. You should definitely check out the J&J Flea Market (Georgia's largest flea market, by the way), 11661 Commerce Road, Athens, GA 30607. It's only open weekends so that makes it even more special. Should you decide to go, don't make the same mistake we did and forget cash; the vendors (including the restaurants) do not accept check or cards. Note: I've just started playing with Photoshop again, so these aren't perfect. Also, the images look different online than in person

This sign displaying the odd speed limit was too good to pass up, signs like it are posted all over the market.

Courtney discovered these pretty horseshoes, and it turns out a lot of the other knick knacks on this table were just as alluring (the green pitcher and the handkerchiefs).

There are lots of booths covered in toys (target market: the children whose parents work at the flea market; they are running around everywhere). This booth had hundreds of toy cars and a few dolls.

These chickens were in the animal area for sale along with other fowl. This area is also where they sell the sad little puppies that I couldn't bring home.

This stand had surprisingly pretty flowers. Court and I spent some time admiring them.

These orange-looking snacks do not taste like oranges. They sort of taste like pork rinds. These chicharrones must be a pretty special Mexican snack; they are sold all over the market. Alongside the bags, the vendors put hot sauce and lime juice as a topping. The hot sauce is not an American brand; it is this special Mexican hot sauce that tastes amazing. Most of the vendors selling these were Spanish speakers so it was really fun to practice my Spanish with them. Another great reason to visit the market!

Court is admiring the teapots and other ceramics on this table. These were our favorite booths- housewares. I know you are shocked.

There is a covered area at the market that houses Taqueria Mi Tierra and other shops. This little stand looked super authentic (it had to be because not only was the menu entirely in Spanish, they also sold tacos stuffed with cow tongue, yes, tongue; it's a pretty common food in Latin American cuisine). It smelled even better than it looked, I can't wait to try this place!

This gentleman has a booth in the covered area of the market. Most of his profit goes towards a mission program in Athens. A veteran of World War II, he had so many stories to tell. If you look at his face and hands, it's as though you can see the stories. He has been at the market since 1958 so he has seen a lot of change which is so neat. I think he could have talked to us for hours (and I think the same goes for us). I hope to meet him again.

The storyteller in action.