Region
If you’ve never been to Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market in Ohio, well, you’re missing something kind of special. Nestled in the heart of northeast Ohio, this place isn’t just a market — it’s more like a little universe of old stuff, new stuff, homemade snacks, and, somehow, a whole lot of heart.
It all started back in 1939 as a small livestock auction. Fast-forward to today, and you’ve got a massive indoor-outdoor setup that’s become one of the state’s go-to spots for vintage hunting, local eats, and let’s be honest — a great way to kill a Saturday. Indoors, you’ve got three acres of air-conditioned bliss. Over 110 individual vendors fill the space with everything from hand-poured candles to vintage signage to funky socks. And, yes, antiques too.
But it’s outside where the real chaos happens — the good kind. The Hartville Flea Market takes up a sprawling 12-acre space right next to the indoor MarketPlace, and it’s packed. On flea days, you’ll find rows of tents and tables filled with, well, just about everything. Old tools, rusty bikes, vintage Barbie dolls, garden gnomes, comic books, and a surprising number of old doorknobs (seriously). It’s a digger’s paradise.
One of the real joys here — aside from stumbling across a 1960s Pyrex bowl for five bucks — is the food. It’s not just a place with a snack stand or two; it’s practically a gourmet food court for small-town Ohio. Local honey, handmade chocolates, fresh breads, smoked meats, even roasted nuts that smell so good it’s almost annoying. Honestly, if you don’t leave with at least one baked good in hand, did you even go?
Prices? Pretty great, actually. Especially the produce — think fresher and cheaper than your grocery store, plus you can chat with the person who grew it. And that’s the other thing: the people. The vendors aren’t just there to sell stuff — many are happy to chat, share a story, or maybe even cut you a deal if you ask nicely (pro tip: always ask nicely).
It’s kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and pretty much everyone-friendly. There’s parking (lots of it), and even though it can get busy, it never feels overwhelming. You can easily spend half a day here without realizing it. And, yeah, you’ll probably leave with something totally random that you didn’t think you needed — but now can’t live without.
If you’re already in the area, it’s a no-brainer. And if you’re not? Honestly, it’s worth the little road trip. Just bring a tote bag, a bit of cash, and a loose plan to be surprised. Hartville is the kind of place where the best finds aren’t always the ones you came looking for — and that’s part of the fun.
Jane Wilson
5th June 2015 at 16:15We enjoyed Hartville flea market. It was probably one of the cleanest flea market we have been to thanks to their paved parking lots. No dust flying around everywhere. There were a lot of unique finds.
Catherine Turner
22nd July 2015 at 04:56There are lots of indoor vendors with new items, antiques, meat market, cheese, snacks, etc. It is a clean market, but nothing exciting. Outdoors they have a large vegetable market where you can always get good buys and in the parking lot vendors set up an old time flea market with used items. Nice way to spend some time, but not much out of the ordinary.
Brandon Jackson
25th December 2015 at 20:36If you live close by, and have time to kill, there is enough variety to make it minimally interesting. However we only saw a couple “above average” vendors in the whole place… one with nursery products; shrubs, bushes, flowers… and one with some great antiques. But most of the farm products didn’t appear to be local and nearly everything was overpriced. In all fairness, there are some permanent shop (inside) that have good selection, and offer some out of the ordinary products. Worth a re-visit around the holidays for that reason.
Mary Barnes
9th February 2016 at 02:37Love this place!!! Fresh produce for fantastic prices. Can fill two large shopping bags with produce for under $20!! And who doesn’t love flea markets?!
John Ward
30th March 2016 at 22:36This is a highly organized, clean, well maintained retail shopping area. Most of the dealers are either regulars with a leased indoor location or rented outdoor space. Most of the regular season is kind of bland with specialty shops and food sales, but they do have holiday specials that draw casual dealers (in nearly everything). That’s when it becomes a flea market. In summer, there are are some independent produce and garden sales in their weekday markets. Be prepared for diversity of merchandise – it ain’t all tube socks. We go with regularity in summer — and less frequently in winter. Opinions about the restaurant/snack bar operation vary greatly – that doesn’t seem a bargain.
Jason Baker
21st June 2016 at 16:02I eat and shop there during my annual summer visits to Ohio. All of their products are made or grown with good ole fashion Love, care and consideration. Amish people rock in my book. Their traditions and customs may be different than yours, so what, Love and Tolerance of others is the key.