Historic National Road Yard Sale – US 40 Yard Sale
Established in 2004, the Historic National Road Yard Sale on US 40 stretches 800-plus miles across the heart of “Main Street of America” from Maryland to Missouri. The 200-year-old scenic bypass showcases the country’s diverse beauty from the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis. Steeped in the legacy of westward pioneers, US 40 Yard Sale is a trail that beckons antique enthusiasts to explore.
The Historic National Road Yard Sale draws thousands of visitors. According to some reports, the annual event pulls in tens of thousands. Crowds, however, are dispersed throughout six member states. The sale typically begins the Wednesday after Memorial Day and runs for five days. Like many highway flea markets, vendors are open from dawn to dusk. While early birds can have their pick of the lot, latecomers might score better deals.
Yet, possibilities are as vast as the open road. Visitors will discover everything from antiques and vintage to common yard sale knick-knacks. Among the products to expect are primitive furniture and kitchenware as well as retro embroidered patches and clothing. In one participating county alone is a 66-mile loop with over 1200 antique dealers known as “Antique Alley.”
In addition to quality antiques and collectibles, residents and community organizations set up booths along the route. The result is a win-win. Merchandise can be an unpredictable assortment of both upscale and affordable items. Patrons might find heirlooms alongside thrift store trinkets. Crafts also run the gamut, from intricate leatherwork to jewelry and beadwork.
A special perk of the Historic National Road Yard Sale is the opportunity to overnight in classic inns. For example, family-owned rustic lodges and kitschy motels pepper US 40 roadsides. Wherever travelers rest, miles of antiques will delight collectors far and wide.
National Road Yard Sale Festival
The 18th Anniversary of the National Road Yard Sale Festival will be held June 2nd to 6th 2021 – over 800 miles! The Festival was independently created for each community along the National Road to showcase what makes them unique. Past events have drawn in thousands of people to the old pike towns. It is a great way for local residents on the National Road to make extra money, and promote businesses and tourism. Success on the event relies solely on businesses and vendors, as well as people on the National Road to have yard sales to make this an ongoing event! Antiques, furniture, fresh garden produce, glassware and collectibles, and in some locations Amish treats will be available during the sale.
The National Road, in many places known as Route US 40, was built between 1811 and 1834 to reach the western settlements. It was also the first federally funded road in U.S. history, and stretches from Baltimore to St. Louis. The yard sale provides travelers with the opportunity to explore the many attractions on the “Road that Built The Nation,” such as the James Whitcomb Riley Museum in Greenfield, Huddleston Farmhouse Inn Museum in Cambridge City, and the Zane-Grey National Road Museum in Norwich, Ohio. Many people plan future vacations around their yard sale experiences.
GREAT event
GREAT event! June 1=5th 2022
824 MILES OF FUN!!
The Historic National Road Yard Sale extends for 824 miles from St. Louis to Baltimore along the Historic National Road also known as UUS 40. This iconic event will be held from June 1-5, 2022 from Dawn Till Dusk. NOTE: for future yard sale aficionados the yard sale is always held the FIRST Wednesday after Memorial Day.
Not a yard sale fan? Then you might enjoy simply meandering along America’s first interstate, sampling local food truck morsels, (think an oversized well dressed deep fried breaded tenderloin), visiting a local restaurant (think a slice of sugar cream pie which is also Indiana’s state pie), kibitzing with local history buffs, perusing small town antique shops, purchasing a Chriistmas gift at a specialty store, or spending a night or two in a bed and breakfast inclusive of classic architecture, or stopping to visit with Mr. Boos, akka the CEO/Canine Executive Officer of the Historic National Road Yard Sale!!
Speaking of Mr. Boos, he resides with his human, Patricia McDaniel, in the hamlet of Dublin, Indiana. This is the official headquarters of the Historic National Road Yard Sale which originated eighteen years ago way back in 2004.
There have never been any stirpes attached to the Historic National Road Yard Sale. There has never been a committee or official organization since the yard sale’s inception. It’s definitely no fun allocating two to three hours the third Wednesday of each month recounting two or three hours of last month’s meeting!! Each individual or organization on US 40 should be lauded for their contribution to making the Historic National Road Yard Sale a resounding success!!