When I first heard of Luckett’s Vintage Markets, I was living states away with absolutely no connection to the area.  An artist I followed on social media would diligently report on the joys of the Markets each year on her blog, and I would eagerly read through her adventures, scheming about how to rationalize a road trip to Virginia just to attend.  Years later, when we found out we were moving to Loudoun County, my very first thought was, “I can FINALLY go to the Luckett’s Markets!”

 

If you’ve been to The Old Luckett’s Store for some regular shopping and even visited their storied Holiday House, yet never ventured to the Markets, stop what you’re doing and add it to your calendar immediately!  The Luckett’s Vintage Markets are quite literally their tentpole events of the year.  The Spring Market is held in May, and the Fall Market takes place in October, both at the fairgrounds in Berryville.  

 

I recommend the Early Bird tickets for the best experience; shoppers get access first thing on Friday morning along with an exclusive Luckett’s tote upon arrival, before General Admission ticket holders join the fun in the afternoon.  The attitude is convivial – there are pickers (musicians providing bluegrass ambiance scattered around the grounds), pickers (near professional-level treasure seekers), and everyone in between, all having a jolly good time.  Mimosas, coffee, and donuts abound out of adorable vintage teardrop campers and festive tents in the morning, and when lunchtime rolls around you can take a break in the food truck area for a hay bale picnic and live concerts.

 

All this serves as a cozy backdrop to enjoy an embarrassment of riches in vendors and dealers.  It’s a wonderful way to discover local shopkeepers and support your old favorites, as well as take advantage of unique and fantastic stores that travel from states away to set up booths for the event.  The merchandise selection is vast, eclectic, and delightful: live topiaries in moss-covered pots, baskets the size of coffee tables, antique shopkeeper counters,  chandeliers crafted from upcycled whiskey barrels and so much more.  

 

One of my favorite things to do (besides all of the luscious shopping) while there is to ask fellow shoppers what their plans are for the treasures they acquire.  At one point during this visit I was charmed by a display of a vintage clarinet, snare drum, and pile of plumed marching band hats.  Later on, I spied the hats in a woman’s wagon and just had to find out their fate.  In this instance, the lady was a proud grandma to six grandchildren, and she is adding the hats to the dress-up trunk she’s curating for them!

 

Even if you end your day at Luckett’s empty-handed (how???), your mind will be brimming full of inspiration for decorating and display, color combinations and styling.  All these years later, the magic of Luckett’s Vintage Markets still hasn’t faded for me, which is why I heartily recommend them to anyone who asks about adventures in the area.  Lucky for us, the joy of Luckett’s is just at our fingertips!

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Spotted:  The Market isn't just for shopping; it's for socializing too!  We caught up with Willowsford neighbors, Stroll sponsors, Conservancy partners, and business colleagues!

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Trending:  lots of looks from last season are still going strong, including mushroom motifs, metallics paired with rich wood and lush greens, and moody colors for dramatic elegance!

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"I enjoyed the market, it was huge and I can see how the organizers put a lot of effort in it!" - Linda Cahill, Resident and winner of Stroll's Luckett's Tickets Giveaway

"We are so proud of how Luckett's Vintage Markets have grown and become a premiere event for antiques and design on the East Coast! " - Suzanne Eblen, Owner, The Old Luckett's Store