Swap Meets
Columnist - Gayle Lynn FalkenthalIn Southern California, swap meets first became popular right after World War II, when people were struggling to recover in the post-war economy. For the true bargain hunter there’s no more enjoyable way to spend a weekend morning than searching for treasures at one of San Diego County’s many swap meets. These are my favorites. Kobey’s Swap Meet at the Sports Arena started in 1976 with 13 sellers and 200 buyers. Now it is San Diego’s largest swap meet and the third largest on the West Coast with more than 1,000 sellers weekly. Many sellers offer brand new goods like clothing, accessories, food, beauty supplies, and auto parts. But the real fun for bargain hunters are the many garage sale type sellers offering everything you can imagine. I always head for the “back 40” where the one-time sellers are lurking. Books, jeans, toys, kitchen items... you never know what you’ll find. The Spring Valley Swap Meet at Interstate 125 off Quarry Road features a decidedly south-of-the-border vibe. You’ll find many more new items for sale here. One of the best buys: brand new bolts of fabric, all types. But you’ll get the resale sellers too. This is also the place to get some tasty authentic Mexican food when all your shopping makes you hungry. My all time favorite is the Santee Swap Meet, held at the Santee Drive-In Theatre on Woodside Drive. While there are some vendors with new items, this is the home of one hundred garage sales and then some every weekend. I’ve bagged some outstanding buys here on office supplies, t-shirts, jeans, tools, and cosmetics. And the people watching can’t be beat. There are also swaps in Oceanside, Escondido, and National City... but my best bargains have always come from these three. Bring plenty of change, prepare for lots of walking, and wear sunscreen! Have you got any favorites I haven’t mentioned or some special tips? We’d love to hear from you!Most swap meets are open Saturday and Sunday. Kobey’s is also open Friday. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., but the best bargains are gone early. Admission ranges from $1 at Spring Valley to $2 at Kobey’s. Visit my eBay store "TNBB" for some fun items I've picked out just for you. My finds are your finds! |
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