Now this would be the perfect weekend getaway! Spend time exploring a literal treasure trove of secondhand items, and then relax in the lazy river.

Why Are They Called Flea Markets?

As a kid, I remember hearing the term "flea market" and picturing a giant market full of bugs. I know that sounds unappealing, and to be honest, in my mind, it did not sound like a place I wanted to go. But when I went to my first flea market it was like a lightbulb moment.  I instantly knew this was my kind of place, because I love nothing more than a good secondhand find! But why are they called flea markets?

According to Britannica, the term "flea market" has disputed origins, but the most common origin is that it's a translation of a French phrase.

The most common explanation is that the term is a translation of the French marché aux puces (literally “market of fleas”), so-named for the pests that were thought to infest the upholstery of second-hand furniture sold at such markets.

Now, this was the 1800s when this phrase was coined, and we know now that people are much cleaner, and we don't have to worry as much about buying items secondhand. And thank goodness for that, because a majority of the furniture in my home is secondhand.  You'd think after all of these years the name would have changed, but I guess if it isn't broke, don't fix it!

The Most Awesome Flea Market in the World

Awesome Flea Market is located in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, just outside of Louisville.  Luckily for us in the Tri-State area, this is a short drive from us, and would be perfect for a day trip.  However, when you see how big this thing is, you may want to give yourself a couple of days just to go through everything, and then relax in a lazy river, because this place is gigantic.

Awesome Flea Market is home to hundreds of vendor booths, and on the side of the giant warehouse are the words "the most awesome flea market in the world."  There are so many vendors that you could truly get lost while weaving throughout the store trying to find your "holy grail" secondhand score.   And when you're done shopping, you can relax by taking an inner tube down a lazy river.

Flea Market and Lazy River in Kentucky

This may be one of the most random mash ups, but I love it.  Awesome Flea Market is also home to a lazy river.  Starting in May you can rent inner tubes at the Awesome Flea Market and float down miles of water.

According to Awesome Flea Market the river float takes about 2 hours.

The Lazy River is on the Salt River - an actual river! We post every Saturday and Sunday of our OPEN status on our Facebook Page. We post by 9am (one hour prior to opening). Our opening depends on weather and the water released from the dam. Please check our Facebook Page for OPEN STATUS before you make the trip.

So how about that?  The perfect summer weekend getaway, exploring a treasure trove, and relaxing in the river.  Count me in!