Is The Elephant's Trunk Flea Market Worth a Trip? Here's the Answer

Hooks I left behind (but should have bought) at The Elephant Trunks

If you’ve spent any time on this blog, then you know there are few things I love more than a good thrift or vintage find. Luckily, living in New England, there are plenty of places to shop for old stuff, and The Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market is one of my favs (along with Brimfield, Monger’s Market, and the Stormville Flea Market).

I’m not alone—The Elephant’s Trunk has always been one of the most popular flea markets in Connecticut (and the northeast), and it grew even bigger in the 2010’s thanks to regular appearances on the TV show Flip or Flop.

If you’re thinking about making your first trip to the Elephant’s Trunk, or simply want to know. a little more about it, here’s a closer look at this CT institution.

Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market: The Basics

Let’s talk logistics first. The Elephant’s Trunk has been operating in Connecticut since 1975! It’s a multi-vendor flea market in New Milford, CT, in the north-western part of the state. It takes place every Sunday, weather permitting, from April through December. In terms of hours, the doors open at 5:30 AM for early birds, and 7:00 AM for everyone else. Last entry is at 2:00 PM and the fields close by 3:30 PM. Ticket prices are $20 for early birds, and $4 for regular admissions, and cash and credit are accepted.

I’ve never been to the early bird hour, since I just don’t mess around with 5 AM on weekends. I usually go around 8:30 AM and am out by 10:30-11 AM at the latest. Despite the fact that it’s the biggest flea market in CT, I can usually cover the entire market in 90 minutes-2 hours.

How big is the Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market?

Speaking of the size of the flea market, according to their website, the Elephant Trunk attracts up to 500 vendors a week, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen it that big. It’s probably been closer to 150-200 vendors any time I have been there which is like a Goldilocks size. Big enough that there’s lots of selection, but not so big you feel like you need to be there all day (like Brimfield).

In terms of physical size, the market spans 55 acres, which includes both fields and parking lots. It’s big enough that, even on the busiest days I’ve seen, there is still plenty of room to move around and plenty of parking (which is free BTW!).

What You’ll Find at The Elephant’s Trunk

Like I mentioned, the market attracts a wide range of vendors, so there’s a lot of variety in terms of the type, style, and price of items you’ll find there. While most of the booths are filled with furnishings, decor, and clothing, there are also vendors that specialize in collectibles and original art/artisan crafts.

Overall, I’d say most of what you’ll find at the Elephant’s Trunk is decor and household items (mirrors, art, vases, vintage books, candlesticks, clocks, dishware, etc) and collectibles (old toys, trading cards, automotive, etc). But, there is also usually some furniture mixed in, most of it on the smaller side like stools, accent tables, dining chairs, and bistro tables. And then a handuful of vendors also sell vintage clothing.

Do you need cash?

While you don’t necessarily need cash, since you can buy an admission ticket with cash or credit, I always bring cash since some of the vendors are cash only. There is an ATM on site, and many vendors take credit or Venmo, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand in case you find something you love at a cash-only booth. I find vendors are more open to negotiations when you’re paying cash, too.

Is the Elephant’s Trunk worth visiting?

In case you couldn’t gather from reading this post, I love the Elephant’s Trunk, so my answer to this question shouldn’t surprise you. Yes, the Elephant’s Trunk it totally worth visiting, and I feel this way no matter who you are or what you like. The Elephant’s Trunk truly offers something for everyone, including antiques, vintage clothing, collectibles, and even plants and flowers. And for the family and friends you drag along who don’t love to shop as much as you do, there are also a variety of food trucks on site each weekend, too. (But I’m pretty sure if they looked hard enough, they’d find something they wanted at the ET Flea).