Guests at the Eiko’s Beach House in Treasure Island Florida ask about interesting off the wall day trips . To see and do something different. A day trip to consider is a two hour journey. It requires saying no to theme parks and beaches. It also means an early Monday morning departure to arrive at the destination by no later than 9 am. Are you still reading? If so the destination is Webster, Florida.
Webster West Side Flea Market
Webster, why Webster I hear you ask? Why get up and leave the luxury Eiko’s Beach House in Treasure Island and drive north up I 75 for almost 2 hours? Why do this? You do this because Webster is the home to the World’s Largest Flea Market!
Over 4000 dealer looking to sell you everything you may need and a lot of what you do not need. For example you can buy delicious Florida produce straight from the farms. Depending on the season, watermelons, grapes, citrus, pineapples, etc. grace the endless stalls of Webster. How about antiques, collectibles, knick knacks , vitamins, honey, syrup, jellies and tons of home gardening supplies. You can guess that if you wan tor need anything you will find it at Webster.
Our Tricks
To have a successful day, the buyer needs a strategy. A quick recon mission to see what is on offer, take note of where the stalls of interest are located, and return a little latter for a potential deal. Oh by the way, it pays to bargain when making a purchase. I good tactic if you like an item is to offer 60 % to 70% of the asking price. Offer less, 30% to 40% if only marginally interested. Remember what you purchase you need to carry and parking can be far from the site on crowed days. The prize for your journey can be significant. Also bring cash as many of the smaller dealers cannot accept credit cards.
You can enjoy lunch at a few local restaurants if you did not want to eat at the market itself. Plantation House, The Farmers Market Restaurant Buffet and the Speckled Butterbean (the last two are buffets) are recommended and a good way to finsh your day at Webster As the markets open early it closes early as well around 2-3 pm.
After a long hot day buying, haggling and carrying your purchases, enjoy your trip back south on I 75 the the Eiko’s Beach House. Once you are back to the lush tropical paradise you call home, enjoy your fresh Florida produce, put photos on Facebook and Instagram and sit in the swimming pool to recharge you batteries for your next exciting (or restful) day at Eiko’s Beach House in Treasure island.