Just off the hustle and bustle of Route 250, located in the very active and up and coming Zion Crossroads area, is an eclectic and unique shopping area simply named the Farmers and Flea Market. This market is the brainchild of the owners of Crossroads Home Center. Opened just over a year-an-a-half ago, the large operation, which grew out of a local farmers market on the Poore’s (the owners of Crossroads Home Center) property, invites locals and travelers, alike. 

The Poores started the operation after their farmers market had been open for a few years, and with space available on their property, saw this as a good way to expand into a new area and use the space. Boasting a collection of individual vendors from all over the region, the group of warehouse buildings are divided up into smaller stalls, which house everything from fine antiques to collectibles of all kinds, Avon products, clothing, toys, jewelry, surplus office furniture and equipment, and a farmers market. Stocked with locally grown plants from the Poore’s greenhouse and fruits and vegetables, much of which comes from a local farmers’ auction, is what makes the whole thing come together.

Open all year around, rain or shine, the Farmers and Flea market is owned by the upbeat Poore family, Wayne and Jane. The market is managed by Dennis Showalter, who takes the lead in getting vendors settled in. 

The “fairly successful” operation has what Jane Poore calls the kind of place women like to browse, but she was also quick to point out that there is just as much at the market for men and even the kids. With its wide range of products for sale, there is something for everyone. Much of the vending space is indoors, inside the large warehouses, away from rain and the harsh, summer sun. The newest part of the market is the upcoming “tailgate auctions,” which the Poore’s hope will attract not only more shoppers, but also an even larger variety of vendors. 

The new attraction is already making a splash from not only visitors from the local area, including nearby Gordonsville, but even outsiders from as far away as Richmond.

“Signage is a problem for us,” said co-owner, Jane Poore, citing that they are not allowed to place signs on the highway to advertise the market, and they have to place signs close to the location while still making sure that they do not interfere with traffic. Reviews for the market have been positive. Visitors from Hanover County, who travel all over visiting flea markets called the operation one of the cleanest flea markets they had ever seen. This is something the owners take special pride in, aside from the vast selection of goods.

Vendor space is still available, but the Poore’s do not give out their phone number, preferring instead to conduct business face-to-face and want those interested in working at the market to stop by in person.  They are very willing to help out and enjoy giving a tour of the facilities.  Showalter is also very interested in vendors wanting to sell yard sale items and is willing give sellers a break on space in the outdoor area of the market. The upcoming Tailgate Auction is a unique opportunity for those that want to have their items sold by a professional auctioneer.  The first Tailgate auction will happen on July 1. Sellers can register their belongings from 10 a.m. to noon. The actual auction starts at 1 p.m. and will be conducted by Enlisted Auctions. The owners and manager of the market are excited by this first auction, which will be a weekend fixture.  A future venture at the market will be a full-fledged auction house.

The Farmers and Flea Market is open on Fridays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those hours may vary during the autumn and winter months. The Farmers and Flea Market is on the grounds of Crossroads Home Center, 78 Zion Park Court, just off Route 250, about eight miles north of Palmyra. Stop by to see what treasures might be for sale, or bring your unused items to see what they might be worth.