Romping 'Round Renningers

Hi Blog! Today is Sunday, April 12, 2015. Our campground is just around the corner from the world famous Renninger's Antique Market. We pass the huge compound each time we go in and out of our campground. They have a big sign out front - MARKET HOURS - SUNDAY 7:30 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. It has probably been almost 20 years since we last visited the antique markets in this area of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. While we don't have any immediate needs for more stuff, when in Rome - do as the Romans do - shop 'till you drop! Here is an aerial view of our target - 375 indoor stalls, plus up to 300 outdoor tables.

Before beginning such an arduous undertaking, we felt the need to fuel up. There are no shortages of diners in Lancaster County, but we were looking for something a little different. We uncovered Stoudts Wonderful Good Market Cafe.

Now some of you may know the Stoudt family as brewers of fine lagers and ales, but did you also know that family members also bake bread and culture unique cheeses? Every Sunday they open up their bread and cheese shop and serve breakfast and lunch sandwiches to hungry shoppers. Pick your bread, cheese and fillings, then enjoy. Decisions, decisions, decisions... Dave opted for sourdough, egg and a mix of three cheeses. Kathy went with the sauerkraut rye, egg, spinach, roasted peppers and three-cheese mix. Hurry up to the counter and order yours!

As we sat in the little makeshift cafe eating our breakfast sandwiches, we were surrounded with the wonderful smells of bread baking, coffee roasting and bacon sizzling. Shoppers milling about the Black Angus Antique Mall next door were drawn in by the aroma and soon found themselves ordering their own delicious breakfast sandwiches. We ended up bringing home two cheeses - Elderbritch Aged 1 year Gouda, and Ferdinand made with curry and pistachio - and two loaves of bread - carrot dill and rosemary olive - pictured below:

After a brief stroll around the Black Angus Antique Mall, it was time to head to Renningers. In doing our research for today's outing, we came across the following:

Follow me to Renninger's in Adamstown - Renninger's original antiques market. Every Sunday before the birds get up, activity is already starting in the outdoor market at Adamstown. The still of the dawn is broken by the increasing shuffle of feet and conversation. Flashlights move about like fireflies as the day of business begins. Dealer after dealer arrive and begin to set up. You can feel the quiet frenzy of panic as buyers move around trying to view as much as possible. Suddenly you look at your watch and realize the indoor market is about to open ...more fresh merchandise. You enter the indoor market with confidence that you have found the mother load of Antiques and Collectibles.

This was just too awesome a description not to copy in its entirety! Renninger's Flea Market has been operating since 1962, supporting American small businesses and celebrating a rich history of quality goods. Nothing says quality like a five foot flamingo!

All kidding aside, this place is loaded with treasure. It is up to you, the shopper, to know what you are looking for and what price you are willing to pay for it.

We walked up and down the aisles and saw everything from coins and collectibles to housewares and tools.

However, our favorite booth was the one were a young girl was making handcrafted jewelry and animals. There was a turtle, butterfly, ladybug and mushroom. Inside the box lid were rubber band bracelets and rings. Don't tell Sir William, but we bought the little turtle for him.

After completing our tour inside, we headed out to the outside venue. Due to the unseasonably cold weather, there were not as many outside vendors as the photo above would have led you to believe. However, there were enough to make it interesting walking about.

After miles and miles of walking, we don't feel the least bit guilty sitting and watching the final round of the Masters!