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The world's longest yard sale just took place in the United States. Named the 127 Corridor Sale, it stretches an astounding 690 miles through Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. According to a release, the sale was started to "prove the back roads have something to offer, and that the interstate system was not the only mode for travel." The entire thing is basically a massive closet cleanout where individuals and communities hawk textiles, antiques, crafts, clothes, toys, even cars and farm implements. They set up along route 127, hence the name.
Next summer will mark the 27th year of the sale and dates have already been set: August 7th to the 10th. That means it's just about time to plan your trip.
This is a serious pickers heaven, so serious that buyers book their lodging a year in advance and rent trucks and trailers to haul their finds. Since the sale covers six states, a lot of planning is advised. A scan of Facebook, for example, reveals shoppers were bearish on Kentucky and bullish on Tennessee and Ohio. The situation is further complicated by the massive sprawl of the sale. Not only are vendors set out along the 690 miles of highway, they're also clustered on side roads and where there is open ground, such as in community parks.
Local color. Photo via Weird Jamestown/Facebook.
For a successful sale-going experience, here are some tips.
· Take care while driving, as there's a lot of stop-and-go traffic along the route.
· Look out for "no parking" or "no trespassing" signs. No brainer.
· Bring cash. Another no brainer.
· Plan and map your route carefully. The official sale map is here (warning: .pdf).
· Consult local of chambers of commerce if you have questions. Their addresses and contact information is contained in the above .pdf.
And now for some pictures from the road:
All photos were gathered from 127 Yard Sale's Facebook Page. They are each yardsaler-submitted images from various points along the trail of sale.
· 127 Sale [Official Site]
· 12 Sale [Facebook]
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