from How to Have A Romantic Holiday

Got a bad case of "been there, bought that?" Then it may be time for the two of you to check out some of the most unique shopping destinations around the country: flea markets. Like the mysterious souks of the Middle East, the colorful mercados of Latin America, or the bustling bazaars of Asia, flea markets are exotic and wonderful. Combining the spirit of a county fair with the retail business of a mall, flea markets are a beehive of shopping activity. Each unexplored aisle reveals a whole new row of vendors and the opportunity to find one-of-a-kind items, good bargains, and plenty of fun in the process.

About 3200 flea markets (featuring goods of an estimated one million vendors) are scattered across the United States and you’ll find numerous others across the globe. The markets themselves vary just as much as the merchandise.

Where are some of the US’s largest flea markets? Here’s a sampling of major ones scattered from coast to coast:

• Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop, the largest flea market in the South
  
• R.G. Canning Flea Market, scheduled for the second Sunday of every month at Pasadena's
• Rose Bowl Stadium in the Los Angeles area
  
• Gibraltar Trade Center, near Detroit
  
• Jamie's Flea Market, Amherst, Ohio
  
  

Whatever flea markets you visit, a word of advice: the two of you should bring an extra suitcase if you’re traveling from out of town. You're going to return home with a lot more than memories.

Next page: Celebrate the 12 Days (and Nights) of Christmas