Maybe you’ve heard the name Canton, it is known as the world’s largest flea market. Canton Trade Days occurs the first Monday of each month in Canton, Texas. Settled oh so well along I-20 in East Texas, this event attracts vendors and visitors from near and far each and every month. Some of these visitors are from Texas but don’t be surprised to run into others from Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma who call Canton home one weekend a month.
Don’t be alarmed when exiting the highway to be in a slew of vehicles that are heading to the same place you are (to avoid a little traffic, take exit 526). When you arrive, you will see not only a ton of vehicles but also RV’s. Some people come out here all weekend. Also, don’t be surprised if you find yourself lost or needing a map or not knowing where the heck you are.. this place is huge and its a day long event.
When you arrive in Canton you will see an overwhelming items to see. There is a flea market type area where people are selling just about anything you can think of. In another section, you can walk through open buildings viewing, again anything you can think of (handbags, gourmet food, Texas decor, furniture, jewlery, clothing, baby items, doggie treats, etc.). It’s no joke when they say there is something for everyone.
Considering you will be there all day (or in some cases the weekend), there is plenty to eat and drink. You will find the normal “fair type” items such as corn dogs and hamburgers to slighly healthier options of sandwiches and fruit. Be sure to hit up a lemonade stand and we are after all in Texas so of course, there is Dr. Pepper.
If you find yourself with nothing to do one weekend and feel like roaming around looking for, well just about anything, head over to Canton and check it out.
Notes:
Parking is $4 cash.
Be sure to bring cash, not all vendors except cards.
Check out the website, there are coupons which can be used at some shops.
For More Info: http://www.cantontradedays.com/
If you ever find yourself driving down I-45 just north of Huntsville, you are not going to miss Buc-ee’s. There are signs at least an hour away, if not more, advertising their Beaver Nuggets, fudge, and their truck stop. So, we just had to stop to check this place out and see what was so great, right?
This truck stop turns out to be a very popular destination. First, there was a line to exit the interstate to stop at this locale. The first thing we noticed is the 30+ gas pumps out front followed by the packed parking lot (however not so packed that it was difficult to find a parking spot). Then we ventured inside…
Inside you will find a general convenience store. You will also find gift shop type items (everything Texan of course), cast iron pans, kitchen items, dishes, books, signs and A&M / UT items. You’ll also find seasonings for just about any dish you can think of, from grits to cornbread mixes and meat seasonings.
Beaver Nuggets, what the heck are Beaver Nuggets? Yea, I know what you are thinking. You’ve heard of Calf Fries, I can’t wait to see what this is but thankfully Beaver Nuggets is just pieces of beef jerky. (I can’t take another take on calf fries, I don’t quite understand it.) Buc-ee’s had a HUGE array of food. Pre-made sandwiches and wraps, or even made to order. They also have hot dogs, corn dogs, and chopped beef sandwiches (we’re in Texas after all). However, you should see their beef jerky counter. It’s got to be a good 20 feet of a display case. Desserts you ask? They touch on that too with cookies and even a fudge station. I wouldn’t believe it if you went in there and told me that you couldn’t find something that tickled your fancy in there.
Finally – the bathrooms. I have never been in a rest stop, or location that had bathrooms this nice. The bathroom is HUGE and each “stall” is its own personal room. That’s right, you get an entire door and its pretty much its own box. I was impressed. And as busy as it was in there, there were plenty of stalls open.
The only downfall to Buc-ee’s is how incredibly busy it was. I suppose we kind of asked for it stopping in mid-day on a Sunday. It should be kind of expected. However, if you can handle the absurd amount of people, I would suggest stopping to at least check this place out. It’s one heck of a truck stop.
For More Info: http://www.bucees.com/madisonville.htm