New Milford's Elephant's Trunk Flea Market remains 'a destination'

NEW MILFORD, Conn. — A walk around the Elephant’s Trunk is a walk through time.

Patrons will discover furniture, dishes, artwork, and other treasures from decades prior.

On several recent Sunday mornings, the aisles lined with hundreds of vendor booths flowed with foot traffic. Some patrons pulled garden carts and wagons spilling with treasures. Passersby carried in their arms a variety of unique finds and treasures, such as baskets, China, and porcelain dolls.

It’s a familiar weekly scene at the Elephant’s Trunk on Route 7, which will mark its 50th anniversary next year in 2026. 

It is the largest weekly flea market in New England. The market, which is open April through December, attracts treasure hunters, antique collectors, and up-cyclers from all over the country – and beyond.

“It’s a treasure to its bones,” said shopper Bethann Merola of the flea market. She is a regular patron who has her eye out for anything that can be restored and brought back to life through her business, Lola’s Attic, in Old Saybrook. “People bring the right items.”

Merola described the items at the Trunk as being “more authentic” and having “well-maintained pieces” than those found at many other flea markets.

Nick Petrone and Bob Harris of Redding attend the flea market most weeks, weather permitting. “We have so much stuff in our home from here,” Petrone said. He described their attendance as “part excitement, part clearing your head, and part getting stuff you don’t need.”

In the past, they purchased art for their home and still occasionally find special items.

Petrone bought one of his “favorite” items, something he sought for years as a Donna Summer collector — a life size standing cutout of Summer from her “Live and More” album in 1978. 

He also purchased an animatronic dinosaur from “Land of the Lost.”

Resident Daniella Suarez introduced a group of her college friends from Minnesota to the Trunk on a recent Sunday. “All of them love thrifting and flea markets and I live five minutes from here so this is the perfect place to bring them,” she said.

“There’s so much stuff,” said Anna Frigstad of Minnesota. “Everything I find is so good.”

Courtesy of Nick Petrone/Nick Petrone of Redding found an animatronic dinosaur at the market several years ago.

'A good time'

Flea market owner Roy Young described the weekly gem for treasure hunters as “a great experience.”

Young marveled at the unique finds customers carried in their arms as he walked along the labeled aisles sharing the story of the Trunk’s beginning and greeting several vendors, most all of whom he knows their name and backstory. 

“Look at these two here,” he said, observing the confidence of two shoppers who each carried an assortment of tools – a chainsaw, hoe, and hose. In addition, they had a bag of bars of Goatboy Soaps, which is made in town. 

“Everyone is having a good time. I love it,” he said.

In 1972, Roy and Ginny Young bought the 55-acre alfalfa farm with a Victorian House in which Ginny opened a dress shop. Four years later, with business slow, the Youngs ventured into something new – and it turned out to be gold.

The couple published an ad in the paper and more than a half dozen vendors showed up to sell items out of their vehicles. More vendors showed up the following Sunday. To accommodate the interest, the Youngs mowed the alfalfa field.

Thus, the Elephant’s Trunk was born. 

Helen Gallagher of New Fairfield has been a vendor since shortly after the Trunk began. She remembers when the trees that now line the main thoroughfare from the entrance gate to the back of the field were planted by a volunteer who went into the woods, cut saplings, and planted them in the field.

Gallagher, who worked in the travel industry, is a staple at the flea market. Her wares focus on travel, such as maps, artwork, and books. She said in addition to selling items, she appreciates the “great friends” she has made over the years.

The market’s reputation is far-reaching and its popularity continually growing. 

North Carolina residents Ken and Lori Gordon made sure to visit the Elephant’s Trunk during their recent trip to Connecticut. They heard about it when the flea market was featured on HGTV’s “Flea Market Flip” some years ago.

The flea market has been on several television shows and showcased in numerous publications.

Todd Shamock, of Welcome Traveler Antiques, has been a vendor since 1980. He first attended it to make extra money, selling items from $5 to a hundred and up.

The funds he raised at the Trunk helped him earn an associate’s degree and two master’s degrees. After becoming a certified teacher, he realized his heart is with the Trunk.

“These are my family,” he said while customers perused his table of vintage items. “If I were anywhere else, even like Paris, I’d rather be here.”

“It’s the most well-traveled [place], and you get the best deals,” said Shamock, who travels from Meriden every Sunday. 

'A destination'

The Elephant’s Trunk has become, as Meriden’s Shamock said, “a destination for people.” It’s not just for finding a great treasure. It’s also become a place to be social.

Young related the story of two male who attended the flea market for years. He knew they were from different states and he rarely saw them buy anything. Instead, the men would get a coffee, talk, and walk around a little. 

“It turns out they were Vietnam buddies and this was the halfway point for them,” Young related. “They’d meet up, talk, hug each other.”

Michael Briglia, who grew up in Newtown and now lives in Westbrook, has been a vendor for a decade. He said he enjoys the atmosphere, the business, and the people – and those are what keep him coming back.

“It’s a good market to sell at….there are a lot of people I’ve dealt with for years,” said Briglia, who sells signs, license plates, antiques, and collectibles. 

He cited the “good social network” that has developed over the years. Customers get to talking to him and one another and find common interests, whether it be about the items being sold or hobbies in general, like fishing.

Vendor Gordy O., who sells toys, collectibles and vintage items, described the market as being “like a big family.” 

As Young continued to walk the aisles, he highlighted the longevity of many of the vendors, some who are now second or third generation and are likely buyers too. 

Those who vend are there for various reasons. It may be one’s sole — or additional — income source. For other vendors, it’s a hobby.

“People may be living on a limited income, if any,” Young explained. “They are grateful they have a place to come and sell something and make something to make ends meet.”

Young emphasized some of the features that make the Elephant’s Trunk stand out.

The market is fenced in, police and security are on site, and staff is abundant. No weapons, pornography and other inappropriate items are permitted. 

Pets are not allowed.

The Elephant’s Trunk is located at 490 Danbury Road in New Milford. General admission is $4 per person Sundays from 7 a.m. 2 p.m. Admission for early buyers is $20 Sundays from 5:30 to 6:45 a.m. For more information, visit www.www.etflea.com, follow the Elephant's Trunk Flea Market on social media, call 860-355-1448, or emailcontact@etflea.com.