Metrolina Expo
Does Charlotte, North Carolina seem like a strange place to antique shop? All the professional shoppers know Charlotte holds one of the best antique markets in the region. On the first weekend of each month, thousands descend upon the Metrolina Expo, for a weekend of buying, selling, and drooling over some of the finest antiques out there. The biggest collectors, and the biggest sellers, meet to create a weekend to die for. Whether you collect old books, toys, folk art, jewelry ,or furniture, Metrolina Expo has what you are looking for.
For over 35 years this has been one of the premier antique shows in the east coast. The Metrolina Expo has over 500 exhibitors, who sell their collectables in several buildings and acres of land, with enough parking for 20,000 cars. Twice a year they hold an “Antique Spectacular”. People come from all over the east coast to attend this huge event. They have around 1,500 dealers, who show off their best antiques over a 5 day period. Dealers will usually save the best of what they’ve found for this biannual event. The crowds are huge. It’s a very big event among antique collectors who seek the best quality and selection.
Rows and rows of beautiful furniture usually fill the main area during this show. Anything from a hundred year old desk to a 1960’s style dining room table can be had at this event. Almost any style or type of furniture is displayed here. It will take hours and hours to carefully view and study all the one of a kind and elegant pieces the sellers bring. Incredibly knowledgeable, they will be able to tell you the entire story behind any piece they display. With excellent prices to start with and the occasional haggling you will certainly walk away with more than one bargain.
If you look beyond the antiques , over the years the Metrolina Expo has created a fun flea and craft market atmosphere. There are several areas set aside where fair food is available. Kettle corn, cotton candy, sausage sandwiches and funnel cakes create a fun and tasty afternoon. I have found anything from Amish cheese and butter to homemade candy and nuts. Looking for an issue of Spiderman? It’s probably hiding at a booth in the back. There are lots of people selling crafts they have designed and created. The unusual purses, jewelry, and wood works artisans sell will make special gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.
In the spring and summer plants can be found at several booths at the Expo. So if you are looking to fill your garden, this is a great place to find some beautiful flowers. In the winter, Christmas items are all over the place. Decorations, gifts, and music are on display at several booths. You can catch the Christmas spirit easily here. Make sure you allow a couple of days to shop here, and be sure you bring a car large enough to bring back all the great things you’ll find. This will quickly become a habit you can’t break. It’s a trip that can be made several times a year. Remember, the Metrolina Expo is never the same place twice!
Robin Gardner, Editor At Large
North Carolina Tourist Guide - Charlotte, NC
For over 35 years this has been one of the premier antique shows in the east coast. The Metrolina Expo has over 500 exhibitors, who sell their collectables in several buildings and acres of land, with enough parking for 20,000 cars. Twice a year they hold an “Antique Spectacular”. People come from all over the east coast to attend this huge event. They have around 1,500 dealers, who show off their best antiques over a 5 day period. Dealers will usually save the best of what they’ve found for this biannual event. The crowds are huge. It’s a very big event among antique collectors who seek the best quality and selection.
Rows and rows of beautiful furniture usually fill the main area during this show. Anything from a hundred year old desk to a 1960’s style dining room table can be had at this event. Almost any style or type of furniture is displayed here. It will take hours and hours to carefully view and study all the one of a kind and elegant pieces the sellers bring. Incredibly knowledgeable, they will be able to tell you the entire story behind any piece they display. With excellent prices to start with and the occasional haggling you will certainly walk away with more than one bargain.
If you look beyond the antiques , over the years the Metrolina Expo has created a fun flea and craft market atmosphere. There are several areas set aside where fair food is available. Kettle corn, cotton candy, sausage sandwiches and funnel cakes create a fun and tasty afternoon. I have found anything from Amish cheese and butter to homemade candy and nuts. Looking for an issue of Spiderman? It’s probably hiding at a booth in the back. There are lots of people selling crafts they have designed and created. The unusual purses, jewelry, and wood works artisans sell will make special gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.
In the spring and summer plants can be found at several booths at the Expo. So if you are looking to fill your garden, this is a great place to find some beautiful flowers. In the winter, Christmas items are all over the place. Decorations, gifts, and music are on display at several booths. You can catch the Christmas spirit easily here. Make sure you allow a couple of days to shop here, and be sure you bring a car large enough to bring back all the great things you’ll find. This will quickly become a habit you can’t break. It’s a trip that can be made several times a year. Remember, the Metrolina Expo is never the same place twice!
Robin Gardner, Editor At Large
North Carolina Tourist Guide - Charlotte, NC







