The monthly Santa Cruz Antique Faire provides one of the best shopping experiences you can get in downtown Santa Cruz.
Held on the second Sunday of the month since it began in 1993 (weather permitting, that is), the Faire transforms Lincoln Street and the adjacent parking lot into a lively scene filled with the rare, the bazaar, the extremely useful, and that collectible conversation piece you didn't realize you needed until you saw it.
Most of what you'll find is dated 60's and prior, like the old Rolling Stone magazines with very young looking Mick Jaggers and Jack Nicholsons gracing their covers, antique toaster ovens, and primitive video cameras.
"We get a lot of students and a lot of locals, people who go to the produce markets come here after," said Sunshine Helen Longo, who sells rare and valuable jewelry pieces at affordable prices.
"A lot of these things you can't find anymore," said Longo. "A store in Aptos would charge you $75 for something like this," she says, holding a set of turquoise bangles she's asking $20 for.
Longo is one of some 50 vendors that flock to Santa Cruz on the second Sunday of the month.
The next Antique Faire is on Dec. 9, so make sure to add it to your local holiday shopping list!
What's the best thing you've ever found at the Antique Faire? Tell us in the comments!
