Anytime is a good time to shop for vintage and antique objects, but if you are tired of the crowded thrift stores, Goodwill bins, and Salvation Army shelves, you may want to change things up and experience some outdoor antique and vintage shopping.

While yard sales are the cat’s pajamas, huge public flea markets and antique fairs are gearing up to host huge crowds. Want to know where some of the best antique fairs are taking place? I’ve got you covered. Grab your best friend, your best pair of sneakers and a tote bag or five and let’s go shopping.

Here are some tips on where and what to buy at some of the country’s top antique fairs.

The main streets and expansive fields around Brimfield are transformed into a huge marketplace. I appeared at the first virtual Brimfield antique appraisal event in 2020 when the pandemic interfered with on-site shopping, but back in full swing.

Brimfield has much to offer. Shoppers love Brimfield for its abundance of stuff for sale.

What to buy: early American antiques, kitchen items, advertising tins, weather vanes,artwork, chairs, flags, textiles.

Like Brimfield and so many other major antique fairs, Madison Bouckeville Antique Fair has dealer booths and sellers tables set up in many large, open fields. The items are of high quality and the prices are right. It is a must-see event and you won’t be disappointed.

What to buy: Americana, signage, small-scale furniture, trendy stools, benches, architectural salvage, baskets, quilts.

Round Top Antiques Fair is just like Texas, big! It is a truly massive antique show with something for everybody. Unlike other such antique fairs, you need tickets to attend and it is best to purchase tickets in advance. You don’t want to miss a thing. This is the show that most interior decorators do not miss.

What to buy: lighting fixtures and chandeliers, architectural salvage, mirrors, doors, European furnishings, glassware, books.

This antique fair reaches from Michigan to Alabama for 690 miles through six states and is known as the World’s Longest Yard Sale. Everything and anything can be found in this yard sale which is highly organized in some areas and more casual in others. The drive and shop mentality and the people that you meet are some of the attractions, not to mention the offerings, at this continuous antique fair.

What to buy: car parts, vintage dolls, constructed metal furniture, antique frames, glass lamps.

The Coburg Antique and Vintage Fair is the place to shop for rare antiques and collectibles, heirlooms from famous families and period paintings and sculptures.

Historic Coburg is a destination in itself with its own shuttle and the fair features live music, too. For treasure hunters in the Pacific Northwest, this is a be there or be square event.

What to buy: china, tools, kitchen wares, vintage linens, jewelry, toys, sports memorabilia and carvings. These are some of the most attractive antique attractions. If you are a shopper or a seller, don’t miss these top antique fairs.

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori appears on "The Curse of Oak Island," the No. 1 show on the History channel. She gives appraisals at public events nationwide, online atwww.DrLoriV.com, and on Ask Dr. Lori LIVE onwww.Youtube.com/DrLoriVor call (888) 431-1010.