So do you remember going to what we used to call Flea Markets or Swap Meets? You know, back before they made these indoor places in strip malls that they call Swap Meets. Places where odds and ends were spread out on blankets and there was always some old codger to shoot the shit with? I do. Nowadays when you go into one of those Indoor Swap Meets mostly all you can find are knockoffs or cheap imported goods made in sweat-shops.

When I was a kid my Gramps used to take me to the Flea Market. I never understood why they were called that- I never saw any fleas. I still have no idea. I spoze I could google it, but I don’t really feel like it. If you know, you can always tell me in comments. Either that or it shall forever remain a mystery in Thornesworld! Anyway, wasn’t it great to be outdoors in the warm sunshine, wandering from blanket to table to “oooh” and “ahhh” or wonder in puzzlement at the collection of used items, tools and gadgets?

I loved it. I always came away with a slightly used Barbie, some old scratched 45′s to play on my portable record player, or other small trinket or toy while Gramps would pick up a rusty but serviceable toolbox or that pipe cutter he had been looking for.

If you love looking through thrift stores for that discarded antique or memory from Grama’s kitchen, and if you are into checking out some great desert craftsfolk and artisans as well as unique desert landscaping and decor, you simply have to make a visit to the Yucca Valley Swap Meet!

Bob and his wife (I’m embarrassed that I can’t remember her name) have made such a great place out of an old drive in movie theater. There are potters and stained glass artists, metal artists and jewelry makers among many other fine artisans, many of them are in buildings built of recycled wood, and all of them are unique and artistic as the landscaping and unique “yard art” of discarded junk that’s been upcycled desert style.

These welded rusty metal horses are life-sized and simply stunning! Bob’s specialty is making spiders and webs that glitter with color in the desert sun. He’s always happy to talk to you about his process, and loves to share ideas with other artists and craftsmen.

I told him last time I was out there, that I had “borrowed” his idea for wire and barrel strap spider webs and he told me that he was flattered. Just check out this tree full of them, below.

Along with all the great art and artists, there is a coffee shop type restaurant where you can grab a drink or a bite of breakfast or lunch, there is also a bandstand where local musicians perform and you will never tire of the antiques and miscellaneous treasures (some call it “junk”, but not me) to sort through and take home if the price is right.

It’s a happening every weekend, but let me warn you-get there early because the merchants start wrapping up shop at around noon! I swear, that’s the worst thing about it. It’s a half hour drive from Pair-O-Dykes Ranch, and if I want to have time to wander and enjoy I have to get up at the damn butt-crack – o – dawn to have enough time! Well, okay… I’m exaggerating; but 7 or 8 on a Saturday morning is just too early in Thornie’s World. I do it though, for this place. (Besides, the GirlyBoi brings me coffee in bed, so I always wake up cheerful when I get my coffee in bed!) Be sure to say “Hi” to Bob and tell him Thorne out Lucerne way sent ya!

This Eclectic Life says:
As bloggers, we are in a unique position to get our opinions out on the internet for all the world to see. I think it would be fantastic to have a whole list of travel resources from around the country (or for that matter, the world!). If we post, we could add links to other bloggers who are posting about their own home towns. Soon, nobody will need those guide books, because they will have us!

She asks that we:

• 1) Give first hand reviews. Let’s talk about our own experiences with the places we write about!
• 2) Title it “My Neck Of The Woods [+ the name of the attraction or the town],” and tag it with “travel” and your state, so people could track them all on the internet.
• 3) Head back to my her posting for that Saturday to let her know, so we can share links.

If you leave me a link to yours in comments, I’ll repost your link here, too! If you like the places you visit be sure to Stumble or Digg the post so more folks can enjoy them! Thanks for visiting My Neck of the Woods!
Peace, out!