Old quilts, vintage toys, and antique glassware are just a few of the treasures shoppers can find during the annual Take-a-Break from the Interstate 3-day Road Market. This year’s event is planned for Friday through Sunday, July 26-28. The 100-mile long yard sale begins in Harmony, and extends up Hwy 21, including Business Hwy 21 in Jonesville and Elkin, all the way to Wytheville, Virginia.
In Elkin, Bridge St. is Business Hwy 21 so residents can set up along Bridge St. as long as they have permission from the property owners to use their land, parking lot, yard, etc. The Town of Elkin and all towns along the route do not charge any yard sale fees for that weekend. Some towns set up large areas for vendors to congregate, and some areas along the route are spotted with random vendors. Because of this, drivers should use extra caution along Hwy 21 and keep an eye out for pedestrians crossing roads. In some areas, vendors might be set up where parking is difficult, so stay alert, relax and have fun, and be prepared to take time driving the route.
“You can sell just about anything along the route, and we’ve seen items from boats and cars to antiques and home made lemonade. The hours are set by the vendors, but most are setup by early morning, and usually they stay out till about dinner time, but some may stay longer," said Laura Gaylord, Elkin’s Main Street and Community Manager.
“If you are a vendor looking for an excellent spot in Elkin where large crowds gather, you can call the Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Center and speak with the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce. They will have spaces available to lease for the 3-day event. There are onsite restrooms and Friday night we are planning to have live music on the stage. For further information on the vendor application and to sign up for a space, you can call 336-527-1111 and speak to someone at the Chamber.”
According to organizers, communities in both states work together to promote the event which brings thousands exploring along Highway 21, the Historic Lakes-to-Florida Highway. Since the 1920’s, Highway 21 was a major route for travelers who lived near the Great Lakes Region when heading south to beaches along the south-eastern coast destinations from Myrtle Beach to Florida. Once I-77 was completed in the 70s, traffic along old Hwy 21 dwindled as the interstate brought faster access to faraway destinations, and the small communities along the route were affected. However, since then this highway has prospered in North Carolina with state parks, wineries, trails, music venues, kayaking, vibrant historic towns, access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and unique AirBnB’s to stay in during the Road Market weekend.
“I’ve meet some folks that come for an entire week to enjoy the outdoors, music, and wineries, then shop all weekend long for great treasures,” said Gaylord.
“Downtown Elkin will have dozens of vendors set up for the road market at the Yadkin Valley Heritage & Trails Center at 257 Standard St, and also across the street at Elkin Antiques & Collectibles Mall. The easiest way to find our vendors is to put that address in your GPS, Google Maps, or just follow the signs to downtown Elkin. We’ll have plenty of parking available, and our downtown offers lots of restaurants and other great shopping within walking distance of the vendor area,” Gaylord added.
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