Dallas has some wonderful estate sales. Usually someone has died, the family takes whatever items they want and then have an estate sale in the home.
The sale is run by people who specialize in this type of thing. It is advertised in the paper and usually lasts 1-3 days.
All items are priced and there is no dickering on price. The 2nd day, items will be marked down perhaps 25-30%.
The 3rd day they may be marked down 75%.
You can purchase everything from fine antiques to leftover wrapping paper, to containers of frozen black-eyed peas in the freezer! There is definitely something for everyone.
Books, furniture, linens, toys, clothing, garden items, tools, cars... anything found in the home. If the home is to be demolished, you can also buy doors, cabinets, or architectural items.
I have been in very tiny modest homes as well as huge opulent showcase homes.
It is truly a treasure hunt.
My daughter made me special maps to help me navigate and mark my planned route.
Even if you don't plan on buying a thing, it is a fun day out.
And who knows... you may just come home with a treasure such as this lamp... $25, made in Pakistan, a unique find!