Open-Air Vintage Market Kicks Off Fall Season Sept. 12 in Ardmore

It's back.

Clover Market, Ardmore's first and only vintage, antiques and handmade goods venue kicks off its fall season on Sunday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Schauffele Plaza Parking lot at 12 E. Lancaster Ave.

After six successful showings in the spring, Clover Market plans on hosting six more days of local alternatives to Pottery Barn-style home décor items.

Clover Market founder, Janet Long, said that many of the favorite sellers are back for a second round following the market's two-month summer hiatus. Nanny Goat Antiques and Chairloom, both of Narberth, as well as Salvation Nation in Wynnewood and Kitsch N Kaboodle will again have tents selling their goods and antiques.

Long also said to watch out for a number of new sellers including Daily Memorandum (vintage), photographer John Sturgis (art) and Pretty Distressed (shabby chic furniture).

The idea for the market, the first of it's kind in the area, originated out of a need to find quality local items in one place. "A lot of it was motivated by own experience," Long said. "I run an interior design business, and I realized that there was no one single place where you go to look at furniture, art and handmade goods."

Long had the idea to create an outdoor venue to showcase the work of local artisans, while also providing a place for interested buyers to find everything they are looking for in one spot. "I thought, this is the perfect community to do this in," Long said. "I love the idea of matching up entrepreneurs with buyers."

After working with Ward 5 Commissioner Cheryl Gelber and Christine Villardo of The Ardmore Initiative for a period of about three years from idea to fruition, Clover Market was able to find a suitable location and approval from the township's Board of Commissioners.

After receiving some favorable press early on, the market snowballed into a community must-see. Long said "I know people are traveling. I think its serving part of its purpose, which is to attract people to Ardmore and show off our community." Markets earlier this year drew crowds in the hundreds, coming from all over eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, according to Long.

New at the event for the fall season will be Milkboy Coffee, offered on site, and a new recording artist providing musical entertainment at each sale (scheduled for two Sundays each month for Sept. through Nov.). Performing at the first fall sale will be local musical artists, the OT Brothers Band, a husband and wife trio whose style Long described as mellow, folksy.

Parking is limited at the plaza, but several nearby options exist and parking is free on Sundays in Ardmore, even at metered spots.

For those who might want to check the market out for the first time, Long said, "Bring cash and leave room in your car."