Hello Friends,
Welcome back to the hunt.
Every Thursday I track estate sales, markets, and interesting events happening around Central Texas so you do not have to dig through a dozen Facebook groups trying to figure out what is actually worth checking out.
This week’s Dispatch covers 8 events across Coleman, Santa Anna, Brownwood, Dublin, Stephenville, Early, and Abilene, with activity happening Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22.
We’re looking at 2 estate sales, 4 markets, and 2 vintage and antique sales events. Jam packed, juicy routes!
A packed weekend with two standout vintage market events, a well-timed estate sale, opening day at the Coleman Farmers Market, and plenty of smaller stops worth stacking into a full route.
This Weekend’s Game Plan
This is a Coleman-heavy weekend, and that’s exactly where you want to be.
Within a tight radius you’ve got:
A large vintage market
A second outdoor market
A well-timed estate sale with a half price window
You can stack multiple strong stops without wasting time driving.
If you only hit one thing this weekend, make it Petticoats on the Prairie.
That’s where the density is.
If you want something slower, Dublin and Stephenville give you a more relaxed loop.
Use the map to get a quick lay of the land before heading out. Stops are spread across our neck of central Texas, so a little planning will go a long way this weekend.
Weather Watch
It’s going to be a hot one this weekend, with highs climbing into the mid to upper 90s and full sun all three days.
If you’re heading out, earlier in the day will be your best bet before the heat peaks.
Summer’s showing up early to break us in, so plan accordingly. Start early, take your time, and build in a few indoor or shaded stops where you can.
Top Events This Weekend
Santa Anna — Junk n Jewels Jubilee
Friday & Saturday | 9 AM – 5 PM
100 N 2nd St, Santa Anna
Antiques, vintage, artisan goods, and gifts spread across an outdoor setup.
Free admission makes this an easy first stop.
Good opener before heading into Coleman.
Coleman — Petticoats on the Prairie Vintage Market
Friday–Saturday
Coleman County Expo
Early Shopping: Friday 10–12 ($10)
General Admission:
Friday 12–6 ($6)
Saturday 9–5
This is your main event. Highest vendor density, best odds of finding something worth bringing home.
If you like vintage at all, this is not optional.
Coleman — Estate Sale
Friday 8–2 | Saturday 8–11 (Half Price)
205 Miami, Coleman
Go Friday for selection.
Go Saturday for deals.
That half price window is short. Don’t miss it if you’re bargain hunting.
Cash only, and you’ll need to load your own purchases.
Saturday Add-On Stops
Coleman — Farmers Market (Opening Day)
Saturday | 8 AM – 1 PM
100 W Live Oak St
This is the first Coleman Farmers Market of the year, so expect a good turnout and a fresh mix of vendors.
Produce, baked goods, and local makers.
Easy add-on before or after Petticoats.
Dublin — Market Days
Saturday | 9 AM – 1 PM
Community Park Pavilion
A slower-paced market with handmade goods, decor, and baked items.
Best if you want to browse without fighting a crowd.
Stephenville — Farmer’s Market @ The Purple Tractor
Saturday | 9 AM – 12 PM
Tarleton Ag Center
Indoor setup, consistent vendors, easy in and out.
Reliable stop if the weather turns.
Early — Buy Texas Spring Market
Saturday | 10 AM – 2 PM
419 Garmon Dr
Local vendors plus Easter Bunny photos from 12–2.
Good pick if you’re bringing kids or want something lighter.
🪑 Abilene Estate Sale
Saturday 8:30–3:30 | Sunday 1–4
1626 Glenwood Dr
Large wood furniture, leather seating, and home overflow.
This is a go-with-intent stop, not casual browsing.
Local Stop: Brownwood
Duke Street Antiques
If you’re looping back through Brownwood, build in time for this stop.
Well-stocked booths and a steady rotation of inventory.
This is where you take one last lap before calling it a day.
Know a great thrift, antique, or resale shop around Central Texas that deserves a stop on the route? Send it my way and it may appear in a future Dispatch.
Suggested Treasure Routes
Route 1: High Yield
Brownwood → Santa Anna → Coleman → Brownwood
Junk n Jewels Jubilee
Petticoats on the Prairie Vintage Market
Estate Sale
Farmers Market
Duke Street Antiques on the way back
This route gives you the most return for your time.
Route 2: Slower Saturday Loop
Brownwood → Dublin → Stephenville → Early
Dublin Market Days
Purple Tractor Market
Buy Texas Spring Market
Less pressure, more browsing.
Community Finds
This section highlights what people are finding out there each week.
Heading out this weekend?
Tap below to submit your find:
Or email: [email protected]
You might be featured in next week’s Dispatch.
Are you heading out to any markets or sales this weekend?
From Last Week’s Hunt
Last weekend had a little bit of everything. Good markets, a few surprises, and the kind of finds you only catch if you’re taking your time.
We put together a short recap along with some of the highlights from the route.
If you didn’t get a chance to see it, the latest What We Found is here.
Central Texas Tip
Not every worthwhile stop is on your list when you leave the house.
As you’re moving between sales this weekend, pay attention to side streets, church parking lots, and hand-lettered signs. Some of the best setups in this region are the ones that didn’t bother with online listings at all.
If something looks promising, it usually is.
Leave a little room in your schedule. The unplanned stops are often the ones you remember.
Collector’s Wanted Board
Out on the hunt this weekend? Keep an eye out for a few specific pieces collectors are actively searching for.
If you spot one, send a quick photo and location and I’ll make the connection.
🔎 ISO: Vintage Pyrex (Patterns or Lids)
Especially older patterns or hard-to-find replacement lids.
🔎 ISO: Cast Iron Cookware
Well-used pieces from brands like Griswold or Wagner.
🔎 ISO: Vintage Thermoses and Lunch Boxes
Classic metal sets or character designs.
Submissions:
[email protected]
Treasure Tip Line
The best leads don’t always show up in a search.
If you know about an upcoming sale, small market, or hidden spot in Central Texas, send it in.
I go through every tip and use them to help shape future Dispatches.
Reply directly to this email or send details to:
[email protected]
That’s it for this week.
If this Dispatch helped you map out your weekend, feel free to pass it along to someone who enjoys the hunt as much as you do.
As the weekend wraps up, keep an eye out for What We Found, where we share a closer look at what actually turned up out there across Central Texas.
We’re getting chickens this April! If you have any advice on brooding chicks or name ideas, I’d love to hear it.
If you come across something worth sharing while you’re out, send a photo and where you found it. The best finds don’t always stay hidden for long.
