NO TANK TRIP - FLEA MARKET

About 20 minutes south of Akron a day of sunshine, friendly faces, collectors items, memories and just plain weird odds and ends awaits you. How much do I have to pay to get in you ask? Nothing. The Hartville Flea Market is a free No Tank Trip. This huge bargain hunters paradise has been polished a bit over the years, but is still a great way to spend your weekend. Some old-timers will tell you it was better back when you could shop the row after row of vendors displaying their wares in a big dusty parking lot on the side of the road. Well, if you miss that experience you&Apos;ll still find that same feel in the parking lot behind the new building, minus the gritty taste of dirt. Up to a thousand tables are still laden with goods - especially over the holiday weekends.

Inside is a very well put together mall of sorts, but I assure you the pieces of history, hand-made craftsmanship and Amish-made cheeses, jellies and baked goods are far from the usual run-of-the-mill shopping fare. I spent the first couple of hours strolling in the cool air conditioned, two story walk down memory lane, ate a snack at Sarah&Apos;s Grille then headed outside. That&Apos;s where the adventure begins for me because you really never know what you&Apos;ll stumble upon. I&Apos;ve told friends; you name it, it&Apos;s at the Hartville Flea Market this summer. From cannonballs to fireballs and cedar chests to family crests I&Apos;ve seen it in this parking lot.

I hope you&Apos;ll take the short drive down 619 and enjoy a day away from the grind. Go ahead, take home the local produce, antiques of every sort and treasures that only you were looking for. I go every year and walk away with interesting and unique items to display on my mantle, laugh about with friends and hand down to my little girl.

I spent almost five hours and $6 dollars at the Hartville Flea Market last weekend. See, no need to stress about a vacation - there&Apos;s plenty to do right here at home.

21.02 miles from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street and free admission.