In an era of on-line shopping and auction sites, the open markets and swap meets are still thriving. They are a great way for families to shop together. They are full of culture and people from all over the world. For fun in the sun and bargains for every taste, take a walk through the open-air style market known as Traders Village of Houston. It costs nothing to walk through and enjoy the sights and sounds, including free concerts and special events.
What is it?
Traders Village in Houston is the largest open-air market on the Texas Gulf Coast. Open only on weekends, they have over 1,000 vendors with items such as handcrafted horse saddles, new and used books, used clothing, toys and antique furniture. They also have carnival rides for the kids and food vendors with everything from the great American hot dog to Thai food. It is simply a great way to spend very little money for a full day of fun. This place is huge, with a capital H! The even have special weekends with themed sales, live bands and car shows. And it is FREE!
How do I get there?
Traders Village in Houston is located northwest of the city. Travel west on highway 290, just past the West Sam Houston Toll Road. Take the Eldridge exit. After you exit the freeway, Eldridge is the second intersection. Turn left on Eldridge. The market is about half a mile up on your right.
Quick Tip:
Just before you reach the market is a Chevron gas station to your right. If you need gas, get it now. Traffic can be quite hectic when everyone is leaving.
Is there a landmark?
A huge red sign that is approximately three stories high and hard to miss marks the entrance to Traders Village. There is also a high school directly across the street from the market, so keep an eye out for school buses during school season. It may be the weekend, but the school has traffic from football games. Turn right into the parking lot. You will pull up to a row of tollbooths where you will pay $2.00 per vehicle for parking. They do give change, but having two singles ready to pay will speed you through faster.
Quick Tip:
This place means business when they say they will tow any unauthorized vehicle. Place the parking ticket in your windshield. Also, lock your car.
What is the address and phone number?
7979 North Eldridge Road Houston, Texas 77041
Phone: 281-890-5500
Fax: 281-890-6568
tradersvillage.com
Who should go?
The whole family! Just about anyone will find unique items that suit their taste. You may even find items you never knew existed. There are small rides for the children, and arcade for the older kids, plenty of sitting space for those with walking problems, and a family friendly atmosphere. Some people split up into small groups. One family, who visits often, splits up by gender. The men take the boys and the women take the girls. While the men and boys shop for electronics and western saddles, the women and girls shop for clothing, toys and books. They all meet in the middle for food, drinks and the carnival rides!
What to wear?
Traders Village similar to an amusement park. There is lots of concrete, sun and walking. So dress appropriately for comfort and ease. Because this is Houston, expect extreme climate conditions. In the spring, summer and fall seasons, it can get quite humid and hot. Showers can come on suddenly, only to end just as quickly, leaving the air very humid. If the weather is relatively mild, expect larger crowds. All forms of walking aids are permitted, including motorized personal wheelchair style scooters. No golf carts, bikes or motorcycles! If you can ride it in a grocery store, you can probably ride it here. Casual shoes and a sun hat are must haves!
Quick Tip:
Hit the uncovered spaces around the outside and to the south side of the market first. As the temps get higher, head for the covered spaces.
What to take with you?
Take as little as possible. The drinks and food prices are very reasonable, and there will be less for you to carry. Although you can rent a stroller or a wagon for $3.00, a better idea is to save the money and bring your own! The larger the stroller, the better. Strollers and or wagons are perfect for hauling your children and your great finds in the hot sun. Plus, if the stroller is yours, you get to use it to carry your stuff all the way to your car. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen for you and the children as well as an umbrella and some cash.
Quick Tip:
Bring an "Attachable" umbrella. They attach to your stroller or wagon and free your hands for other things. Who needs an extra thing to carry, right?
What kind of money do they accept?
Good old American greenbacks. Cash is pretty much the only thing accepted. If you need a receipt for your purchases, you will most likely have to ask, and it will be handwritten. The regular vendors, who have set up a permanent position at the market, may take credit cards or checks. But do not expect it. There are three ATM machines one at each of the three entrances. They are well marked with a large yellow sign above them.
Quick Tip:
The ATM machines are located inside small very cold air-conditioned glass enclosures. Unless there is a line of people waiting to use the machine, take your time to get your money.
Where are the restrooms?
The restrooms are located in the center of the market, near the carnival area. Every walkway is like a small street, with street signs at each intersection. Look for the intersection street signs with the word "Restrooms". Follow it. You can also ask just about anyone. We found that every vendor was extremely helpful and friendly when asked directions. The restrooms are housed in a gray bricked single story building with facilities for the handicapped and a baby changing station. There are water fountains with relatively cool water. There are sinks for washing your hands, however there are no paper towels. There is one air blower to dry your hands, but it was not hot enough to dry our hands.
Quick Tip:
The baby changing flip down platform in the women’s restroom blocks the entrance to the handicapped stall. If you need to change your baby, be prepared to work fast!
What kinds of rides are in the carnival area?
The carnival area has five rides to choose from. They are all designed with young children in mind. They all appear to bee from the old 70’s and 80’s carnival days. They are truly classic rides.
You will find the classic Hampton brand car and rocket rides that many of us grew up riding. They are glittery metallic silver with steering wheels. They rotate on a fixed circular track under a striped canvass canopy that spins in the opposite direction. These always made it feel like you were going twice as fast! Even the lights are still working on the vehicles!
There is a helicopter ride that spins and rises up and down. This is suitable for perhaps 7 years and up. Because it gets so hot, the vendor has gracefully placed carpet remnants on the seats to keep you from burning your tooshie.
Quick Tip:
On the helicopter ride, be careful! The lap bars pop open easily, even mid-ride!
There is a small ferris wheel that my 5 year old and even my 2 year old found to be fun. And yes, they do allow adults to ride it as well. However, your 10 year old would call it a "Baby Ride".
The classic old western style carousel is a can’t miss. It is huge! You can see it from across the market. There is rust on the underside of the canopy. The images of the old west, on the sides of the canopy are faded. Even with these faults, the horses are still beautiful and it rides smooth as silk! It also spins fast enough to blow your hair back. Great break from the heat!
Each of these five rides costs just one ticket per person. Each ticket is $0.75. Parents ride with small children for free! You must buy your tickets from the ticket booth, located next to the ferris wheel. Tickets can be purchased in any denomination, from one at a time, to however many you need.
Quick Tip:
When a parent rides with a small child for free, it is "Good Form" to offer a full fare ticket for yourself, considering that the ticket cost is so low. The vendor may politely refuse your offer, but this gesture of good will seems to make the rides last longer!
When is the market open?
Traders Village is open every Saturday & Sunday from 7:00 a.m. - Dusk. This usually means that they close about 7:00 p.m., in the summer time. To get the best chance of finding the best merchandise, go early. You will get there before the crowds and beat them to that unique item you can’t live without. To find the best bargains, go later in the day. It will be hotter, but the crowds will have thinned out and the closer it is to closing time, the more likely it is that a vender will strike a deal with you on the price!
Quick Tip:
Most of the merchants are regulars to this market. Chances are if they do not have what you are looking for, they will send you another merchant who may have it. So, just ask!
Jennifer Erix is a native Houstonian, a former reporter and a mother of three. |
