We don’t all get the luxury of looking over private collections the way that the guys from American Pickers do, but just about the time they are making their way through Michigan this August you and I can get a glimpse into roadside Americana thanks to “Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale.”
Bargain hunters and treasure seekers in search of the holy grail can be a part of this grand affair that runs more than 180-miles across the southern tier of Michigan including through Southern Berrien County right here at home.
If you love shopping and searching for hidden treasures, it’s a journey well worth considering, thanks to the US 12 Heritage Trail Garage Sale. The big event is aptly called, “Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale.”
Every year individuals clean out their attics and stake out their front yards along the US-12 corridor stretching over 180 miles from New Buffalo to Detroit. You will find everything from antiques, collectibles, furniture, dishware, fresh garden produce, homemade jams and jellies, live entertainment and much more. The sales can be found along the highway at homes, farms, businesses, parking lots and fields. Some areas will have large numbers of vendors while others may be scattered. Perhaps even more interesting than the “treasures” are the people you will meet along the way. As you drive the country roads on your quest, you will be privy to incredible stories related to the individuals and the items they sell and see a plethora of items that only your grandmother could love. Most importantly most come to see the unusual and socialize. It is Americana at its best.
Preparations are underway in many homes, organizations and businesses across US 12 for Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale which will take place on August 11, 12, & 13, 2017 (Friday–Sunday). US-12, which is the nation’s second oldest highway, is an old Native American trail from Detroit to New Buffalo here on the state’s southwest coast. It is one of 16 Michigan State Scenic Byways, designated by the State Legislature to preserve the state’s historic highways. Since the sale started in 2003, it has taken place during the second weekend of every August.
Anyone who is interested in hosting a garage sale is encouraged to register his or her sale for free on the new US 12 Heritage Trail website www.us12heritagetrail.org by August 8th. If you register your sale online it will be a part of the list of sales to be included in the interactive online map and a page listing all the sales, which can be viewed or printed one week prior to the sale. Items of all shapes and sizes are sold along the route. There is no cost to register your sale on the map, so register today.
If you need a place to set up, there are also rentable locations available throughout the US 12 Corridor Sale route. Visit the website to contact folks who offer spaces for rent. Another way to find a spot is to keep an eye out for signs advertising vendor spaces while you are driving along the route. If you want to list your location as a space to rent a garage sale, then register your sale on the website for free today.
Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale continues to grow in popularity with people in Michigan and the surrounding states. Visitors and people who are hosting sales are encouraged to upload stories to the US 12 Heritage Trail website about their experiences.
There are several big events that are taking place along US 12 such as the Saline Summerfest featuring the traditional family-oriented food, music, and fun of Saline’s annual “Picnic in the Park.” Visit www.salinesummerfest.org to learn more about their juried craft and art show, a trolley tour of Saline’s most intriguing historical sights, street machines, and other special treats.
Another upcoming event is the 33rd Annual New Buffalo Ship & Shore Festival taking place along US 12 on August 10th-13th. For more information visit www.newbuffalo.org. Check out the US 12 events page for more information.
There are several community wide garage sales that take place along US 12 that same weekend. Everyone is reminded that safety is important and to please drive carefully along the route during the sale. For more information about Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale and other attractions visit the US 12 Heritage Trail website at www.us12heritagetrail.org and like us on Facebook @ US 12 Heritage Trail.
