One afternoon, while driving around, I stumbled upon this place. I thought the frontage road behind Sam’s Club wouldn’t lead anywhere, but for some reason I had that feeling I needed to explore. It was
One afternoon, while driving around, I stumbled upon this place. I thought the frontage road behind Sam’s Club wouldn’t lead anywhere, but for some reason I had that feeling I needed to explore. It was a gorgeous day in late June, and I took advantage of it.
First Impressions
I drove past the store…did a double take, turned around in a random parking lot, then headed back. The first thing that caught my attention initially were the lawn ornaments. Hand-crafted from salvaged metal, rustic and unique.
As I made my way in, I found a plethora of nifty trinkets. Everything from elegant tapestry to farmhouse tools to vintage records.
Lucy & Woody
Near the front desk, off to the left, I found a china hutch stocked with the very soap and lotion I’ve been using the past year. Lucy & Woody. I usually find her booths at the Farmer’s Market or various craft fairs, but had no idea she partnered with local businesses. How smart!
Wonderland of Trinkets
As I walked around, I found myself discovering similar items I’ve seen in my grandfather’s basement and 80s toys I used to play with. We, unfortunately, are still sorting through our belongings from moving last year. I’m taking things to the Salvation Army probably every 3 months, so we cannot afford, nor do we have room for, any extras. However, I assure you, if we had a fresh start, I would patronize this place for one-of-a-kind household items I know no one else has, and everyone would envy.
Annual Outdoor Swap Meet
After leaving Secondhand Finds, I felt extremely accomplished. I discovered a part of Sioux City I had never known. Which is why when I found out they host the annual Outdoor Swap Meet in the Fall, I knew I had to return. It started at 9:00 a.m. and I got there around 11:00 a.m., quickly realizing I should have arrived earlier. A line of cars sluggishly maneuvering through the frontage road, I decided not to fight the crowded parking lots and parked about a block away.
When I got out of my car and started walking, I saw multiple RVs and storage trucks. People travelled from all around to sell their items. Some homemade, and some items looked like they had been stored in someone’s attic for the last 30 years. Up and down the aisles I perused. I felt like I was in a giant yard sale.
I saw a seven-piece hand-crafted wooden dining room set, antique car parts, collectors’ dolls and mid-century furniture and lamps. Coming to just look, and not buy, I noticed when someone would put something down after examining it, the next person quickly plucked it up, claiming it as their own.
I spent maybe half an hour getting myself acquainted with the setting, sights and sounds. I knew I was going to return next year, but I also knew I needed to come early. Maybe even an hour in advance. Next year I still may not need anything, but it’s always neat to see and touch a piece of history.
Plan Your Visit
The ladies that run this business are always acquiring new items. I see them at multiple craft fairs around town, and I love that they support other local businesses.
Plan for nostalgia overload when you make your visit, or look for them at the next craft fair.
Visit their website: https://www.secondhandfinds.com
Or find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jjandcobiz/
Store hours:
Mon-Thurs: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
4400 S York St
Sioux City, IA
712-233-2345