A 690-mile treasure hunt: ‘World’s Longest Yard Sale’ set for August

DECATUR — For the past 35 years, shoppers and visitors have traveled up and down U.S. 127 finding treasures and bargains.

And, the annual World’s Longest Yard Sale, the 690-mile shopping trip from Alabama to Michigan, will take place Aug. 4-7.

Many shoppers begin at the southernmost point in Gadsden, taking the scenic Lookout Mountain Parkway to Chattanooga and then following U.S. 127 north to Addison, Mich.

Along with shopping, treasure hunting, and bargains, there is plenty of sightseeing to do along the North Alabama stretch that begins in Gadsden and travels through DeKalb County into Chattanooga.

The World’s Longest Yard Sale offers antiques, collectibles, furniture and dishware, as well as fresh local produce, homemade jams and jellies, and food vendors and live entertainment.

It is estimated there will be more than 1,000 vendors along the Alabama route. For a list of locations and/or small areas with a minimum of 25 vendors each in Alabama, click here.

Created to get travelers off the interstate and into towns and communities off the beaten path, the World’s Longest Yard Sale takes visitors on a shopping excursion through some of the country’s most scenic areas. The 93-mile Lookout Mountain Parkway has been touted “A Must See” by Reader’s Digest,  National Geographic, and Southern Living magazines, providing a beautiful backdrop to the thousands of roadside sales.

Along with four days of shopping, visitors can experience a slice of Americana featuring  Southern hospitality, locally owned restaurants and accommodations, and a world of nature, including majestic waterfalls, canyons, and scenic vistas, along with unique towns and villages, state and national parks and preserves.

Vendors are typically up and running by 8 a.m. and operate until late in the evening. Shoppers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, insect repellent and sunscreen and to bring plenty of hand sanitizer and water.

For lodging information, directions, road closures and more information, call DeKalb Tourism at 1-888-805-4740 or Greater Gadsden Area Tourism at 1-888-565-0411.