After a long day at the Brimfield Antique Show of carefully collecting fall inventory– and not-so-carefully roasting unsunscreened in the July sun– I realized I could maybe impart a little more wisdom.

For those that haven’t gone to Brimfield before, it’s well worth the trip. Even if you don’t like antiques, there is unparalleled people-watching. Thousands of antique-dealing families set up camp in grassy fields stretching a one mile length of rural highway– the result is carnival-like. And for those that do like antiques, there are amazing things to find. As I mentioned before, don’t let its size overwhelm. There are good things evenly distributed amongst the junk. Just park your car in one of the lots in the middle and take your time.

But more practically speaking, here are a few more tips:

1. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. And bring sunscreen!
2. Bring lots of cash. ATMs are hard to find and have $3 fees. Cash is all most dealers will take.
3. Start early. Most dealers operate from about 6am to 4pm. And many start packing up even earlier.

The summer show runs through Sunday, so there’s still plenty of time to plan a trip!