Celebrate Sustainable Shopping in Gloucester with Two Exciting Events this October
As the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall settle over Gloucester, October invites you to slow down, explore, and shop with intention. This season, two community-driven events are shining a spotlight on the power of secondhand shopping and supporting local: Secondhand Saturdays and the Fall Homestead Market + Community Yard Sale. Together, they celebrate not just the joy of finding a treasure, but the impact of shopping sustainably and keeping our local economy thriving.
Secondhand Saturdays: Every Saturday in October
Pin cushion with words “home made” at Upsy Daisy
Each weekend in October, Gloucester’s thrift, antique, and upcycled shoppes offer the chance to browse curated collections of gently loved furniture, vintage décor, timeless fashion, and unique collectibles. These aren’t just bargains—they’re stories waiting to continue in your home.
By choosing secondhand, you’re doing more than saving money:
Supporting local businesses that devote their time to brining you unique and curated collections.
Reducing waste by giving high-quality items a second life instead of sending them to landfills.
Preserving craftsmanship with pieces made to last, often at a fraction of the cost of new.
Embracing creativity as you repurpose and reinvent finds into something uniquely yours.
Blue vases at Holly Hills Antiques
Blue vase decorated at York & Main
Locations
Map of Gloucester identifying 13 locations
Goodman’s Antiques and Estate Jewelry
Habitat for Humanity Re-Store
Marketplace Antiques
Helping the Homeless Thrift Store
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
York & Main
Stagecoach Market & Antiques
Holly Hills Antiques
Swan Tavern
Upsy Daisy
Timeless Treasures
Nifty Thrifty- Her Three Boys
New! Fall Homestead Market + Community Yard Sale: October 19, 12–5 PM
Local jams at Nuttall’s Store
On October 19, the Old Page Grounds become a celebration of cozy, intentional living. The Fall Homestead Market showcases locally made goods—artisan crafts, seasonal décor, baked treats, and homegrown produce—that embody the beauty of handmade and homegrown.
Adding to the day is the Community Yard Sale, where neighbors offer gently used items and vintage finds ready for a second chapter. It’s a treasure hunter’s dream and a reminder that shopping sustainably starts right in your own backyard.
After you fill your reusable shopping bags (limited quantity available from HR Green!), listen to some local folk music by Nathan Stephenson, enjoy a rustic photo booth, get some tips and tricks to bring these themes into your home from our educational seminars, or even take a pony ride! As you leave, consider purchasing a pumpkin as a final detail for your fall starter-kit.
Virginia Green logo
Visit Gloucester is proud to recognize that the Fall Homestead Market is a Virginia Green-certified event. Learn more here.
Make It a Fall Weekend Getaway
Vintage decorations at Warner Hall
With so much to explore, why not turn your trip into a long-weekend escape? Gloucester offers lodging for every style—from the newly renovated Warner Hall, a historic estate blending timeless elegance with modern comforts, to modern-yet-rustic camping options that let you wake up surrounded by autumn’s beauty. Pair your treasure hunting with waterfront dining, scenic trails, and the charm of small-town hospitality for a getaway that’s equal parts relaxing and inspiring.
Why Shop Local and Secondhand?
These events highlight how everyday choices can make a big difference:
Strengthen your community. Local businesses and artisans thrive when you choose them over big-box retailers.
Invest in quality. Secondhand and handmade items often offer superior craftsmanship and durability compared to mass-produced goods.
Reduce your footprint. Repurposing and reusing keeps valuable resources in circulation and minimizes environmental impact.
Find treasures with character. Vintage pieces carry history and charm that you can’t find on a store shelf.
This October, shop with purpose. Whether you’re strolling through a secondhand store or browsing under the falling leaves, every purchase supports your neighbors, protects the planet, and brings new life to something special. In Gloucester, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a tradition worth celebrating.