Why This That and More Indoor Flea Market is Actually Worth the Drive to Seymour

Why This That and More Indoor Flea Market is Actually Worth the Drive to Seymour

If you’ve spent any time driving through Jackson County, Indiana, you know the vibe. It’s a lot of open road, some solid local diners, and a whole lot of history tucked away in brick buildings. But if you’re looking for a specific kind of treasure hunt, you basically have to stop at This That and More Indoor Flea Market. It isn't one of those high-end "antique boutiques" where everything is polished, overpriced, and strictly look-but-don't-touch. No. This is a real-deal, boots-on-the-ground flea market located right in the heart of Seymour.

It's massive.

When you walk into the building at 1500 East Tipton Street, the first thing that hits you isn't just the smell of old wood and nostalgia; it’s the sheer volume of stuff. We’re talking over 10,000 square feet of floor space. It’s the kind of place where you go in looking for a specific cast-iron skillet and walk out with a vintage Star Wars figure, a handmade wreath, and a slightly dusty set of encyclopedias from 1984. Honestly, that’s the charm.

What’s Actually Inside This That and More Indoor Flea Market?

People always ask if it’s just junk. Short answer? No. Long answer? It depends on what you consider junk. This That and More Indoor Flea Market functions on a vendor-booth model, which means you’re looking at the curated (or chaotic) collections of dozens of different local sellers. Because the inventory is tied to individual people rather than a single corporate buyer, the variety is staggering.

You’ll find a lot of "primitive" decor. In the Midwest, that’s a huge draw. We're talking distressed wood, burlap accents, and those specific types of signage that make a kitchen feel like a farmhouse. But right next to a booth full of lace doilies, you might find a guy selling nothing but high-end power tools or collectible knives. It’s a strange, beautiful juxtaposition.

  • Vintage Toys and Comics: There’s usually at least one or two booths that specialize in the 80s and 90s nostalgia. Think G.I. Joe, My Little Pony, and those old metal Tonka trucks that could actually dent a car.
  • Home Decor: Both new and old. Some vendors create "shabby chic" furniture pieces—sanding down old dressers and giving them a fresh coat of chalk paint.
  • Practical Goods: It’s not all collectibles. You can find cleaning supplies, bulk paper products, and sometimes even local honey or preserves.

The layout is a bit of a maze. That's intentional, or at least it feels that way. You wander. You backtrack. You realize you missed a shelf in the corner that has exactly what you didn't know you needed.

The Seymour Factor

Seymour, Indiana, is famous for a few things—being the "Crossroads of America" and the birthplace of John Mellencamp. But for pickers and collectors, it’s a hub because of its location. Sitting right off I-65, This That and More Indoor Flea Market gets a mix of local regulars who check in every Tuesday to see what’s new and travelers who are just passing through on their way to Louisville or Indianapolis.

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The staff there are locals. They know the vendors. If you’re looking for something specific, like a particular type of Depression glass or a specific year of a license plate, you can usually just ask. Even if they don't have it, they probably know which vendor is likely to bring it in next week. That kind of institutional knowledge is something you just don't get at a Target or even a larger, more corporate "antique mall."

Why Flea Markets Like This Are Seeing a Massive Resurgence

Let's talk about the "why." Why are people flocking to a warehouse in Seymour instead of just clicking "Buy Now" on Amazon?

Sustainability is a huge part of it. We are living in an era of "fast furniture" and disposable everything. People are tired of particle board that falls apart if you move it to a different room. At This That and More Indoor Flea Market, you're often buying things that were built to last a century. Even the kitschy 1970s kitchenware has a weight and a soul to it that modern plastic just lacks.

Then there’s the price. Inflation hasn't hit the flea market world quite as hard as the grocery store. You can still find a solid deal. Negotiating isn't always possible because the vendors aren't always standing at their booths—the central checkout handles the sales—but the prices are generally set to move. Vendors don't want to pay rent on a booth for months without turning over their stock. They want their stuff in your trunk.

Honestly, it’s also about the "thrill of the hunt." There is a legitimate dopamine hit that comes from digging through a bin of old records and finding a first pressing of a classic album for five bucks. You can't replicate that online. Algorithms show you what you already like. Flea markets show you what you forgot you loved.

Tips for Navigating the Aisles

If you're planning a trip to This That and More Indoor Flea Market, don't just wing it. Well, you can wing it, but you’ll have a better time if you follow a few basic rules of the road.

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  1. Bring Cash (But They Take Cards): Most of these places take cards now, but having cash can sometimes help if a vendor is actually on-site and you want to haggle a bit. More importantly, it helps you stick to a budget. It is very easy to go in for a $2 item and leave $200 lighter.
  2. Dress for the Climate: It’s an indoor market, sure. But it’s a big building. In the dead of an Indiana winter, it can be a little chilly until you get moving. In the summer, it gets humid. Wear layers.
  3. Check the Corners: Vendors often tuck their best deals or weirdest items in the back of their booths to draw people in. Don't just scan the eye-level shelves. Look up. Look down. Move a box.
  4. Timing Matters: Weekends are busy. If you want a peaceful stroll where you can really inspect the merchandise without bumping elbows, try a Tuesday or Wednesday morning.

The Logistics: Getting There and Staying Fed

The market is located at 1500 East Tipton Street in Seymour. It’s pretty hard to miss. Tipton Street is the main drag that runs through town (it’s also US 50).

If you're coming from out of town, make a day of it. Seymour has some genuinely great local food. After you've spent two hours walking the aisles at This That and More Indoor Flea Market, you're going to be hungry.

  • Larrison’s Diner: It’s a classic. Very close by. It feels like stepping back into the 1950s, and the burgers are legit.
  • The Brooklyn Pizza Company: If you want something a bit heavier, their crust is excellent.
  • Batar: If you want something a bit more "refined" and tea-room style, this is a local favorite, though it’s a short drive toward the outskirts.

The market generally stays open seven days a week, which is a rarity. Most flea markets are weekend-only affairs. This allows for a much more relaxed shopping experience. You don't have that frantic "Saturday morning rush" energy where people are practically sprinting to get to the good stuff first.

Addressing the Misconceptions

One thing people get wrong about This That and More Indoor Flea Market is thinking it’s an antique mall. It’s not. There’s a difference. An antique mall usually has stricter requirements for how old items must be. A flea market is a "free for all" in the best way possible.

You will see brand new tube socks. You will see handmade soap. You will see 100-year-old farm tools. You will see DVDs.

Some people find the mix jarring. I find it honest. It reflects the community. It’s a place where a local artisan can sell their crochet work right next to someone cleaning out their grandfather’s attic. It’s an economy of the people.

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Another misconception: "It’s all overpriced because of the internet." While it's true that every vendor has a smartphone and can check eBay prices, that doesn't mean they do. Or, more likely, they realize that an eBay price includes shipping and the hassle of packing. Often, the prices here are significantly lower because they just want the item gone.

Final Thoughts on the Experience

There is something deeply grounding about spending an afternoon at This That and More Indoor Flea Market. In a world that feels increasingly digital and ephemeral, holding a heavy glass vase or flipping through a stack of physical magazines feels real. It’s a tactile experience.

It’s also a social one. You’ll overhear conversations about local high school sports, the weather, and "who had that one thing at that one booth last month." It’s a community hub disguised as a retail space.

If you're a collector, a decorator, or just someone who likes looking at weird stuff, it's a must-visit. You won't find everything you want, but you'll almost certainly find something you didn't know you wanted. And honestly, isn't that the whole point?

Actionable Next Steps

If you're ready to make the trip, here is your immediate checklist:

  • Clear your trunk: You think you won't buy anything big. You're wrong. Make sure you have room for a surprise end table or a crate of records.
  • Check their Facebook page: They often post photos of new arrivals or announce special holiday hours. It’s the most up-to-date way to see what the booths look like right now.
  • Set a time limit: Or don't. But be aware that "just popping in" usually turns into two hours. Plan your day accordingly.
  • Bring a "search list": If you're looking for specific items (like "green jadeite" or "size 10 cast iron"), write it down. It’s easy to get distracted by the shiny objects and forget why you came.
  • Inspect before you buy: All sales are final at these types of establishments. Check for cracks, test the plugs if there’s an outlet nearby, and make sure all the parts are in the box.

Go with an open mind. The best treasures are usually the ones you weren't looking for.