Your mission, should you choose to accept it: Complete a 690-mile scavenger hunt – despite frequent stops, heavy traffic, massive crowds and myriad temptations slowing your progress. You have four days.
Yes, bargain shoppers, it’s time again for the World’s Longest Yard Sale, the annual rummage royale that has drawn a cult following since its debut in 1987. This year’s sale starts today, Aug. 7, and ends Sunday, Aug. 10.
Route of World’s Longest Yard Sale eventThe route stretches through six states, following Highway 127 from Addison, Mich., south through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia before ending in Gadsden, Ala. Tri-state travelers should note that U.S. 127 becomes Lookout Mountain Parkway south of Chattanooga.
It’s not necessary to make the complete trek, of course, or to shop all four days. But the faithful turn out every year hoping for a one-of-a-kind find in the wonky mix of wares.
The event draws sellers of all sorts too – from professional road warriors with made-in-China merchandise to front-yard entrepreneurs hoping to turn a profit from their garage, basement and attic excesses. You’ll find them set up in yards, fields, parking lots and wide places in the road all along the route. The smart ones find shade.