A Tiny Texas City East Of Dallas Provides Small Town Charm With World-Famous Shopping

Many visitors come to Texas with a specific event in mind, maybe something like the Texas State Fair, America's largest of its kind, which hosts over 2 million guests annually. If you, too, want to marvel at a 55-foot-tall talking cowboy or ride the biggest Ferris wheel in Texas, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better activity. But if you're looking for a more authentic experience, where you can get all of your seasonal shopping done, a trip to Canton is the best destination in the Lone Star State for you.

Famous for hosting the world's largest flea market, this tiny city of just over 4,400 in East Texas makes for the perfect slow-paced alternative to other more crowded hubs. Keep in mind that you'll get the most out of your experience when the market is open, but visiting during "off" days brings a quieter atmosphere and easy parking. The downtown streets are walkable and many of the businesses are family or locally owned. You'll also find historic architecture that's just waiting to be admired. In short, you'll have a great time here even when you're not shopping.

Another perk of a visit to Canton is that it's still relatively close to bigger cities like Dallas, which is just over 60 miles away. In fact, most travelers coming to town pass through the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. There aren't any major train or bus services that can transport you to Canton which means you'll need to rent a car to get around.

Before we delve into the iconic Canton Flea Market, it's worth taking a second to explore all the other facets that make this small Texas city a place worth adding to your bucket list. Foodies will love trying out local favorites like Ole West Bean & Burger. They're well known for the great salad bar and chicken-fried steak. Combine that with the impeccable service and the complimentary ice cream that comes at the end of your meal, and you've got yourself a must-try spot.

Native Son Family Restaurant is another unmissable gem that exudes that warm, inviting Texan charm with its traditional American fare and close-knit atmosphere. If you come here, keep two things in mind: First, the pork chops are a must-try, and second, try to go on weekends because there is often live music at night. If you're looking for something even more casual that's open 24/7, Dairy Palace is your spot. The ever-popular Canton joint has been serving delicious burgers and pies since 1984.

Whether you're traveling with little ones or want to try something out of the usual small-town box, it's worth driving five minutes northwest of the city center to Splash Kingdom Paradise Island. It's a surprisingly big water park that comes with complex waterslides, a wave pool, a snack bar, and even a kids' castle. There's also a lazy river, a flow rider wave simulator, and fun bubble events. If, after all that, you've still got some time, plan a day trip to Lancaster, a quintessential small Texas city that boasts a historic town square and scenic trails and is about an hour away from Canton.

The famous First Monday Trade Days, otherwise known as the Canton Flea Market, is the largest flea market on Earth and the biggest draw to this tiny town. Despite its name, the event runs Thursday through Sunday before the first Monday of each month. Here, you'll find 450 acres filled with vintage treasures that are sold by over 5,000 vendors. If you're ready to get shopping, coming early helps, especially on Thursdays or Fridays. Weekends, of course, are busier, but whenever you come, make sure to wear comfy shoes, bring cash (since some vendors don't accept cards), and keep a water bottle with you at all times. Because the market has lots of uncovered spaces, the experience is fairly weather-dependent. You'll want to slather on the sunscreen and bring an umbrella, just in case. Parking in most areas costs between $5 and $10 a day, but make sure to leave your car away from the main gate so you don't get stuck when it's time to go home. 

If you don't get to go to the First Monday Trade Days (or just don't want to deal with the chaos), you can browse through all the boutiques and antique stores in town. Timeless Treasures is one of the local favorites, selling everything from collectibles and practical garden tools to candles and one-of-a-kind furniture. Customers rave about the great prices and there are plenty of booths to check out. Your shopping spree doesn't have to end here. Forney, "the antique capital of Texas," and a charming suburb with unique shopping opportunities is just under 45 minutes away from Canton.