The Truth Behind Pa's QIDC 100 Mile Yard Sale Experience

Hello thrifties, whether you've heard of PA's 100-mile yard sale or are here to learn, be sure to check out my previous posts: here, here, and here. Otherwise, let's dive into the realities of shopping this sale.

I've been shopping this sale for a few years now, and let me tell you, it's always a fun experience! You never know what treasures you'll uncover. I haven't come across a donation bin in this area, and since everything is quite a distance away, it seems like everyone saves their goodies just for this event. So come ready to shop!

Let's kick off by accepting that you don't need to complete the entire sale in just one day—it's simply not realistic! Even wrapping it up in two days is quite ambitious, but that's part of the challenge!

Just a heads up about this area—it's pretty rural, and some houses are up on hills. Most driveways aren't paved; they're usually gravel or dirt. If you park on the roadside, you might end up stepping into some tall grass. Make sure to bring bug spray, sunscreen, and skip the flip flops. Sneakers are definitely the way to go here.

When attending this sale, enter with no expectations, particularly regarding name-brand clothing, or you'll be disappointed. In this rural area, most clothing consists of common, everyday brands. Although the internet offers access to high-end brands, they don't align with the lifestyle here. When shopping at a mega sale or any sale, consider the people you're buying from. Homes worth millions will feature high-end brands, professional attire, and Pottery Barn décor. In rural areas, you'll find practical, everyday items and outdoor hobbies like archery, fishing, and hunting. Expect many new items from Walmart and Dollar General. I refer to these as pallet sellers, and they are plentiful. 

✨DO expect higher end outdoor wear; Lands End, Carhartt, etc

✨Do NOT expect women's/men's professional wear, suits, tees, high-end dress shoes, Pottery Barn or Anthropologie home décor, or fussy furnishings and linens. In all the miles I covered over several years of shopping this sale, I have yet to see a set of golf clubs!

✨Vintage finds are everywhere, and they're usually priced to sell! While stumbling upon a priceless antique tucked away in someone's shed isn't out of the realm of possibility, it's not something to bank on. However, you can definitely expect to discover treasures from the 70s, 80s, and a whole lot from the 90s! This sale even featured several 1950sformica tables, which was a first for me. Plus, there are loads of genuine antique dishes, glass decor items, and larger furniture pieces waiting for you. So, come ready to transport your finds if that's what you're chasing!

✨If you're into outdoor adventures like hunting, camping, fishing, or hiking, you'll find all the gear you need—from tents to fishing waders and snow boots. Guns are a big deal around here too, and there's no shortage of fishing rods and supplies.

✨If you're into rustic weddings or just need wedding or party supplies, this place is a goldmine. I spotted enough stuff to pull off a bunch of themed weddings, whether you're going for boho, shabby chic, or country vibes. If a rustic wedding is what you're dreaming of, you definitely want to check this out. Plus, recycling your wedding supplies is just smart.

✨Finding warm outerwear is a breeze here too, and you can score some good brands like Carhartt. When you're out in the woods on a tree stand, staying warm is a big deal.

✨DO expect to find cowboy boots and hiking/winter boots: there's plenty for the whole family.

✨Finding kids' clothes and toys is a given. You might think this secluded spot would mostly have older folks, but there are actually tons of families, and they have kids' clothes and toys everywhere. Nerf guns are a popular choice, and so are those ride-on jeeps, probably because the parents are into ATVs. Boys' clothes tend to get worn out quicker than girls' once they hit about 7 years old. The girls' clothes here are more practical and less frilly. You definitely won't come across any fancy pageant or quinceañera dresses!

✨If you're in the market for yard tools, chainsaws, and snow blowers, you're in the right place!

✨Camo anything and everything is big up here. I've seen it all, from bed sheets and purses to women's flats and even a plate set!

✨DVDs: Believe it or not, there's still money to be made with DVDs! You can snag them for pretty cheap, and in rural areas where streaming isn't as easy to access, you'll find tons of them around.

Now that you know what to expect to find, here are some unwritten expectations for visiting the area:

Shop small: support small businesses, and eat at non-chain restaurants.  Some of my personal favorites in this area are Beer Barrel Burger, Gio’s BBQ, and Old Town Rd Dairy.  Stay at a local bed and breakfast, hunting cabin, or Airbnb. 

Want to eat well without spending much? Check out the JG Food Warehouse in Clearfield! You can grab a huge store-made sub for just $9.95. It's seriously as tall as my knee! Slice it up to share with friends or keep it all for yourself as you shop for deals!

Donate: Some of the local fire companies run fundraising events, like "fill the boot," on the same days as the yard sale. Even if you're not from around here, you can still show your support for them and the awesome community that hosts this event every year. Grab a hot dog or snack at the firehouse, and you can use their restroom too!

Tell your friends! 

The advertising budget for this sale is small and making it happen each year takes a ton of time from awesome volunteers and locals. They also make sure we have those must-have port-a-potties! Getting the word out isn't cheap, but there's no better or cheaper advertising than good old word of mouth!

Spend time and talk to the sellers. When they're not swamped with customers, I've met some awesome people who wanted to share a story about the item I was buying or just a random tidbit about themselves and where they're from.

Finally, be respectful of the locals, wildlife, and the community. Remember to pick up your trash. Keep your music at a chill volume. Enjoy a walk on a hiking trail or by the Susquehanna River, take in the nature vibes, and enjoy the view. Keep an eye out for deer and elk, and be mindful of the wildlife around you.

I racked up a ton of miles on my car driving to and from the sale, hitting up the sale itself, and checking out nearby Goodwill's. Plus, I paid for two nights at an Airbnb. Will I make that money back from selling the stuff I bought? Nope, especially since most of it is for me. So why do I do it? Because I love traveling, shopping, and finding bargains. Put those together, and you get mega yard sales, not just around here but wherever I can go! If I only thought about money, I'd miss out on visiting charming little towns and meeting amazing people along the way.

Life's short—thrift it!