Caravan to Savings

Sure, you could do all of your shopping at the big-box stores, filling your cart with cheap plastic whatsits and mass-manufactured whatevers. Or, you could take a soul-rejuvenating respite from the world's MegaMarts (and their terrible, M.C. Escher-inspired parking lots) and do today's shopping at the Gypsy Caravan. This annual shopping fair, presented by the St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association and located on the campus of the University of Missouri-St. Louis (1 University Boulevard at Natural Bridge Road), is always stocked with treasures. Peruse crafts, antiques and fun flea-market items from more than 300 vendors from twelve states. Bargain hunting is known to whip up a serious case of the hungries 'n' thirsties, but don't fret: Both food and beverage are available at the Gypsy Caravan. The fun begins at 9 a.m. (although early birds are welcome to pounce on deals beginning at 7 a.m.) and lasts through 5 p.m. Early bird shoppers pay $20 for the privilege of first access to the good stuff; from 9 a.m. on, tickets are $5 (with children under twelve getting in free). Proceeds benefit the St. Louis Symphony's education and community programs. Call 314-286-4452 or visit www.stlsymphony.org/gypsycaravan for more information.
Mon., May 30, 2011