If you want to experience the full culture of a destination you are visiting or living in, seek out the local swap meet. A swap meet is a great sampling of what an area has to offer, both new and used items will show you what the area is made of. The Las Vegas has a great outdoor swap meet that will bring you closer to the culture and its people. Over 44 acres of new and used items are for sale, but more than that there are food vendors with selections you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else in Las Vegas.
Once arriving at Broadacres Swap Meet, you will see that you did not have to go far to visit a delightful Mexican retreat in the middle of North Las Vegas. Broadacres is on the southeast corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Pecos. The best parking is off of Las Vegas Blvd., with ample spaces and easy in and out access to the street. Admission is only $1 per person. There is free entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays in the covered amphitheater where there are plenty of snack and beer vendors.
The selection of vendors is vast. You will find several regular vendors who have set up permanently that sell refurbished vacuum cleaners, car auto equipment, leather products, imports from Mexico and China, wheelchairs, refurbished strollers, rugs, jewelry, religious products, fresh fruits and vegetables, piñatas, baby items, Avon, refurbished bikes and furniture. That is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to selection here though. The vendors who bring different items every week are spread throughout too so you will see a wide variety of products in each area. It isn’t separated into categories like other swapmeets so you will see regular vendors mixed in with temporary ones making shopping a lot of fun. The clothes here, new and used are really fun to shop for. Where else are you going to get designer jeans for a dollar? You might have to look through a pile, but the treasure hunt is half the fun. But don’t think you will be walking around a glorified yard sale, many vendors have permanent buildings and are more organized than department stores. This mix makes the swap meet an adventure to say the least.
The food here is also a culinary adventure and you have to try some of the Mexican favorites like churros, chicharones, fresh coconut juice and Sandra’s Mexican Restaurant. Sandra’s is a little Mexican stand-eatery in the middle of the swap meet, and despite its humble appearances, the food and service is fabulous. Sit in their patio and they will come take your order, and make it the way you like it. In addition to Hispanic food, there is Chinese, Texas BBQ, hot dogs, pizza, snow cones, ice cream, and lots of beer stands.
The Broadacres Swap Meet is open from 6 am Friday – Sunday every week. Vendors usually start packing up around 4 pm. Wear good walking shoes, sunscreen and bring water, even in the winter. There is a lot to see so don’t let a blister or dehydration get in the way.
For more information visit www.broadacresmec.com.
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