How to Master the 50 Mile Garage Sale on Route 90

The 50-mile garage sale snakes along Route 90, from Homer to Montezuma, July 30-31, this year. The event takes on the air of a festival with BBQs, bake sales, lemonade stands, and pop-up breakfast stops sprinkled along the way. The wineries, breweries, shops, and restaurants throw open their doors to weary antiquers and bargain hunters alike. You never know precisely what you'll find at the hundreds of garage sales along the way.

Whether it's just the thing you've been searching for or something special you never knew you needed, we've compiled a few tips to help you on your treasure-hunting adventures.

1. Start off on the right foot. While you'll be doing a fair amount of driving, you'll spend an equal amount of time walking. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes. We suggest you also consider wearing (or packing) layers. The cool mornings quickly melt into steamy afternoons in late July.

2. Cash is king. While some sellers may offer Paypal or Venmo, please don't assume they will. Cash also gives you more leverage to haggle the price when the seller can avoid additional fees and charges.

3. Keep your cool. You'll need more than just a good poker face to nab the best deals. We recommend you keep a cooler with water and a few snacks in the car. You never know what back road adventures you might find yourself on. Be prepared. On that note, might we suggest an old-school road map? The best bargains oft' live where the wi-fi isn't. Need a map? Please stop in the visitors center; we've got you covered.

4. Keep boredom at bay. Load your phone with a good playlist to get you pumped, your favorite podcast or audiobook. If you're traveling with the kiddos, make sure all their devices are charged, the headsets a packed, and maybe pick up some good old-fashioned car games. We love The License Plate Game. People drive from all over the country for the thrill of the find, so there is no storage of out-of-state plates to collect. 

5. The early bird gets the worm. If you're searching for something quite particular, it would be a good idea to hit the road first thing Saturday morning. However, Sunday afternoon is the time to pounce if you're just on the hunt for a good deal. By late Sunday, most sellers simply want it gone and are willing to sell items for a song if it means they don't have to pack it back up.

6. I see a potty on the right! While the wide open road was made for impromptu capers, might we suggest you have a few plotted potty stops? Sellers will most like not to be willing to open their homes. While you're at it, consider calling ahead to the restaurant you've got your eye on. Even a half-hour notice can help ensure you have a table waiting for you when you arrive. You're not the only hungry traveler. 

Speaking of good eats, if you're starting your adventure in Homer, here are a few places to fuel up. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Stop by one of these spots for a hot and delicious handheld breakfast sandwich, muffin, bagel, or burrito for the road.

If the end of the trail brings you to Homer, we have plenty of ways to celebrate the sweet taste of victory! Whether you looking for a cold pint or a pint of ice cream, we have just the spot to toast your day. 

Share your Cortland County finds & treasures with us for a chance to be featured! Tag @experiencecortland and use hashtag #experiencecortland.