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World's Longest Yardsale...
Four Days Four States Endless Bargains
 Welcome to the "World's Longest Yard Sale" along US Highway 127 and the
Lookout Mountain Parkway from Gadsden, Al., to Covington, Ky., passing through
parts of north Georgia and east Tennessee. This is the 19th year for the Yard
Sale, named by Alabama's Governor Bob Riley as a "Top Ten Event in Alabama",
which returns to a 4-day format. Four days of yard sale heaven officially
scheduled for Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 7. (The dates are
determined each year by the First Thursday in August.)
Alabama has more than
1,000 yard sale vendors alone. You will find everything from antiques,
collectibles, furniture, dishes, pots and pans, fresh garden produce, homemade
jams and jellies, food vendors, live entertainment and more. The yard sale
continues, following the U.S. 127 Corridor from Chattanooga to Covington, Ky.,
for another 350 miles of yard sale bargains. When combined, the Lookout Mountain
Parkway and the 127 Corridor has had as many as 5,000 vendors.
The Yard Sale
began as a way to promote the back roads and tourism of rural Kentucky and
Tennessee. With more than 300 attractions along the route to provide enjoyment
for the family, the Highway 127 Corridor is a relaxing alternative to Interstate
travel. RVers can experience rolling hills, beautiful scenery, river boats,
railroads, country music, arts, crafts, horses, fishing, hiking, and traces of
the Civil War and Indian History.
The Lookout Mountain Parkway was included
in the route a few years after the yard sale began. The Parkway leaves
Chattanooga as Highway 58 and becomes several different highway numbers before
reaching Gadsden. It is no longer US 127, but is the same great sale. The route
crosses the northwest corner of Georgia, adding another 100 miles for a total of
450 miles.
The Fentress County Chamber of Commerce in Jamestown, Tenn., has
served as headquarters for the 127 Corridor Sale since 1995. Centrally located
along the route, Fentress County can also claim to be the origin of the sale.
Mike Walker, the County Executive in 1987, came up with the idea of the yard
sale, worked hard to make it happen, and planned for it to be an annual event.
Thousands of people participate in the sale each year as vendors. Front
lawns turn into storefronts as items are displayed. Off road parking is
essential, and many homes have additional parking.
Through the years, vacant
fields have become convenient places to rent vendor space. This cluster of
sellers at one spot reduces the stop and park routine of the buyers. These areas
can be spotted from a distance because of the activity. In addition, community
parks, such at the South Fentress Park, have groupings of vendors, good parking
and restrooms.
Shoppers come by RV, car, truck and plane. Some fly in, rent a
car, travel the route and ship their newfound treasures back home. Some shoppers
pull a trailer behind an RV or truck, park the trailer at a convenient location
and do their shopping with the smaller vehicle. RVers are warned that a large
vehicle may prove to be a problem on this two-lane highway. And pulling a
trailer will often limit the places you can visit. Traffic congestion is part of
the annual phenomenon to be endured, but the chance of finding a treasure lures
shoppers.
Whatever mode of travel you choose, expect plenty of traffic. The
pace may slow to that of snarled rush hour traffic, with some places bumper to
bumper as shoppers stretch their necks to see what is on a seller's table or in
the front lawn.
Directions, South to North: The Yard Sale begins at the
Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Al., on top of Lookout Mountain. Going north,
follow Tabor Road, across from Noccalula Falls, until it becomes Alabama 176.
Follow 176 to Dogtown and go straight at the 4-way stop. There the road becomes
DeKalb County 89. Follow County 89 through the communities of Five Points, Fort
Payne and Fischer, past DeSoto State Park and into Mentone, Al. Turn right onto
Alabama 117 and follow to where it becomes Georgia Road #48. After crossing into
Georgia, go straight a short distance, and turn left on GA 157, then left on
136, right on 189 then right on 157 again. This route will take you directly in
front of Rock City. From there, RVers can travel down Lookout Mountain to TN 27,
which leads to the U.S. 127 Corridor for the remainder of the yard sale. The
sale finally ends in Covington, Ky.
The road winds around in Chatta-nooga
before reaching the 127 Corridor. Follow Ochs Hwy. off Lookout Mountain to
Tennessee Ave. to Broad St. to Hwy 27 to U.S. Hwy. 127. A good map will help
RVers find their way.
*Note - The Gadsden to Chattanooga route is called the
Lookout Mountain Parkway and will be marked with green signs. Reader's Digest
named the Parkway as one of America's most Scenic Drives.
Be sure to bring
plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. Dress for August in the South and wear
comfortable shoes. Remember to bring cash, too, and some smaller denominations
of bills. Most vendors aren't equipped to take credit cards, but some will take
personal checks.
Plan in advance. If you need lodging information, contact
the local Chamber of Commerce. RV sites, motels and B&Bs are often booked a
year in advance. By the weeks prior to the sale date, most of the available
lodging is taken, with most any type of overnight lodging being filled every
night.
For more information regarding the annual Hwy 127 Corridor Sale visit
the website at www.127sale.com
. Brochures can be obtained by calling
1-800-327-3945, however, there is more information on the website than in the
brochures.
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