It’s That time again….

For MacKenzie-Childs fans everywhere the Barn Sale is here!!

My love for MacKenzie-Childs began while living in New York and happen to stumble into the showroom.

It wasn’t until years later that I heard that each summer MacKenzie-Childs has a blow out barn sale where many of their items are 80% off the retail price. A bargain hunters dream!

My first visit to the MacKenzie-Childs headquarters was several years ago when my son was going to a college visit to Hobart Smith College. MacKenzie-Childs is located on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake in Aurora, New York.  The once dairy farms sits up on a hill overlooking the Cayuga River. It is in a beautiful part of the state filled with winding roads and vineyards. Beware! If you are driving too fast, which we were, you will completely miss the driveway. There is no fanfare of billboards and flashing lights leading up to the house. I kept saying to Thurston, “This can’t be right! We’re lost! Pull over!”

Which brings us to today! As you prepare for the sale here are 5 Essentials to bring with you to the sale:

#1  As the Boy Scouts say, “Be Prepared!” If you are up for the true Barn Sale experience be prepared to sleep out. So bring something to sleep on whether it is a sleeping bag or even an air mattress.

#2  Bring a Chair! the wait can be long and your legs will get tired. Besides you want to save your strength for all the bargain shopping. 

#3 Dress in layers. You never know what you’re in for. It could be sweltering or there are some evenings that it can be quite breezy.

#4 Bug Spray – nothing puts a damper on a camp out like a swarm of mosquitos.

#5 Bring a flashlight to make your way to the port-o-potties.

#6 Toilet paper – don’t have to explain this one!!

#7 Probably the most important – Bring your good spirits (no not drinks) The general atmosphere is one of fun and camaraderie. People come from all over the country and are excited to be there and share their stories. Enjoy!

Stay tuned! My next post is a Mackenzie-Childs DIY project.