Antiques, Curiosities, and More: Unearth Hidden Gems this Weekend at the 400-Mile Yard Sale on US 68

US Highway 68, Ky. — As the sun rises on the first day of June, the annual U.S. 68 Yard Sale, affectionately known as the 400-Mile Sale, is already in full swing. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is urging bargain hunters and treasure seekers traversing the route to be vigilant, as the event generates heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic along the U.S. 68 Corridor through Kentucky, stretching from McCracken to Mason counties.

A tradition since 2004, the four-day sale brings together the community, collectors, and explorers alike. This grand yard sale event was founded by Debbie Spencer with the aim of highlighting antique shops and curiosities scattered along the highway. The torch has been carried since 2019 by Judy Spencer and, most recently, Tara Hall took the reins as Director in March 2022.

The U.S. 68 Yard Sale, at times referred to as the Highway 68 Yard Sale, has stood the test of time, enduring even through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a rescheduled event in October 2020. The counties along the route have always been the event’s primary sponsors, but 2023 marks a first: Perryville Outlet Furniture has stepped in as the sale’s inaugural business sponsor.

The yard sale presents a unique opportunity to stroll through Kentucky’s history and culture while making exciting discoveries and unearthing valuable finds. However, amid the excitement, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is reminding attendees about necessary safety measures. These include vigilance for parked cars, slowing traffic, and vehicles turning into or out of side streets and driveways. Pedestrian safety is paramount, particularly near yard sales where children and pets may be present.

To help guide attendees and make their experience more seamless, the 400mile.com website, revamped in 2022, now includes a Map My Route feature. This allows users to sort sales by day, regional shopping, and by item type, acting as a treasure map to the many unique offerings along the route.

However, two notable exemptions exist from the sale route. One is a 10-mile-long stretch of U.S. 68 concurrent with KY 80 in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. This area is under the authority of the U.S. Forest Service. The second is a 20-mile segment of U.S. 68 in Metropolitan Lexington and Fayette County, where high traffic volume makes participation in the yard sale impractical.

Coinciding with the U.S. 68 Yard Sale, towns such as Smiths Grove in eastern Warren County and Elkton, the county seat of Todd County, often hold their town-wide yard sales. In addition, the Glasgow Highland Games at Barren River Lake State Resort Park south of the U.S. 68 corridor, is typically held during the same weekend.

Over the years, the event has garnered local and national media attention. It was featured in June 2015 on two cable television programs, Great American Country’s Endless Yard Sale, and Small Town Big Deal, which showcased various yard sale spots along the corridor. Locally, the event is consistently covered by the dual ABC/Fox network affiliate, WBKO, based in Bowling Green.

Whether you are a seasoned bargain hunter, antique enthusiast, or just looking for a fun-filled weekend activity, the U.S. 68 Yard Sale promises a unique adventure. As you embark on this treasure hunt, remember the guiding principle shared by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: “Watch for pedestrians, use seat belts, obey posted speed limits and other traffic laws, refrain from drinking and driving, and, last but not least, have fun.”