BETHLEHEM, Pa. — When Sophie Nicholas and Brady McIntyre found themselves driving across multiple states to browse vintage markets, they realized the Lehigh Valley was missing something essential.
Now, their monthly Bethlehem Vintage Market has transformed a personal quest for weekend antiquing into a thriving community hub that draws dozens of vendors and hundreds of shoppers to the Bethlehem Rose Garden each month.
For years, the Bethlehem pair found themselves driving to vintage markets everywhere from Baltimore to Massachusetts, chasing the perfect mix of authentic finds and community atmosphere. “We were traveling to different areas, different states even, to attend vintage markets, and we were really just trying to find a way to bring the market to us,” Nicholas explains.
McIntyre grew up immersed in the antique world, accompanying his mother to her Trexlertown store, and mastering the art of secondhand treasure hunting through house cleanouts, estate sales, and pre-dawn flea market runs.
Rooting through discarded boxes with his parents, flashlights in hand, shaped his appreciation for vintage goods—and his knack for selling them. Sophie brings the shopper’s perspective, understanding what consumers enjoy as a long-time enjoyer of vintage pop-ups and self-made enthusiast over years of thrifting.
Together, they recognized a gap in the Valley’s cultural landscape. McIntyre, a Lehigh Valley native, notes, “There wasn’t really a consistent vintage market in this area, and [the Lehigh Valley] has such rich history that we kind of thought it would do well over here.” They were right.
They launched the market in May of 2024 at the Sun Inn Courtyard, hosting only fifteen vendors at a time. But demand quickly outgrew the historic venue and the pair set up shop this season at the Rose Garden, regularly maintaining around 60 vendors—a rapid growth that has surprised even them.
“I was kind of shocked at how much people liked it,” Sophie admits. “Originally, I was just jokingly thinking Brady could take the opportunity to get rid of the stuff in our attic, and I mean, I didn’t expect so many vendors to want to jump on board.”
Both Nicholas and McIntyre had once believed that Main Street’s steady stream of shoppers was keeping the market afloat.
In the move, however, they discovered something far more valuable: genuine neighborhood support—and lots of it. “People were walking from their backyard. They were biking over, and I think we were thinking that the Main Street foot traffic was what we were really relying on, but it turns out it’s more well-attended when it’s from your backyard.”
Operating on a once-a-month basis, the market sells vintage clothing, jewelry, vinyl, and plenty of other collectibles and wares, including the work of a few local artists “that support the vintage vibe” which the co-owners love to include in their vendor list.
Nicholas and McIntyre have gone the distance to ensure their market serves folks of all ages. For families, the market offers unexpected touches that transform weekend vintage shopping into memorable experiences.
A balloon artist roams the grounds, creating everything from swords to crowns to minions to football helmets, all completely free.
The Bethlehem Vintage Market has it all: lawn games, food trucks, music, and brand support. At the July 20th event, shoppers enjoyed complimentary beverages from Yerba Madre.
They’ve become a real force in the Lehigh Valley, taking their show on the road to Easton’s Garlic Festival, and hoping to stake their claim in more of Easton’s famous festivals in the coming Fall. It’s clear, though, that their heart remains in Bethlehem, their hometown and the community that embraced their vision from the beginning.
That community is exactly why Sophie sees their timing with this market as perfect. “This next generation really cares about sustainability, and secondhand shopping is definitely in line with that.”
But perhaps what sets the Bethlehem Vintage Market apart is its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
The market is free to attend, and Sophie emphasizes this intentionality: “We hope that there’s something for everyone, and because it’s free to attend, we hope that makes it just feel like a space everyone can access.” This isn’t your average flea market, but rather an elevated experience, operating with intention, thoughtful curation, and community spirit at its core.
“We love the local support,” McIntyre says, “everyone that sells local vintage Bethlehem gear, Allentown gear—we love seeing all of that.”
The Bethlehem Vintage Market is the kind of place where strangers become friends over a vintage find, and where the simple act of mutual appreciation can foster the community that makes the Lehigh Valley feel like home.
The market continues monthly through October at the Bethlehem Rose Garden, with the next event taking place Sunday, August 3rd, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
For more information or updates about the market or its vendors, follow them on Facebook or Instagram, @bethlehemvintagemarket.
