Come for the beach-town vibes and leave with a whale bone. Or at least that’s the mantra of New York–based interior designer Anthony Gianacakos, who stumbled across the unique ocean treasure during a recent trip to Gulfport, Florida.
Gulfport, a charming coastal town that borders St. Petersburg in Pinellas County, has become a haven of bargain hunting, antique shops, and yard sales, offering, according to Gianacakos, some of the most quirky and rare finds in the country. “Florida is a retirement destination, so people from all over will relocate and bring all of their collected travel items with them,” he says. “You can find pieces from Italy, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and old Americana.”
And that whale bone? He spotted it for sale at a yard sale. “I saw it and had to buy it,” he says. “Getting it home was another story.”
The secondhand-shopping scene is so robust in Gulfport that almost every weekend, residents set up yard sales and beach chairs on their lawns and driveways, beer coolers in easy reach. “Regular yard sellers often become fixtures in their neighborhoods,” says Kristin Ossola, the City of Gulfport’s event marketing specialist. “These sales are more than just economic opportunities—they’re social gatherings. Neighbors swap stories, give tips on items, and forge connections that go beyond a single transaction. For many, it’s a chance to interact with people they might not otherwise meet.”
Sharon Steen, who recently retired and moved from Michigan to Gulfport, says the yard sale scene was the cherry on top of a sundae of good weather, proximity to the Gulf, and no state income tax. “We’ve found wonderful pieces and sold a few of our own, but most importantly, made new friends who have welcomed us with open arms,” she says. “The town may seem sleepy, but it is full of a collaborative spirit that’s palpable.”
That collaborative spirit has helped make Gulfport a hub for artists and designers like Gianacakos. “The city has long been known for its eclectic character, strong creative community, and laidback coastal lifestyle,” Ossola says, “all of which naturally lend themselves to a culture of upcycling, repurposing, and secondhand treasure hunting.” She and her team now plan two annual events: the City-Wide Yard Sale in November and Art in the Yard in March. The former highlights acquired collectibles, while the latter features original artwork, turning the entire city into an “open-air gallery” where paintings, ceramics, handmade jewelry, sculptures, and more are on display in front of participating homes.
“The variety is one of the most exciting parts,” Ossola says. “You’ll often find mid-century furniture, retro decor, books, handmade crafts, tools, vintage kitchenware, and coastal-themed items like seashell art and nautical antiques. Wicker and rattan furniture, in particular, is a frequent highlight—often in great condition and perfect for Florida’s indoor-outdoor living style.”
An unfortunate reality behind Gulfport’s surplus of inventory is that the area was affected by three hurricanes in a row in 2024, including Helene and Milton, resulting in property damage and flooding that has inspired complete remodels of homes and subsequent bouts of purging.
“After major weather events, these yard sales have often provided residents a way to let go of damaged or unneeded items, while also offering an opportunity to pick up affordable replacements,” Ossola explains. “In this way, the events can be cathartic—helping people clear out, recover, and even make a little extra money to rebuild. They’ve become not just community traditions, but informal tools of resilience.”
Take it from Steen, who experienced her first set of hurricanes shortly after relocating. “The expression goes, ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,’” she says. “At the end of the day, it’s the relationships formed, the community of creativity, and the respect for these possessions that are Gulfport’s real treasure.”
Expert Tips for Gulfport Garage-Saleing
Gianacakos, a self-described “thrifting expert,” shares his top tips for finding hidden gems and making the most of a weekend in Gulfport.
Ask questions. Gulfport residents are eager to share stories around their collections. By asking questions, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation and connection to things that may have gone unnoticed.
Exercise patience and an open mind. Some participants will price a lot of useless junk, but the thrill is in the hunt. If you go into a yard sale with a specific goal in mind, chances are likely that you’ll end up disappointed. Instead, it’s wise to embrace the element of surprise.
Check for damages beyond repair. Due to the aforementioned hurricanes, some items might be damaged or completely out of commission.
Don’t be afraid to haggle. Half the fun of thrifting is creating a bit of a bidding war. Chances are high that participants want to relieve themselves of these items, so you can walk away with a great deal.
Be respectful. That said, a lot of yard sellers carry deep emotional ties to their products, and parting may be difficult. “Collecting antiques is honoring a storied past,” Gianacakos says. “You are keeping this story alive by repurposing.” Sellers want to sell something special to someone who will treat it as such.
Utilize local resources. The city distributes maps and brochures during events to help out-of-towners navigate their way through the offerings. Online, residents often post sales and specific items on a local Facebook page, and the city also runs its own page to publicize events.
