This spring is packed to the gills with New Jersey craft shows that are happening across the state, from local high schools raising money for students to street fairs that support local businesses. But the weather is getting warmer, folks—so why not visit a few home shows in other states and make a weekend trip out of it?
Whether you want to rub elbows with home reno experts as you prepare for your own redesign project, or just need a little time outside of the Garden State, interior design lovers will have plenty to see and do at these seven spring home shows along the East Coast, from Massachusetts down to Florida.
Each of these shows will feature exhibitors in countertops, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, landscaping and more, and will put you face-to-face with experts in each industry who are happy to answer any questions (about both your project and about their product). Just promise that whatever good stuff you find and learn there you’ll share with your Jersey people back home, OK?
April 1 and 2, Suburban Boston Spring Home Show, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While you’re there: Stop by Lowell National Historic Park to get some fresh air, or take an hour drive to Boston to visit Fenway Park or the iconic Faneuil Hall shopping center.
Admission: $10
*Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Lowell, MA, 01852
April 1 and 2, Suburban Maryland Spring Home Show, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While you’re there: The Living Farm Heritage Museum is a must if you’re bringing the kids along; you could also drive a half an hour to Baltimore to see the National Aquarium or Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
Admission: $10
*Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship, MD, 21794
April 14–16, Sarasota Bradenton Spring Home Show, Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While you’re there: Sarasota is a nature lover’s paradise: Don’t miss the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens or the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to get a glimpse of Florida’s finest fish.
Admission: $10
*Robarts Arena at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL, 34237
April 15 and 16, Hudson Valley Home Show, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While you’re there: Book a tour at the Locust Grove Estate or a performance at the Bardavon Opera House.
Admission: $10
*Gym Sports & Exhibition Complex, 258 Titusville Rd., Poughkeepsie, NY, 12603
April 15 and 16, Loudoun & Fairfax County Spring Home Show, Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While you’re there: The Heritage Farm Museum is worth it; otherwise, drive 40 minutes north to Washington, D.C. to check out the Air & Space Museum and all the presidential monuments on the Green.
Admission: $10
*Michael & Son Sportsplex in Sterling, 21610 Atlantic Blvd., Sterling, VA, 20166
April 22 and 23, Philadelphia Home Show, Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While you’re there: Home to the Liberty Bell, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Reading Terminal Market and dozens of American Revolutionary sites, you honestly might need more than just a weekend here.
Admission: $10
*Pennsylvania Convention Center – Hall F, 1101 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107
April 29 and 30, Connecticut Better Home Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
While you’re there: There’s plenty to do in Bridgeport, Connecticut’s most populous city. The Beardsley Zoo and the Barnum Museum (featuring a collection dedicated to PT Barnum) will keep visitors of all ages entertained for hours. Coastal parks like St. Mary’s By the Sea and Seaside Park offer several walkways and picturesque views for passive leisure.
Admission: Free with pre-registration
*Total Mortgage Arena, 2 Allen St., Bridgeport, CT, 06604
What other states (and home shows) do you plan to visit this spring? Tell us on Instagram @njhomemag.