It’s my birthday! (The day I wrote this… not actually today…) On October 23, I turned 52. Most days I can’t believe that I’m already in my 50s. But there are days when I feel even older. Several times in the last few years I’ve caught myself saying, “I can’t do that anymore.” or “I’m too old to do that.” But I’ve run across a few people who have inspired me to keep going… and even try a few new things. So I put together a unique bucket list of 50 things to do in my 50s.
First of all — the people who inspired this post: In my flea market adventures I’ve met women, up to 10 years older than me, that still go crawl around barn sales, haul the stuff home, clean it up, update it, drive a truck and trailer to a vintage market, set up their booth, and sell for the weekend… ALL BY THEMSELVES. And here I was, a few years ago, complaining about having to haul my bag of jewelry to a sale 20 miles from my home. It was after meeting a few women like that, that I signed up for Junk Bonanza in San Diego and Portland. Both are about a 12 hour drive from my house. And, I’m glad to say… I did it!
Another inspiration is my dad. He still flies out here to visit us. At least, we think he’s coming to visit us. He’ll rent his own car at the airport and usually takes a few side trips before getting to our house. Once, after not hearing from him for 24 hours, we found out he had driven up to OREGON where there was no cell service. He’s still going on adventures!
Now, on to my own unique bucket list…
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My Unique Bucket List
This is my unique bucket list. I hope it gives you some ideas and I’d also love to hear what’s on your list. Leave a comment and let me know! I’ll try to come back and mark these off when I do them.
Visit MORE Vintage Flea Markets!
Topping my list is flea markets! Y’all know I love going to vintage markets and there are still a few on my list that I haven’t been to yet.
- Antique Week, Round Top/Warrenton, Texas
- Brimfield Antique Show and Flea Market, Brimfield, Massachusetts. This is a recent add after a friend recommended it to me.
- Alameda Point Antiques Faire, Alameda, California. This flea market is sooooooo close to my house! But it’s only on Sunday so I still haven’t been.
- Junk Bonanza , Minneapolis, MN – kinda done… I’ve sold at JB San Diego and JB Portland but haven’t made it to the main sale yet.
- First Monday Trade Days, Canton, Texas – On my list to do next year with my sister-in-law.
- Long Beach Antique Market, Long Beach, California
- Rose Bowl Flea Market, Pasadena, California
- Roses and Rust Vintage Market, Anderson, California – DONE – Been a vendor here for several years and it’s my favorite!!!
- Farm Chicks, Spokane, Washington. Talked about doing this with my friend from Spokane… maybe next year.
- Three Speckled Hens, Paso Robles, California
- Goat Hill Fair, Watsonville, California
- Vintage Market Days of South Central Texas, Waxahachie, Texas – DONE – Been a vendor here once.
BTW, many of you have asked why I’m not selling at some of these shows. Many, like Farm Chicks and Three Speckled Hens, aren’t accepting more jewelry vendors. Other, like Antique Week, are super expensive for the space plus would require a lot of extra expense traveling and staying at a hotel for multiple nights. Until I expand a little more I’ll just visit!
Take a Road Trip
We’ve done a LOT of traveling in the last few years. But I want to do a lot more!
- Mount Rushmore
- Washington, DC – DONE
- Pro Football Hall of Fame, Canton, Ohio – DONE
- Arches National Park, Moab, Utah – DONE
- Canyonland National Park, Moab, Utah – DONE
- Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah – DONE
- Zion National Park, Utah – DONE
- Grand Canyon, Arizona – DONE
- visit ALL major league baseball stadiums
- Niagra Falls, New York – DONE
- Palm Springs, California – DONE
- Portland, Oregon – DONE
- Seattle, Washington
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Graceleand
- San Diego, California – DONE
Other Travel Bucket List Ideas
These are more than just road trips…
- go to Asia – have our tickets for next year
- see a glacier
- take a cruise
- visit all 50 states
Learn Something New
Never stop learning!
- bake bread
- make tortillas
- take a watercolor class – DONE
- take a dance class
- take a furniture painting class
- take a photography class
- take counseling classes – DONE
Try Something New
- write a book
- own a Jeep – DONE
- get a new haircut… maybe even color? – DONE the haircut part
- try new makeup – DONE – My daughter convinced me to sign up for Ipsy last year. It’s been fun trying new makeup that I never would have tried otherwise.
- go through high school yearbook and look up friends on Facebook
- take a DNA test to see where my ancestors came from
- fly first class
- play a slot machine at the Las Vegas airport
- read a classic that you’ve never read – DONE… If Rebecca counts.
- go to a concert – DONE
- start a business – DONE
- become a mentor – DONE
- simplify my life
- try an new ethnic restaurant
- read the whole Bible
- try surfing – DONE
- wade in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico
- work in a soup kitchen for a day
Now check out what my other “over 50” blogging buddies are talking about. (Blogging isn’t just for millennials!)
I’d love to hear what’s on YOUR unique bucket list! Leave me a comment!
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Stacey says
I love your list!! My husband and I need to make a list too. We are still too busy working all the time to think this way and yet we realize that time is flying. When you do visit Canton, TX you’ll have to let me know…it’s about 40 minutes from my home. 😉
ducttapeanddenim says
Oh, I’ll be telling EVERYONE when I go to Canton! Hopefully, next summer.
Cindy Richter says
Great list! Being a junk and vintage lover myself, I can see our lists are similar. I live in Texas so go to Round Top and Canton all the time. Am going to the Vintage Market days in Hempstead, TX next weekend. Thanks for the list. Look forward to reading your blog!
Nikki Gwin says
I love that you made a list. I don’t actually have one, but I often find myself saying “adding THAT to my list!” but then I can never remember what they were. I should start jotting them down!
Your post was great.
🙂 gwingal
ps. I do remember that I am determined to see all 50 states, and to see all the nooks and crannies of this one that I live in.
Paula says
I love, love, love this list! Everytime I watch Flea Market Flip I wonder about Brimfield! I too would like to visit. I pinned your list so I could steal your thoughts later…
Maria Brittis says
I too love junk and have my share of it! When I turned fifty I had this desire to travel as well and go junking at different parts of the world and try to bring something back home! Your list is great and will help me when I do some traveling around the US . Maria
Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au says
What a great list – and I love how it’s in categories so you can diversify it. I can tick a few on your list, but (like you) still have lots more I want to do before I get too old to start! I’ve pinned this to remind me 🙂
Mary says
Ann that is quite a bucket list. But you know what you should go for it. I think as we get older and our confidence increases there is really very little that we cannot do if we set our minds to it. Traveling all over is a great idea. There is so much to see in this incredible country. And to be able to go to all these markets, what a great list. I wish you lots of luck, but I’m positive you will achieve much.
Lisa says
I love your list, you’re going to be pretty busy for a long time.?
ducttapeanddenim says
Yep! I hope I live long enough. 🙂
Carolann says
Love your list! Looks like you love to travel. I love vintage shopping too. I’m in PA and we have lots of them here. I love learning something new every day even more than traveling!
Carol says
I love the list of all the vintage and antique markets! I live in the Grand Rapids, MI area and believe it or not we have some fantastic vintage and antique markets near us. One is the Farmgirl Vintage Market, but I want to go to Brimfield and Round Top. Our oldest son and family live in the DFW area so I love looking for vintage items when we visit them. I’m a lot older than you and have already done a lot on your list, but I love cruising and traveling and would love going to even more places than where I’ve been.
Maureen says
I have to admit I have never really had a “bucket list”. I am a fly by the seat of my pants kind gal, but its’ not to say I don’t have things I definitely want to do or try, the list just changes often!! I went to culinary college to learn pastry arts in my mid 40’s and just signed up for a watercolor class! The beauty of it that I now give myself permission to follow my passions!!
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures says
What a wonderful list! I especially love the parts about “Learning Something New” and “Try Something New”. Great post! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Visiting from the Fantastic 50 Blog Hop.
Florence says
I love your list Ann! A few of those are on my list too. I didn’t realize I had a list until now, but I would like to travel first class just once! And if and when you get ready to take a dance class, give Square Dancing a try! It’s loads of fun. I used to be one & I highly recommend it. I’m with you on some of those markets. It costs so much to be a vendor…just isn’t worth it. Even if you were to share a space. I’ve been asked before & when I find out much, no way. Impressive about the people you talk about who are 10 yrs older than you & are doing all that flea market set up & selling! I always tell myself I’m too old & tired for that hard work!
Again…a great list! Pinning & sharing.
ducttapeanddenim says
Thanks, Florence! I have square danced in the past but I might add it to my list to do again!
Rachel says
Oh your list is SO inspirational. I should consider making a list like that. It seems I fall into the rut of just having daily TO DO LISTS. Thank you for the inspiration.
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
What a great idea, your list. I don’t have one, but after reading this I’m thinking I need to start one. You’ve already checked many things off, what a great way to remind yourself of the lovely memories created. So many cool things I’d like to do too. All the sales sound fabulous. I’d get lost in all the good stuff. I’d love to see a glacier and wade in all the oceans. I love the beach. You’ve got me thinking with this list, how I can incorporate new experiences into my life too. Thanks!
Debrashoppeno5 says
You have several bucket lists! And they are going to be exciting adventures. I think making plans keeps us young. And it is great to have all of these things to look forward too.
JA says
Mine mostly requires travel, but now I’ll have to add Vintage thrift markets! Here’s my list so far: (BTW 59yrs old)
Seacrest Wolf Preserve, Chipley FL
Northern lights
Yellowstone
New Zealand, Australia
Ladybird Wildflower Center
Ice skating
Smith Rocks State Park, central Oregon
Red Rocks
Cougar Hot Springs, Oregon
Ride in a hot air balloon
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Gisselfeld Klosters Skove Denmark – spiral walkway to tree tops
Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy France, circular castle/town out in water
Zion National Park
near Chamberlain S. Dakota – Dignity sculpture
ducttapeanddenim says
Zion National Park is the only one from your list that I’ve done. It was amazing!!!
Kimm Payne says
I really enjoyed your list and it gave me some ideas to add to mine. I’ve crossed a few off my “bucket list” but I still want to be an extra in a movie, visit the wonders of the world and take a cross country train trip.
Carolyn says
Hi DUCTTAPEANDDENIM!
Here I sit behind my computer feeling old, and you spring new life into my bones. My husband would be thrilled if I would make a bucket list. Granted, he still feels like 18, and many days I feel like 80, but that is no reason to sit at home “in the rocker” so to speak.
I love your bucket list. I have been to quite a few places in North America. There are plenty more to visit. The biggest one on my bucket list right now is to go to PEI and see where Anne of Green Gables was fabled to have lived. When my husband slows down, we have talked of “snowbirding” and going south for some time each winter. There are plenty more places to travel so we will have to get a bigger bucket! Australia is on my husband’s bucket list!
Lisa says
I will turn 50 this year, 2022. I lost my husband to Covid in December 2020. My plans for the future kind of got derailed. I really want to have some fun and experience new things. You have inspired me to make my own “bucket list”. Thanks.
ducttapeanddenim says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for reading.
Karin says
I will be 46 this year, and the bones have already started creaking 😅. So I started yoga, tried something new, and it’s stuck 🧡. Covid has had us locked down for what feels like an entire lifetime, so as soon as the doors opened, I booked tickets to the Edinburgh tattoo for my husband’s belated 50th. (He loves everything Scottish but never been to UK).
I want to tick Ireland off the list while we are there, and a castle or two that I haven’t seen before. Thanks for your list. It’s time I start writing these down and ticking a few more off…. for me it will be The Road to 50.
ducttapeanddenim says
Sounds like you have a great list going already! Thanks for reading !
R. Collins says
I too am an Octobed 23 baby and this is my 50th year baby!! Great list thanks for the tips.