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Several weeks ago, on a fine, fine Sunday morning — much like the one forecast for this weekend — Mike and I went for a first-class mooch at the Aberfoyle Antique Market, an hour west of Toronto, just north of highway 401.

Aberfoyle runs Sundays (until October 25) from 8 am – 4 pm and attracts a regular slate of about 100 dealers. The site is a leafy, pleasant mix of permanent and makeshift stalls and the vibe is extremely laid-back and friendly.

Dealers cover the gamut from country antiques and salvage to mid-century modern and quirky finds (yes, that curvy side table, above centre, is painted mauve, $40).

Mike and I were really taken by the two chairs above; the mahogany and worn-leather klismos ($150) had beautiful lines and proportions and the soft, woven porch chair ($75) was as comfortable as it was great looking. My imagination got the better of me when I saw the old store counter below with its classical cutouts and amazing patina; you could slide baskets into the openings and use it as a kitchen counter or workshop bench.

When you find a good piece at a market like this the temptation is always to grab it before it’s gone. But as we wandered through Aberfoyle we discovered that prices were by no means consistent. The 1950s metal garden chairs below ranged in price from $40 each or $75 for a pair to $60 a piece. So it can pay to shop around a bit.

Mike couldn’t resist the painted, cast iron dog below because it was so well-priced at $50; we saw similar ones elsewhere on the site for $100. When we were in Savannah and Charleston last year, pieces like it were selling for $1,000 and more.

I hope this little taste of Aberfoyle whets your appetite for a trip of your own; we really did have a wonderful time. There’s a decent breakfast café with lots of outdoor seating and there are so many dealers that there’s really no need to be there as soon as the place opens.

Aberfoyle is holding a special fall show September 26 featuring 180 dealers ($5 admission).