Ah, Saturdays. A day for sleeping in. Unless, of course, there’s something to get up for. Wiesbaden and Mainz residents can be convinced to shed their PJs for outerwear and head out their doors to troll for bargains at flea markets and meet up with friends for brunch at farmer’s markets. Love flea markets and being a social butterfly? Take a look at what the 2018 summer season has in store for these two cities.

Mainz

The Mainzer Krempelmarkt is a flea market stretching along the Rhine between the Kaisertor and the Rotes Tor. Twice a month, treasure hunters can sift through housewares, clothing, tools, jewelry, toys and other peoples’ cast-offs in search of that rare gem. Peruse through the market between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. April 21, May 5 and 19; June 2 and 16; July 7 and 21; Aug. 4 and 18; Sept. 1 and 15; and Oct. 6 and 20. The last flea market of the year takes place on Nov. 3 and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Saturday mornings, the Mainzer Wochenmarkt, or farmer’s market, offers fresh regional produce, preserves, cheese, honey, spirits and plenty more. Behind the massive cathedral, on the Liebfrauenplatz, friends meet friends and snack on the local specialty, Weck and Worscht, a roll and a fat, hot dog-like sausage. It is then washed down with the third of the “W” trinity of treats, “Woi.” Woi, local dialect for wine. This wine is often a Riesling, Silvaner or Spätburgunder, served by a rotating line-up of wineries. The wine stand is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. all Saturdays through Nov. 17.

Wiesbaden

Biebrich Castle, a stone’s throw from the Rhine in Wiesbaden-Biebrich, is another likely place to fish for antiques and old treasures. The Flohmarkt am Biebricher Schloss starts from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the “Am Parkfeld” street on April 21, June 16, July 21, Aug. 25, Sept. 15 and Oct. 10.

In contrast to Mainz’s weekly breakfast meet-ups, Wiesbaden’s so-called “Market breakfasts” take place only a handful of times throughout the season. Each event is organized around a theme, often having to do with which local treat is at its peak ripeness. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., family and friends gather to sip and snack as live music plays in the background. This year’s themed breakfasts bear such imaginative names such as “Green Miracles” April 14; “Strawberries, Asparagus & Co.” May 12; “Flower Dream” June 23; “Summer Barbecue Treats” July 28; “Off to the Mushrooms!” Aug. 25; “Children's Market” Sept. 22 and “Halloween” Oct. 27.

With so many dates and selection of goodies and foods to choose from, you'll certainly find the perfect flea market treasure. Happy shopping!