If you’re a regular reader of Travelettes you’ll know that we’re great lovers of markets across the world (other articles here, here and here) so naturally, when I was in New York and offered the opportunity of a bit of shopping flea market style I was out the door as quicker than my heels could carry me (no literally, I changed into flats so I could get to the loot quicker and without a broken foot).
The Brooklyn flea markets are some of the most beautiful and organised markets i’ve ever seen and made for what was probably one of the most pleasurable shopping experiences in a long time. Antique furniture, kitchen accessories, vintage and new clothes & shoes, upcycled items, one of a kind pieces of jewellery, local artists selling prints & photographs and seriously good local organic food and drinks; whatever it is you’re looking for these markets have something for everyone (and rarely in great vintage markets a great balance between boys and girls things).
There are 3 markets held every weekend between April and November on two locations in Brooklyn (come rain or shine);
- Fort Greene. Every Saturday, 10am-5pm 176 Lafayette Ave. (btw. Clermont + Vanderbilt Ave.)
- Williamsburg. Every Sunday, 10am-5pm. East River Waterfront (btw. North 6 + 7 St.)
- Smorgasburg; The Flea’s Giant All-Food Market. Every Saturday, 10am-5pm. East River Waterfront (btw. North 6 + 7 St.)
Come winter (from November 26th) the markets are held indoor at Skylight One Hanson; 1 Hanson Place (at Ashland Pl.), Fort Greene
I know what you might be thinking – looks nice but big deal I’m not going to New York any time soon so why is this interesting for me?! Well future Travelettes do not fear, you might not be able to afford the plane ticket to New York right now but that doesn’t mean you can’t buy some of the art or clothes on sale at the Brooklyn flea. But how? Well, most of the incredible and talented artists & collectors also have online stores (mainly etsy shops) and I’ve collated a little guide to the treasures of Brooklyn’s best flea markets from the comfort of your own sofa;
The Pigeon Chest sells beautiful handpicked vintage clothes mainly from the 60’s and 70’s. It’s one of the most well stocket etsy shops I’ve seen, beautifully photographed and very reasonable priced.
The girl from Glitter Pony was so nice when I got chatting to her at the market! She makes beautiful up-cycled products and seems to be going through a doily phase making some ace rugs and coasters along with cute crochet animals. She pins herself as the curator of junk but her things are far from what I’d consider trash!
The bags made by Flux Productions kinda made me go weak at the knees. Their things are slightly more expensive than your classical flea market purchase but all of their bags are one of a kind, beautifully made and something you never want to put down!
Octavia & Brown has an amazing collection of hand-picked vintage items for your house. If only I’d have had a bigger suitcase to accomodate all the incredible cooking bowls, wine glasses and retro thermos’s I was imagining using to decorate my kitchen.
Other great shops to check out are Loyalty and Blood, Brooklyn Bug, Ailin Bisi, Whispering Pine, John Murphy, Interior Bliss Designs and last but not least Windsor Place Antiques. I hope you enjoy having access to a little bit of Brooklyn from wherever you are in the world. Happy shopping.
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This post was written by Lorna Stokes, part of the travelettes team from 2009 to 2013. Originally from the UK but currently based in Brussels after stints in Canada, Peru, Italy and a job for the French military, she’s always had an unquenchable thirst for exploring new places! She’s still travelling the world with her family so catch up with her adventures on Instagram & Twitter.
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