flea markets » Markets of New York

Photo of the Day – August 24, 2010: Debbie Wilburn at the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market

Prada Shoes in Excellent Condition: $25 from Debbie Wilburn at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market

As I wrote in Markets of New York City, the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market is where fabulous shoes go to find a new and worthy home. It’s as if Carrie Bradshaw emptied her closet every weekend and brought her gently worn shoes to the flea market. Jimmy Choos? Ferragamo? Prada? I regularly catch up with all of these dear friends on the tables of Debbie Wilburn at the Flea. In addition to fabulous shoes, Ms. Wilburn has racks filled with designer clothes. She recently had a blowout sale of Escada skirts and jackets.

Here’s a story for you: I stopped by to see what Ms. Wilburn had three weekends ago. I noticed a pair of handmade black suede loafers by John Lobb. I was simply drawn to the obvious craftsmanship of these shoes and the fact that they fit me like a glove. They also have a handwritten serial number and the name “Cherry,” which lead me to believe that they had been custom made for my shoe twin somewhere out there. John Lobb, Bootmaker was founded in 1849 in London and became part of Hermes in 1976. The company holds Royal Warrants to His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Other clients have included Enrico Caruso, and James Bond. According to Departures Magazine, bespoke shoes start at $4000. Mine set me back $20, and I didn’t have to wait a year to get them.

Photo of the Day, August 2, 2010: Savannah’s Cupcakes & More

Moist Red Velvet Mini Cupcakes from Savannah's Cupcakes & More by Millie Peartree

These days James and I rarely have weekend days together, with me off at the markets and his working 24/7 as entrepreneur. So we decided to skip it all on Saturday to go out for lunch together…at the markets. We started at the Hester Street Fair, where we took the famous words of Jacques Torres to heart when he advises, “Eat dessert first.” You’ll hear all about our “sugar fest” this week, but it all started with cupcakes at a birthday party.

Yup – now you can have your friends come celebrate your birthday at the Hester Street Fair. (Make a note, family!) This past Saturday, Sway from MTV had a party under a tent filled with balloons and cupcakes. The cupcakes were provided by Savannah’s Cupcakes from talented baker and business owner Millie Peartree. We had a banana cupcake with a perfectly smooth and none-too-sweet cream cheese frosting. Next we had a chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting, which was classic, moist and delicious. And then there was the super rich and mouthwatering Red Velvet Cupcake. There’s a soft place in my heart for anyone who can make a moist Red Velvet cake, and Millie Peartree has a seat of honor.

I’m not sure when we’ll see Millie back at the market, but you can see her full, luscious menu and place orders online. We’ll definitely be seeing more of her though – I’ll keep you posted about her promo in Rachel Ray’s Chat & Chew section in the fall!

P.S. Happy Birthday, Sway! Major thanks and kudos for promoting this wonderful business at the market!

Photo of the Day- July 30, 2010: Andre’s Tavern Vintage Wine Items

Walker Patent Corkscrew with a Boar Tusk Handle Capped and studded in sterling silver (American, c. 1900 - 1920)

Andre Burgos’ shop at the Antiques Garage, Andre’s Tavern Vintage Wine Items, will transport you back in time. Imagine a wood paneled library, circa 1909, leather and cloth-bound books on the shelves around you, a generous brown club chair, and a bottle of port that needs to breathe. You pick up your brand new boar tusk corkscrew with the sterling silver studs, and you proceed to open the bottle. The ruby liquid swirls in your glass as you settle in to take your first peak at the brilliant illustrations by Maxfield Parrish in the new version of Arabian Nights.

Fast forward 100 years, but stay focused on that boar tusk cork screw. A Walker patent corkscrew with sterling silver caps and studded boar tusk handle (American, 1900 – 1920), it is absolutely stunning. It is just one of many brilliant and beautiful wine-related items that Mr. Burgos brings to the Antiques Garage each weekend. He has many different kinds of corkscrews, as well as antique European pocket knives, all wonderfully designed and in excellent condition. The French decanting cradles and English Sheffield bottle coasters will turn anyone into a wine lover at the mere thought of using such lovely accoutrements.

Come meet Mr. Burgos in person on Saturdays and Sundays on the first floor of the Antiques Garage. Or visit Andre’s Tavern online. Just looking at his treasures will help you savor your next glass of wine as if it were the best one you’ve ever had.

Photo of the Day – July 29, 2010: Another Work In Progress

I remember the days when my sisters and I would sit on the living room floor playing Monopoly for hours on end. I was always the banker, and I always cheated. Those were nostalgic, care-free days (and I hope my sisters have forgiven me by now).

Another Work in Progress evokes those sentiments with spiral notebooks, sketch books, note pads, treasure boxes, and wall clocks made from old board games. Proprietor and artisan Dara Hymowitz collects vintage board games of all sorts and creates these handmade works of usable art. A notebook made from a Bingo card would be a perfect gift for Grandma. I think we all know someone who would appreciate the Scrabble board wall clock. Dara cleverly places the clock hands in the center of a Twister spinner to make a conversation piece of a wall clock (pictured).

She also creates beautiful hand-bound and spiral-bound books, as well as stationery, and mini book jewelry. So if books are your passion, you just might find the one to fill with your hopes and dreams, just like we did when we were 12.

You can find Another Work In Progress weekends at Artists and Fleas in Williamsburg, or visit her Etsy shop online.

Photo of the Day – July 21, 2010: Store With No Walls

Shiny clutch from Store With No Walls at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market

Whether you are looking for a fabulous vintage designer dress and Ferragamo shoes, or a striking hat and a matching sparkly handbag, your first stop simply has to be Store With No Walls at the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market. This boutique en plein air is filled with carefully collected items, and proprietors Anthony and Janet will help you find the perfect pieces for you. I have seen everything from a Christian Dior trench coat to a fine selection of suits and sparkly dresses, as well as unique vintage purses, clutches, and jewelry. They have long-time celebrity clients, and stylists come by all the time for inspiration. Anthony and Janet select quality items and price them to sell.

As Janet says, “We will always have something here for you, whether you’re from Park Avenue or a park bench!”

Come to the Hell’s Kitchen Flea this Sunday, and I’ll be there to point you towards the vintage treasures at Store With No Walls!

Hell’s Kitchen Flea: West 39th St. between 9th and 10th Avenue, 9AM – 6PM Saturdays and Sundays

5 Fun Things To Do At The Markets This Weekend – July 17 & 18, 2010

Life actually IS a bowl of cherries at the Markets of New York City

It’s going to be a scorcher this weekend! So grab your nalgene water bottle, your sunblock, and your market tote, and head straight out to these market events:

Kidding Around: The Brooklyn Indie Market and The {NewNew} are teaming up for “Kidding Around,” another Sustainable Living event this Saturday. Bring your kids or come out and pick up some wonderful handmade clothing and toys for them, as well as some pretty baubles for yourself! Saturday, July 17, 11AM – 7PM under the red and white striped tent on Smith and Union Street, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
Ft. Greene Artisan Market and Greenmarket: Spend Saturday in Ft. Greene Park, designed by Olmsted and Vaux and one of New York City’s fairly unsung green glories. Start off by strolling through the delightful Ft. Greene Artisan Market, featuring talented local artisans and designers, and then onto the Greenmarket right up the sidewalk. Pick up some cheese, bread, and a couple of perfect peaches, and head into the park for a picnic. (NB: Once you’re finished napping in the shade of a black walnut tree, the beloved Brooklyn Flea is a short walk from the park.)
Summer Camp Craft Session with Etsy and The {NewNew} on Governor’s Island: Who says kids have all the fun? Join in on Governor’s Island this weekend for Summer Camp Craft Session and learn some crafty techniques from the experts of Etsy and The {NewNew} Artisan Group. After you’ve made something endearing for your mom at camp, swing by The {NewNew}’s pop-up shop on the island for something really great for yourself. With over 200 amazing and diverse artisan members, The {NewNew} is everywhere we want to be this summer! Craft Camp – Saturday, July 17, 2 – 5PM, Parade Grounds on Governor’s Island
Go see the “New Lenses” Art Exhibit at the Fulton Stall Market: The weekly Fulton Stall Market at the Seaport commissioned six talented artists to create works specifically for the market. The works are hung each weekend behind the market vendors, making this already picturesque produce, food and craft market even more so. Saturday and Sunday, 11AM – 6PM on South Street between Fulton and Beekman
Cold Summer Soups at Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket and the Park Slope Flea Market: The Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket holds delicious food demonstrations, as do many of the the greenmarkets around town. This weekend is no exception when Ronna from Park Slope’s Purple Kale will teach how to make delicious cold summer soups. Free samples for all! After you’ve filled your tote with produce, it’s a short walk over to the Park Slope Flea Market for some additional treasures to bring home. Food Demo – Saturday, 10am – noon. Flea Market – Saturdays and Sundays on 7th Avenue between 1st & 2nd Street at PS 321 in Brooklyn.

Here are some words of advice about market shopping in this week’s Time Out New York! Have a great weekend and don’t forget to put sunblock on your ears!

This Just In:

Volley Ball Tournament and Mist Tent at the Hester Street Fair
Scavenger Hunt at the Brooklyn Flea (I already know one of the hunt items, but I’m not telling!)

Photo of the Day – July 14, 2010: Ocean Liner Memorabilia at the Antiques Garage

First Class Cocktail Pick from the SS Normandie from Ocean Liner Memorabilia at the Antiques Garage (CGT initials are for the Compagnie Generale Transatlantique)

The history of great ocean liners is fascinating to me, not to mention the connection some of them have to New York City. Pier 54 was supposed to be the landing dock for the Titanic, and instead the surviving passengers arrived in New York City aboard the Carpathia in 1912. The glorious SS Normandie, of the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique (CGT), met her untimely demise at Pier 88 after she caught fire in 1942. There is a very knowledgeable ship memorabilia collector and vendor on Saturdays at the Antiques Garage. Even the smallest items, like a cocktail pick from First Class on the Normandie (pictured) is brimming with history and meaning. You can also find menus, brochures, and other mementos from many historic ocean liners on these tables. You can ask anyone where to find this vendor, or cruise along the first floor’s eastern-most wall (closer to 6th Ave.) until you find the right port of call.

Photo of the Day – July 10, 2010: Hobbit Rare Books and Prints

Beautiful Prints from Hobbit Rare Books and Prints at the Antiques Garage

Looking for prints of ducks or quail to decorate your Hamptons library? Or Victorian images of palm trees to enhance the walls of your tiny apartment in the city? You need only go up to the second floor of the Antiques Garage to find multiple tables strewn with hundreds of old prints and books from Hobbit Rare Books and Prints. The subject matter is practically infinite, from birds and animals, to plants and palm trees, to architecture and history. Proprietor Arby Rolband is extremely knowledgeable about his collection, and he can help you find exactly what you seek. On occasion, he will bring a collection of rare artworks to the Garage, complete with history and provenance. He is also a font of stories about this particular market and the cast of characters that have wander through over the years.

Come and explore this wonderful antiques and flea market today — it is the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. I will be signing books here today from 12 -3 at West 25th Street between Broadway and 6th Ave.

Markets Book Tour Events & Announcements!

Book Signing Events This Week:

Tuesday, September 7 – Poe Park Greenmarket, The Bronx

Saturday, September 11, 82nd Street Greenmarket (1st & York), Upper East Side

Sunday, September 12 – Brooklyn Book Festival, Brooklyn

Please check here for the updated book signings schedule!

Project to Add Video to Markets of NYC! Check out my project on IndieGoGo.com!

A HUGE THANK YOU to the wonderful people who have contributed to this project so far:

Kimm Alfonso, of Kimmchi
Gabriel Amor
Elizabeth Evans
Lola Falk, of Lola Falk Handbags, Totes & Accessories
Louise Lassen, of Lovely Day Designs
MaryAnne Loverme, of Wabisabi Brooklyn
Nordea McKoy, of Nordea Soaperie
Barb Rybka
Thanks to all the others who contributed anonymously! You know who you are!

Photo of the Day – June 16, 2010: Meeker Avenue Flea Market

The Meeker Avenue Flea featured on Good Day New York with Julie Chang - and Elvis.

I first went to the Meeker Avenue Flea Market last September. I was very impressed with this market even though it had only been open for two weeks. I knew I had to put it in the Markets of New York City guidebook; I had a strong feeling that it would be sticking around. Now, just ten months later, my hunch has been confirmed. The Meeker Avenue Flea Market has developed into an amazing source for antique and vintage furniture and decor.

When Good Day New York asked me to take Entertainment Anchor Julie Chang to a flea market, I thought of Meeker Avenue immediately. Not only is this market open 7 days a week, but it is a true destination, deep into Williamsburg, for antiques shoppers and dealers alike. We saw battered steamer trunks that had obviously seen the far corners of the world. There was a romantic sleigh bed, and an art deco bar in perfect condition. There were chairs, tables, and even antique bicycles for sale, as well as more contemporary items like desks and conference room chairs. The extremely long stainless steel commercial kitchen tables evoked a million possibilities for restaurants, diners, or soda fountains. And who doesn’t need a vintage Elvis lamp with glowing blue eyes?

Most of the items to be found at this market have had many prior lives, like the tiny school desks that brought back so many memories. But they were built to last, unlike much of today’s disposable merchandise. Not only can you find high quality craftsmanship, but you are keeping these pieces out of the landfill by bringing them home and shining them up for their next incarnation.

The Good Day New York segment on the Meeker Avenue Flea Market aired today. You can visit the market any day of the week, and they also have an online shop featuring many of their one-of-a-kind pieces. You can spend an entire weekend day at the markets in Williamsburg and also visit the two nearby Artists and Fleas markets (on 6th Street and in McCarran Park), and the Greenpoint Greenmarket on Saturdays.

If you didn’t catch the information at the end of the Good Day New York Segment, my Picks of the Week are:

- Hester Street Fair – Food, fleas, and farmers on the lower East Side
- The {NewNew}’s pop-up shop on Governor’s Island all summer long
- Brooklyn Indie Market in Carroll Gardens with a great neighborhood vibe, and high quality handmade jewelry, clothing, soaps, home decor, and more.
- Fulton Stall Market – Farmers, food and crafts in the South Street Seaport-