Williamsburg » Markets of New York

Photos of the Day – September 2, 2010: Peppers from S.&S.O. Produce Farms

Remember that glorious, perfect day last Saturday? I had the great good fortune to spend it doing a book signing at the Greenpoint Greenmarket in McCarren Park. One of the larger markets, it has been fully embraced by the community, and it is also the perfect destination for people exploring the Williamsburg and Greenpoint neighborhoods. I met many nice families and dogs shopping at the market, with Hillary Hawke and the Flipsides playing the perfect plucky market soundtrack on a banjo, a washboard, and a suitcase for a drum. As usual, the most beautiful things at the market were those that were in peak season.

That day the peppers from S.&S.O. Produce Farms were Best in Show. They came in all shades of greens, purples, reds, oranges, yellows, and every combination thereof. The flavors ranged from tasty school lunchy bell peppers to tiny ones that blow steam out of your ears. I couldn’t pick just one photo to represent the beauty of these peppers or that day itself, so I have posted 4 bonus images from the market. Bully for you if this is your market. If it isn’t, then definitely stroll over to McCarren Park on a Saturday very soon.

Thank you to Market Manager Chelsa and GrowNYC for all you do for the neighborhoods of our fair city!

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 – 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-

Big Weekend for Markets in New York City!

Handmade Cavalcade, April 24, 2010 at Berry Park in Williamsburg

Market Season is definitely upon us! Here are some great events to help make this a spectacular weekend:

Saturday, April 24:

Spring Handmade Cavalcade – Sponsored by the NewNew Artists Group, featuring over 25 vendors selling their wonderful handmade designs. Berry Park in Williamsburg, 10am – 5pm

Saturday and Sunday, April 24 & 25:

Brooklyn Flea Annual Plant Sale – In partnership with GrowNYC, Greenmarket vendors will be selling “annuals, bulbs, herbs, perennials, vegetable starters, you name it.” Don’t miss this once a year event! Saturday at Ft. Greene location and Sunday at One Hanson.
Crafts on Columbus – The American Arts and Crafts Alliance, Inc. hosts this long-standing craft fair over three weekends through May 9. Make it a day by visiting the Greenflea and the Greenmarket on Sunday too! Columbus Avenue between 77th & 81st Streets.
Hester Street Fair - The Hester Street Fair launches this weekend. Loaded with artisans, farmers, food vendors, and flea vendors, Hester Street Fair brings the traditional markets of the Lower East Side back to life. Hester & Essex Streets, 10 – 6 pm

Also launching on Friday, April 23:

Homemade Brooklyn - Homemade Brooklyn opens a week-long pop-up store featuring artists, artisans, a film screening and more. 522 Metropolitan between Union and Lorimer, 12 – 8 pm

See you on the streets and lots in the city. Rain or shine, it’s all good!

Photo of the Day: March 10, 2010

Need a taste of the Caribbean without the airfare? Go have lunch at Ramonita’s Restaurant at the Moore Street Market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Try a plate of habichuelas (beans or peas) and a plátano relleno de carne (plantain stuffed with beef). Wash it down with a batido de papaya (papaya smoothie). And pick up some spices and other Caribbean ingredients for your kitchen at the food vendors while you’re there!