Shoppers looking for a vintage replica of a 1950’s Coca Cola ad, a journal made from a Monopoly board or a 1940’s aviator jacket need only take a short trip on the G train to historic Williamsburg. Fleas are popping up all over, from small indoor markets with 30 vendors to large sprawling outdoor markets that house hundreds of vendors and occupy several acres.
Artists and Fleas
Since their move from their old location on North 6th street to their new, expanded market on North 7th, Artists and Fleas has billed itself as the top go-to flea in Brooklyn. Its loyal followers descend on the flea market in a converted warehouse, just off the waterfront. At Artists and Fleas you can snag gitchy treasures such as earring made from Scrabble tiles, four finger rings and bracelets made from bullet casings. Artists and Fleas is dog friendly, so bring along your furry friend. Stop off for a gourmet doggie cannoli, pretzel or donut with vendor “Pampered Pooch” who specializes in gourmet dog treats. Artists and Fleas is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-8.
Artists and Fleas, 70 N. 7th St. between Wythe and Kent, Williamsburg. http://www.artistsandfleas.com
Brooklyn Flea
It seems that this flea has fled from its former home in the Williamsburg bank building in Fort Greene and will soon be taking up residence in Williamsburg. Brooklyn flea is slated to make the move in early acre to a 40,000 square foot outdoor space on Kent avenue between North 6th and North 7th. Its loyal followers will appreciate the wide open space–a stark contrast to the tight squeeze its former home at One Hanson Place. The old standbys will be there with the usual messenger bags made from FedEx envelopes and potato sacks, Cleopatra style pearl necklaces and vintage Thundercats tees. The Saturday market will remain in its old location in the parking lot of Bishop Loughlin high school in Clinton Hill.
Brooklyn Flea, Sundays 10-8, April 2011, Kent St. between North 6th and North 7th, Williamsburg.
http://www.brooklynflea.com
Williamsburg Flea
The baby of the bunch, Williamsburg flea is an outdoor shopper’s panacea. With vendors selling everything from vintage classroom furniture to knit hats, paper jewelry and raw chocolates, Williamsburg flea is not only a location, it’s a shopping event. The flea hopes to expand its offerings in the spring, adding new vendors and offering space to local not for profit organizations such as the BARC animal shelter.
Williamsburg Flea, Wythe Avenue btw. So. 2nd and So. 3rd streets, Williamsburg. http://www.williamsburgfleamarket.com
Meeker Avenue Flea
More of a consignment shop than a flea market, this converted warehouse is a furniture hunter’s dream. The Meeker Avenue flea makes no pretensions–the furniture is arranged somewhat haphazardly, creating a veritable maze of treasures. Finds include a 1960’s era child’s car seat, a 15 foot lighted “Whiskey Bar” sign and a vintage pram from Peg Perego. Prices are reasonable and the flea will arrange to deliver your goodies to your front curb. With two floors of everything from antique cradles, military uniforms, classroom furniture and bar lamps, Meeker Avenue flea is a great destination for a day of antique shopping. Oh, and there’s free parking across the street under the BQE (Brooklyn-Queens Expressway)
Meeker Avenue Flea, Sun-Thur 11-7, Fri & Sat. 11-9. 391 Leonard St. Williamsburg.
http:// www.meekeravenuefleamarket.com
