Because I have been to New York a few times before (and had a full 10 days on this trip), this time I had the luxury of having enough time to just go slow and absorb the city’s quieter treasures. I absolutely loved exploring Wiliamsburg in Brooklyn (just a couple of subway stops over the bridge from Union Square), where I was staying with Nicolette in her gorgeous apartment. Apart from the obscene amount of incredible food and the really rather excellent vintage shopping to be had there, my favourite thing was pottering around the Brooklyn Flea market one Sunday*.
I’m not sure whether it’s because I’m the child of a rare-antiques-hunting mother, or because of my treasure-hunting/magpie-like tendencies, but I’m pretty much powerless against the lure of a good flea market. And when it’s situated right on the East River so that you can literally look up from your vintage trawling to gaze lovingly at the Manhattan skyline, then it’s pretty hard to beat.
Nicolette and I spent several happy hours rummaging through mountains of vintage jewels (we both have a serious sparkle habit), retro childhood nostalgia, vintage furs, antique treasures collected from far-off lands, and lovingly battered furniture I wish I could have stuffed in my suitcase. And even when it started to rain, I literally had to be pulled away form the stall of antique New York maps and postcards (I love collecting them from every place I visit).
So should you find yourself in New York over a weekend, I insist you pay a visit to the Brooklyn Flea and then linger in Williamsburg for a few hours. A vintage treasure or two from there is the perfect souvenir or this marvellous city.
Love, Miss B xx
* The same space hosts the Smorgasbord on Saturdays, which is essentially stall after stall of foodie heaven.
This looks like a truly amazing market, and I love that first photo of you – so cute 🙂
By market standards, it is small but so good! And thank you so much!
B xx
I love this! Looks like you had such a good time darling!
SUCH a good time. Gosh I love New York!
B xx
Such a sweet picture of you 😀 My sister and I are planning next christmas in NY, we’ve only ever been with our parents so this will be our first “proper” holiday, can’t wait! XO
Thank you so much! And couldn’t think of a better spot for your first proper holiday!
B xx
Great post and photos. Thanks for “taking us with you”.
I’m planning a trip next year back to NYC and will certainly make sure I go! Looks wonderful! x
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Love your pictures! My mother is a flea-market addict herself but sadly her dragging me to those throughout my childhood has turned me into a flea-market allergic.
About Williamsburg, I had brunch at Dumont today. It’s run by the owners of Dressler: more casual but still very good! And you must head to Dumbo on your next visit if you haven’t done so yet: amazing views, and you’d love that old carousel they installed recently!
I adore flea markets – especially in Paris, London, Berlin and new York. xx
I’m new to your blog but LOVE it!
You have a new follower xx
What a beautiful market. It looks like a place for so many treasures! x
Perfect time for you to post this, I’m in the process of organising a New York adventure! Will definitely pop along to this treasure chest x
Now that’s my kind of a market – one with a great view. Love the kitschy treasures and vintage postcards. What were the prices like? xx
I’m so pleased that you got to visit the Flea, because it has some amazing bargains, food, and well just the rummaging around alone is great fun! I was taken there by a friend from NY who I met through blogging and we had a fabulous time. Such a shame we didn’t get to meet when you visited NY, I hope you’ll come back again!
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