Such cool people watching at Brooklyn Flea
Fashion, Food, Fun Finds at the Brooklyn Flea
On a recent visit to NYC I found myself on a Sunday at the Brooklyn Flea market (Williamsburg). Being from Chicago I was not really looking for anything inparticular so it made it easy for me to browse, chat up the vendors and enjoy the people watching.
Being a Boomer I love finding the retro, vintage, antique, and cool handmade goods. The view from Brooklyn to NYC is worth the ride over, as you stroll around the flea your also near the water at a wonderful park and it’s an easy ferry ride over for a change of pace. You will also want to try some of the food at the flea, but save room because in the area are many eclectic restaurants for after your visit to the market.
5 Tips for fun and get a good deal
Walk it first
You will get the vibe of the market. Walk it and discover the selections of the objects different vendors offer. Notice that many folks are selling a lot of the same novelty, trinkets, and whatnots. Many are homemade, unique, and items that you may have not seen before, but I bet you will see a few more similar articles as you walk the grounds.
Friendly vendors, interesting finds
Distinctive jewelry made from typewriter keys
Bring Cash
This is good for two reasons #1. It will keep you inline and not easily swayed into an impulse purchase. #2. Many vendors will give you a better price if you pay cash, also some of the smaller artists don’t take anything but cash.
Brooklyn Flea Market – Williamsburg
Arrive Late
If your just walking to have fun, discover new knickknacks, or just get a feel of the market you will have your best chance of getting a deal if you arrive late, even as a vendor is getting ready to pack up. Also you can pick up some ½ price food items, chat up the vendors or even offer to help them pack up
Arrive Early
OK so you can’t go wrong either way. If you’re on the hunt for something you really want, then go early for the best selection. Also go counter clock wise or start near the back. This way you may get to the vendor first and have better luck. Also they may not want to haggle on the price early, but if they know why you want the item, and you touch their heart you may still get a good deal early.
Dress smart
Shoes you can add miles on are a good idea. Clothes you can strip down or layer up also will keep you comfy. If it rains stick around for great deals, and to meet some cool fun people.
Boomfluents can be hipsters –
You may also be inspired to unpack your old records and up cycle them like this one vendor did, as a boomer it was fun to see many of the items from our past being put to good use again. Finding old pink phones, old school typewriters, the clothing being give a new lease as a purse or wallet.
Take your time, explore the area around the market, bring a camera for the views of the NYC skyline, and feel like a true hipster for a while.
Old Vinyl given a new use
