Who would have thought that a flea market could prosper in the age of eBay? Organizers Eric Demby and Jonathan Butler did, and the fledgling Brooklyn Flea has been growing since it first opened in spring 2008. Featuring retro chic, the market offers the perfect Urban Country shopping experience for locals and tourists alike.
Back in class
Only in Brooklyn could a flea market in a schoolyard setting be considered chic. The Brooklyn Flea is the hottest market in town. Carefully curated by the team behind brownstoner.com, a popular renovation and real estate blog for New Yorkers, the market features close to 150 juried vendors selling everything from vividly vintage 1970s fabrics to home-baked Whoopie Pies—yes, that’s right, Whoopie Pies.
Decor junkies rejoice
This isn't your ordinary market where you have to dig to find something special—all the vendors here have something stylish and unique to offer. Searching for vintage rolling pins? Just ask Laura in the third row. Funky coverlets? Casa Farfalle down the aisle is sure to have something to please.
Classic artisanal country
Not to worry if you think the style may be too out there. Brooklyn Flea is still a spot for the tried and true—from rustic tin stars (painted in a range of fun pastel shades) to iron headboards.
Always bring an entourage
Forget about a sun hat. The best UV protection comes in the form of a towering photographer’s assistant (in this case, photographer Stacey Haines’s patient husband, Steve.)
A collection waiting to happen
No matter where the flea market takes place, there's always that one special find that sparks the beginning of a collection. In this case a tiny Happy Mother's Day pail caught my eye. Charming? Yes. Necessary? Of course not. Did I buy it anyway? You know it!
Is it furniture or is it art?
A juried show, the Brooklyn Flea only accepts vendors that have submitted photos of their work. Many of the vendors are artists, artisans and entrepreneurs. You won't find the usual assortment of bric-a-brac. Among other wonderful things, you'll find chairs, like the one-of-a-kind pieces upholstered in Virginia Johnson fabric (shown above), that you’d never find anywhere else.
Eye for the absurd
Why a teapot with two spouts? It’s interesting and surprisingly practical (you can serve Earl Grey AND chamomile at the same time!)
Frock patrol
The best part about vintage clothing—from sundresses to aprons—is its decorative appeal. Buy a dress in a pretty pattern and hang it on the outside of your closet door.
If you buy one thing
Old postcards, particularly ones that feature the setting of the market, make for inexpensive (not to mention easy to pack) purchases.
Cheap thrills
Keep your eyes peeled for inexpensive items—such as colourful plastic clothespegs. The Brooklyn Flea abounds with such interesting vintage products.
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