Weekend Market Picks Aug. 31 – Sep. 1: Brooklyn Bridge Park Farmers Market

Brooklyn Bridge Park Farmers Market - Down To Earth Markets

I recently visited a new Down To Earth Market that opened by the Brooklyn Bridge Park. My sister- and brother-in-law were visiting with their perfect daughters. (I can say that because a) I am their Auntie Karen, and b) they are perfect.)

That Sunday we went and had lunch at Smorgasburg in the Tobacco Warehouse, and then we took a long walk through the Park. Wow! They have done an incredible job with that park. Don’t miss the incredible children’s playground, including Swing Valley and Slide Mountain.

Our destination was Pier 6 and the new farmers market there. It is in a nice open lot just off the park. For the moment, it is a sweet, small market because that area is just beginning to flourish as a community. Nicole Reed of the Down To Earth organization, told me that it is important to establish the market early on so that it can grow as the community expands.

But we didn’t let the size of the market undermine the impressive collection of vendors there (see the images). We slurped down refreshing frozen pops from La Newyorkina to start. Brooklyn Cured was there with beautiful sausage links. I’d never tried bread from Runner & Stone, but their Bolzano rye was recently included in GQ Magazine’s The 50 Things You Should Eat and Drink Now. There were two farmers with produce, one organic, pickles, seafood, and more baked goods. There was also table with great information about recycling.

The Down To Earth Markets are unique in the city because they have not only local produce and baked goods, but wonderful prepared foods as well. They put on 11 markets in the New York City each week, and more in the surrounding region. Visit their website for locations, schedules and vendor information!

Weekend Market Picks:

This holiday weekend, I’m starting something new: Market Clusters! It’s always great to be able to visit more than one market in a day. This week, I’m starting with three great and very different markets in Brooklyn. The markets in the Cluster are marked with a “♦.” Let me know what you think!

Saturday, August 31, 2013:

Bedford & Bowery Bazaar – For those of you who long for night markets, Hester Street Fair is hosting a market that goes till 10PM. Their lineup of food and craft vendors is formidable, plus beers from Torst and Brooklyn Brewery. Music too! 12PM – 10PM, Corner of Hester and Essex Streets, Manhattan

♦ Fulton Flea: The Fulton Flea Market is part of this week’s cluster of markets in Brooklyn! Browse through tables of handmade jewelry, vintage clothes and probably some very cool t-shirts. If you’re lucky, Raymond the bonsai master will be there too with his lovely, tiny landscapes. 9AM – 7PM, 650 Fulton Street, Brooklyn [map]

♦ Fort Greene Greenmarket: This farmers market alongside Fort Greene Park is full of late summer lovelies: tomatoes, peaches, plums and so much more amazing, locally grown foods. It is a nice destination between the Fulton Flea and the Brooklyn Flea, through the bucolic Fort Greene neighborhood. 8AM – 4PM, southeast corner of Fort Greene Park on Washington Park between DeKalb & Willoughby, Brooklyn [map]

Saturday and Sunday, August 31 – September 1, 2013:

♦ Brooklyn Flea: Looking to change up your apartment a bit this fall? Then hit the flea this weekend. You may find a new chair or bar stools, or even a new living room set. Some photography or artwork would do too. Or maybe an installation of antique seltzer bottles in wooden boxes? The spritzers probably still work. The Saturday Flea in Fort Greene is in the market cluster in Fort Greene! 10AM – 5 PM, Saturdays at 176 Lafayette Ave. [map], Sundays at East River State Park (90 Kent Ave at N. 7 St.), Brooklyn

Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit: I know the summer flew by because the last time I looked up, the spring Outdoor Art Exhibit was going on. And now their second annual event is upon us. Do not miss it. If you see something you like, odds are that the artist who created it is right there with you under the tent. So have a chat. This event runs next weekend as well. 12PM – 6PM, University Pl. between East 12th and West 3rd St., Manhattan

Antiques Garage: I do love the Antiques Garage. It is a classic antique and flea market with New York panache. There are some high quality treasures to be found here. It is also a wonderful place for people watching, especially if you are looking for eclectic style inspiration. 9AM – 5PM, 112 West 25th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, Manhattan

Sunday, September 1, 2013:

Greenflea Market: This indoor/outdoor vintage and flea market also features handmade and imported products, as well as food you can munch as you shop, or take home for later. Don’t miss the vendors inside the school. If you’re looking for antique Tiffany tableware or lovely porcelain teacups, you’ll find them in the cafeteria. 10AM – 5:30PM, Columbus Avenue between W. 76th and W. 77th Sts., Manhattan

Enjoy the long weekend!

~Karen Seiger, Markets of New York City