Why not mix it up a bit the next time you're heading out looking for a gift or something to spruce up your wardrobe or apartment and, for a change of pace, head to the
Hell's Kitchen Flea Market.
Formerly located in Chelsea (where it was known as the Annex Antique Fair & Flea Market), since the mid-oughts the market has been found a bit more north in Clinton, or, its exceedingly more popular name, Hell's Kitchen.
Each week, you can expect upwards of 170
vendors selling wares ranging from, as the former name implies, antiques, to home decorations, furniture and accessories. The flea seems to have a thing for vendors that specialize in vintage items, including, but not limited to, Athena Vintage Clothing, Ann's Corner, Bridgette, Carole Walter, City Chic Vintage, Charles Adler Clothiers (for the men), Columbus Vintage Treasures, Masanori Kitamura and Postal History.
Otherwise, the flea is a great place to find items you didn't think you would ever need or want.
Silver coffee sets from the 1890s? Check. A
beaver hat adorned with a stallion brooch and ostrich tail feather? Check. A
victrola circa 1919? Check. Cherry wood
bookends? Check, check.
If you're looking to make a day of it, a shuttle bus operates between the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market and the Antiques Garage, another market about 20 blocks away in Chelsea, where you can browse and bargain for antiques indoors.
As is the case with most flea markets, when not selling original wares, these vendors have put in the time salvaging furniture and jewelry or scouring for antiques so you, dear shopper, don't have to. And that's more heaven than hell.
