The Haagse Markt (Hague Market)

Location: Hague, Netherlands

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch.

I know a handful of Dutch words like vrolijk = cheerful and snoepen = to eat something sweet. But my favorite words are Kunnen we even rond kijken? = Can we have a look around?

And that’s exactly what Elizabeth and Grant did at the Haagse Markt.

“This open-air market is – with 550 stands – the largest of its kind in Holland and has a huge offering ranging from cheese, fruit, vegetables, flowers, and fish to clothing, domestic items, and second-hand stuff.”

The Haagse Markt (the Hague Market) is the biggest outdoor market not only in the Netherlands but also in Europe.

It was first established in the Prinsegracht area in the centre of Den Haag (The Hague)

Street Name Translations

De Grote Markt - Big Market
Grote Marktstraat - Big Market Street
Varkensmarkt - Pig Market
Groenmarkt - Vegetable Market

“In 1938 the Market was deemed to have outgrown the confined space of the city centre and to much initial consternation of market users, it was relocated to Herman Coster Street, which was at that time an undeveloped area outside the city limits.”

The Haagse Markt is held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 8:45am to 5:00pm.

Happy Shopping,

Elizabeth & Glory

Waterlooplein Flea Market, Amsterdam NL

Location: Waterlooplein 53, Binnenstad, Netherlands

In 1815 when Napolean Bonaparte raged across Belgium only to meet defeat at the hands of the Seventh Coalition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Waterloo) the last thought on the Emperor’s mind was having a square in a small hamlet in Holland named after him. Waterloo Square lies in the heart of Amsterdam, not far from the central train station. In the late 19th Century, once Jewish merchants were told to relocate to the square, there was a regular market appearing in the area (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterlooplein).

When we came to the square in 2012 it was bustling with tourists and merchants alike. Quite a few of the merchants looked like regulars, coming day after day, week after week to the market - and they are serious. Don’t be alarmed if they want to come talk to you or offer you deals - we were able to talk a seller of bags down in price for a smart, white handbag.

There’s a great variety of merchandise in the Waterlooplein Markt. We found a basket of old tins from different candies and spices, as well as already-been-used pantyhose, surplus gas masks, and a surprisingly good assortment of Montana brand spray paint.

Bonaparte wouldn’t have approved of any of this, of course. More likely he would be broken-hearted about the fall of the French Empire and what it could do for the world. However, it is our opinion that the world is just fine with markets like this, where you can spend an easy afternoon browsing among the stalls and taking in the interesting - and sometimes quite intriguing - sites.

Washington D.C. is home to the National Cherry Blossom Festival - it’s the best time to live in the District. (Well, minus the flock of tourists) This Saturday is the highly-anticipated parade. According to The Washington Post there will be “lavish floats, giant helium balloons, marching bands and performers. This year’s honorary marshals include Olympians, the governor of Tokyo and even astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Performers include former “American Idol” finalists, 10 marching bands and musicians from Japan.”

They had us at GIANT HELIUM BALLOONS! Plus, this year marks the centennial anniversary. We plan to ride our bikes downtown for the festivities & picture-taking.

Here are a few facts about the Cherry Blossom Festival:

Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries.

In Japan, the flowering cherry tree, or “Sakura,” is an exalted flowering plant.

This once-in-a-lifetime celebration gets it’s own Cherry Blossom Centennial (Forever®) stamp design.

The Peak Bloom Date is defined as the day on which 70 percent of the blossoms of the Yoshino cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin are open.

What must-see festivals are in your hometown?

DC Pop-up Flea at Black Byrd

2005 14th St NW
(between N V St & N U St)

I had another solo flea market experience. This time at The DC Flea, a temporary market curated by “I Found That” collector Dafna Steinberg and independent designer, Philissa Williams. The market, held on Sundays, is located on the 2^nd floor of the restaurant, Black Byrd. My first observation: The venue wasn’t serving brunch. I naturally assumed eggs benedict would be included in this shopping experience. No such luck.

However, cocktails were on-hand and there is plenty of vintage clothing to feast your eyes on. I found the huge assortment of pieces fulfilling and diverse in style — it ranged from bohemian 70s chic to early 90s. I snagged myself some pretty awesome pieces:

Leather Dooney & Bourke purse - $30.00
Ivory elephant necklace - $10.00.
Pink & white polka dot skirt - $15.00

The market is extremely affordable and all the vendors accepted credit cards. I found the jewelry selection the most inciting. Pins. Clip-on earrings. Ornate necklaces. Buying something to wear immediately is a common occurrence. I slipped on my new necklace on the spot!

My closing advice: Bring a friend, buy a drink, and find some super fashionable choices.

Happy Shopping,

Elizabeth & Glory

9th and U Street Flea Market - Washington D.C.

This weekend I journeyed alone to the 9^th and U Street flea market. Currently, Elizabeth is traveling in Europe with her beau, eating crepes and visiting the Waterlooplein flea market in Amsterdam. WE’RE GOING INTERNATIONAL IN 2012!

Okay, back to the review…

It was a warm spring day, and animated men selling batteries and teenagers loitering along the perimeter of the market fence greeted me. I entered the gate sheepishly and took in the sights.

1^st observation: It was very loud. I felt slightly harried. A 90s boombox was blasting Bob Marley music and sellers seemed to be shouting for your attention. It could be me but I don’t like yelling.

2^nd observation: You need to dig and dig and DIG. Trust me, the landscape required serious detective work. It’s cluttered with low priced electronics, garage sale-like items and an odd variety of foodstuff. You’ll find blankets lined with shoes, discarded pocketbooks in bins and mountains of ties waiting to be rummaged through. I scoured relentlessly before finding a pair of $3.00 shoes I loved.

3^rd observation: Vendors are a tad aggressive & appear slightly off-kilter. I encountered a gentleman who insisted I purchase a vacuum cleaner. Needless to say, I did not need a vacuum cleaner.

4^th observation: 75% of merchandise is questionable. Review potential purchases VERY carefully. Ask yourself vital “should I buy this?” questions.

For electronics: Is this item still functioning? Is it worth the repair?

For clothing: Will that stain come out? Will I sew a new button on this shirt?

For shoes: Are the soles intact? Is the heel sturdy?

5^th observation: It’s cheap & dirty. I don’t expect flea markets to be pristine but I do encourage the use of sanitizer. If you look long enough, you can certainly find a $2 - $10 clothing/shoe bargain. Or you can buy a cordless phone or old-school television. Again, I found a pair of $3.00 – perfectly intact leather slingbacks. That said, the market is worth visit. Just mentally prepare yourself for the obstacles above.

Happy Shopping!

Elizabeth and Glory

9th St NW and U St NW

Washington DC 20001

Public Transportation:

Shaw Metro Station

U Street Metro Station

More of our favorite pieces from the West 25th Street flea market in Chelsea. We’re preparing for another excursion in April and we need market & fair recommendations!

Where should we visit in New York?

Send us ideas via twitter: @elizabeth_draws & @guidetoglo

Annex / West 25th Street Outdoor Flea Market

When visiting the Annex / West 25th Street Outdoor Flea Market the quote, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure “ comes to mind. The popular parking-lot bazaar is renowned for it’s antiques, taxidermy and gritty NYC charm. Open every Saturday and Sunday, from 9am-6pm, the market is filled with oddities and eclectic vendors.

Just imagine: a hodgepodge of peculiar devices, shabby chic furniture and cast-off clothing for the taking. For the adventurous shopper, it’s perfect for discovering something unexpected. As we patrolled the area, we counted 13 lamps, 8 typewriters and an endless array of knick knacks.

Here are some tips for conquering the Annex:

1.) Start digging: From costume jewelery to teakettles, there are a lot of second-hand goods to rummage through. DIG IN. It’s absolutely necessary to spend time sifting & searching. (Warning: You will get dirty.)

2.) Take your time exploring: The market is a tad smallish and unorganized. Allocate a few hours to take everything in - look over each table carefully. There is definitely potential for a great find, especially if you’re shopping for nostalgic or specialty pieces.

3.) Haggle a little bit: Some good ole’-fashion bargaining never hurts. More times than not, vendors are willing to strike a deal.

4.) Keep your eyes open: Treasures await, friends! We found an autographed photo of John Wayne, a collection of vintage Nancy Drew books and a classic Singer sewing machine. We consider these items priceless one-of-a-kind finds. (Note: Totally worth getting dirty. See above!)

Don’t like getting a bit grimy? Then this is not the market for you.

Don’t like really random old stuff? Repeat. This is not the market for you.

Overall, it’s certainly worth a visit if you’ve never been. Bring cash and curiosity. You’re bound to come across something amazing. Like this.

Annex / West 25th Street Outdoor Flea Market

W 25th St (between Broadway and 6th Avenue)
New York, NY

annexmarkets.com

Happy Shopping!

Elizabeth & Glory

Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market

Location: 20th St. NW between Massachusetts Ave. & Connecticut Ave.

Click here for map.

Nearest Metro: Dupont Circle (Red Line)

About This Market:
The Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market is an old-fashioned, traditional market filled with the essentials: fresh fruits, organic vegetables, butchered meats, delicious baked goods and a variety of delectable jams & jellies. On Sunday, Elizabeth and I began a farm-to-table shopping adventure. In search of tasty (yet affordable) finds for our upcoming dinner party.

On our fancy-pants menu:

Broccoli & Goat Cheese Soufflé
Sesame flatbread
Hummus with Crisp Maitake Mushrooms
Roasted Chicken
Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sounds delicious, huh? More on that later…

Needless to say, we found everything we were looking for and more. The vendors represented an array of well-known local farms. From The Quaker Valley Orchards to the Red Apron Butchery, we had our choice of top-quality farm-produced goods.

The market is an ideal Sunday afternoon destination, great for people watching & shopping. It’s festive environment, accumulation of wonderful products and local-loving sellers only add to its charm. Most importantly, one can find an impressive selection of seasonal items. (Elizabeth scored 10 huge turnips for only $4.00!)

If you choose wisely, $50.00 dollars can fill your fridge for the week or you can splurge on $9.00 mushrooms. You have tons of options. Overall, we found the produce reasonably priced and kept closely to our dinner party budget.

Top vendors include, Blue Ridge Dairy Co., which is well known for their amazing Honey YoLite yogurt & scrumptious cheeses, and my personal favorite, Atwater’s Bakery. We highly recommend the Sweet Heat Aztec Brownie. Absolutely amazing.

Bakery Warning: There is always a very long line, however, the pastries are well worth the wait.

Last thing(s):

Both cash & credit card is accepted. The Dupont Circle FRESHFARM Market also accepts SNAP (EBT/Food Stamps).

Come prepared with a tote bag. You’ll need it!

At times, it can be slightly packed. Don’t let this stop you. Remain steadfast and remember, Whole Foods has even longer lines. Making a list prior to shopping can help you navigate thru the crowds.

Happy Shopping!

Elizabeth & Glory

We’re kicking off Hand Drawn Bazaar with one of our favorite places to look for odds and ends, The Georgetown Flea Market.

Founded in 1973, the outdoor market is filled with over 100 vendors, selling one-of-a-kind antiques and exceptional knick-knacks. Looking for a new chandelier or 12 shiny new trophies? Search no further than the Georgetown Flea.

The market is held on the grounds of Hardy Middle School each Sunday and the lot is always brimming with chic grandmothers, dog walkers and serious antique hunters. (Our tip: Rise early and come prepared to walk. A lot.)

Elizabeth and I arrived at 8 a.m. with coffee and keen eyes. Our finds of the day included the following delightful objects:

Mint green ceramic duck. Potential living room centerpiece or pretend pet. One of the two.
Sliver (slightly tarnished) platter. Are you thinking tea party? Us too!
Antique cabinet. This will look amazing in our soon-to-be adult apartment.
Wooden & metal chair. Sturdy & antique-ish. Possible desk chair.
Mirror with 1920s advertisement. Classic piece for any room. Our pick: Decorate your foyer.

TOP TIP for tackling the Georgetown Flea Market:

Wear comfortable shoes and come ready to chat up merchants. We found vendors lively and excited to talk with shoppers. Don’t shy away from haggling and inspecting items. Each piece definitely tells a story, you’ll be surprised where people find ceramic ducks these days. And if you’re car-less and eyeing a HUGE upholstered bench, don’t fret, delivery is available for large items. Finally, take cash.

Georgetown Flea Market
Hardy Middle School Parking Lot
1819 35th Street NW
Washington DC 20007

georgetownfleamarket.com

Happy Shopping!

Elizabeth & Glory