Design Board: Alemany, the other flea market
Located where the 101 Freeway meets the 280, it's tucked into an old shooting range at the base of Bernal Heights, just off Alemany Boulevard.
Not only is it smaller, it also can be a bit of a crapshoot. It's somewhere I head to discover a found treasure in a pile of, well, junk. I always feel while perusing the stalls with an eagle eye that somewhere among all this stuff is a secret gem. It's like your very own Antiques Roadshow, where you might find a plate for 25¢ and find out it's worth $250.
I really like going to Alemany because if I keep my expectations low, an awesome find will usually take me by surprise. I've found some great things here - beautiful rattan mid-century modern chairs, cashmere sweaters for $2, gorgeous silverware, both my nightstands and tons of vintage photographs. But I've also come away with nothing, except perhaps a good day of people watching.
The crowd here can be quirky and strange, but harmless, I assure you. There are people with birds on their shoulders, dogs at their feet, and elegant older women with beautiful retro coats for sale. It's a virtual potpourri of good stuff and also the stuff you just shake your head at and wonder, "why?" If you think of it like a bargain basement or some amazing outlet store, you won't be disappointed.
These funky green vinyl upholstered and wood chairs were $250 for the set and in pretty darn good shape.
If I'm craving a flea market fix, it's also a quick remedy for me, because Alemany is held every single Sunday, rain or shine. There's also a good taco and BBQ stand for re-fueling your shopping energy. And, maybe best of all, it's a free day of entertainment whether you find treasure or not, because there's no cover charge.
- victoria
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I love these articles. I now come to the SF AT on Friday's specifically to see what Victoria's written.
RS - the flea market is every Sunday 8am to 3pm. It is good to get to this one before 11 to get the good stuff.
Earl Grey & Allison - thanks so much!!
when is it held?
Thanks for the info. I have always been curious about the flea market.
Love, lOvE, LoVe!!! The Alemany Flea Market, half the furniture in my place in from there. And some of the furniture that's not in my place, like the couch that I was SO excited about getting that did not (almost, but did not) fit in my stairwell--what with the turns and all.
Love Alemany, loooove it!
When I lived in SF I lived close to this flea market and would go there frequently. I bought a great chair there for $13, brought it back to Manhattan with the rest of my things, had it reupholstered and it looks great. Fond memories of the Alemany Flea Market
I am sooooo jealous of these flea markets! We don't have anything that comes even close in NYC (at least not in terms of price!) I love your taste, Victoria. Your apartment is an inspiration!
You think NYC is bad? Try northern Vermont. Nada.
I'm drooling in envy. And Happy Halloween.
O god I am so jealous. A sunny day spent scrounging around a flea is my idea of a good time. This place is making my chops water.
Victoria,
I love your design boards and these informative write ups. I just wanted to tell you that I admire how flea market savvy you and, if you're ever in Boston, look me up so I can take you to the mother of them all - Brimfield (held 3x a year). It's a monster, and by the looks of things, you could certainly tame it.
Seeing these posts has inspired me greatly on many levels. I really relate to your aethestic, especially since our style is very much alike. Sometimes, I feel a bit underwhelmed by what's out there in furniture stores - either the design is too cold, or if it's the perfect piece, way out of my price range. Your posts help me remember my flea market roots, as I grew up in the Carolinas and attended them weekly with my mother - a weekly routine I enjoyed back then, and looking back, cherish now because New England doesn't offer the year round temps that allow for one to junk shop on a weekly basis.
As you know, I'm in Germany for two months, with only a month left and guess what I discovered? A huge flea market held along the banks of the river here in the city I'm in - and even better -it's held year round, rain or shine, hell or high water. Makes me think that perhaps New Englanders should toughen up a bit and start holding a few outdoor markets in the winter much like they do here in Germany.
Soon, Christkindlmarkt begins here, combining toys, gifts, food (crepes - yum!), and my favorite - hot mulled spice wine. Unfortunately, I'm leaving right when they begin, but it makes me wonder, outside of the alcohol, why don't more American cities bring this tradition to the states during the winter months?
I digress...
Anyway, beautiful post - I'm a big fan of yours, and can't wait to see what's next. You add a lot of value to AT!
Holly
awesome! i can't wait to check it out.
Arggh. My absolutely favorite market where I got all my best, best bargins. Why let the secret out now???!!!!
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