Its important everyone knows about Ravena, New York. Ravena less of a town and more of a strip but its special because its home to two of the best flea markets I've ever had the chance to pick over.
I recently moved and have been slowly furnishing my new apartment as my pay check has permitted. Recently though, I have been losing my patience with the process as I have found second hand prices in Brooklyn to be not-so-wallet-friendly. I reached a breaking point when football season began and I still didn't have a coffee table to put my loaded nachos on. Thus, a trip to Ravena was planned.
I first visited the Ravena Barn Flea Market two years ago over the Thanksgiving holiday when some friends and I rented a cabin upstate. There were twelve of us and every single person went home with bountiful purchases. Some quick research and jogging of memories of those who were there lead me back to the promised land of thrift. I borrowed a friends truck and headed up with a shift's worth of cash to spend.
Located about 18 miles north of Saugerties along highway 9W, the Ravena Flea is easy to miss save for its pea green siding. Its a big space with several aisles lined with knickknacks that range from the ordinary (lamps, mugs, glasses) to the amazing (Care Bear snow globes, mounted animal hooves, Jane Fonda workout videos). This place takes some energy. There will be digging and its important to use your imagination when considering what to buy and what to leave behind.
With a little help from an extra cup of coffee and my dutiful boyfriend, we got some useful stuff for our place:
And some real gems:
This is a great day trip if you are looking to fill an apartment, looking for gifts for loved ones, looking to sell vintage stuff on Etsy or just looking in general. Borrow a friends car, take a Claritin (things are a bit dusty) and get ready for some good stuff.
Ravena Barn Flea Market
1136 Old State Rd
Ravena, NY 12143
Leisure Time Flea Market
2532 US Rt 9W
Ravena, NY 12143
