16 April 2013

LOCAL LOVIN': The Flea Off Market, Louisville

We ventured the East Market District over the weekend with intentions to swing in The Flea Off Market and be on our way to the St. Matthews area and the malls. We were pleasantly surprised by the community event and ended up stopping in twice that afternoon! We saw a little of everything, from handmade jewelry and candles to retro furniture and records. And while the sign mentions kittens we sadly saw none, but instead there were plenty of friendly pups in all shapes and sizes from the tiny chihuahua we met (Camden!) to the Great Danes that looked more like horses.

So what exactly is The Flea Off Market? Well, it's a monthly outdoor bazaar/flea market held off East Market in downtown Louisville. It is typically held the second Saturday of each month, and at times will run through Sunday as well. You will find a little of everything for sale - books, records, jewelry, clothing, food, beverages, furniture, home decor, baby products, handmade crafts, plants, pets, and the list goes on. There is also live music and entertainment throughout the day, free of course. All are welcome including children and pets!


For our visit the weather was absolutely gorgeous, a little windy for some vendors whose merchandise blew over (or away, to be retrieved by fellow market go-ers) a few times, but all-in-all a perfect day. One side of the market was lined with local food trucks and some tented vendors, all of which smelled amazing! Our biggest regret was easily eating before we visited, but we do know better for next time. In the middle of the booths one vendor was set up with selling select beer and cocktails. A flea market where you can drink and shop? Sign us up! (This may also be a little dangerous depending on your shopping habits...)

Food trucks, retro t-shirts, and collectibles aplenty.
Beer, cocktails, and a fuzzy retriever to the right.

We picked up a few gifts from Eight Trees Company selling handmade and all natural wooden infant toys, burp cloths, and stuffed animals, as well as vintage infant clothing, milk glass, and other assorted items. (This vendor also had her baby along for the day and got extra points for cuteness!) We also found some really cool decorative pillows, hand-stamped napkins, and scarves at several booths. There was plenty of Kentucky love going around too - from past Derby memorabilia, local artists, and even some of those previously mentioned decorative home items were stamped, printed, and embroidered with state and city images or text.

These pillows and napkins are by Em Dash Designs.


The aforementioned chihuahua Camden, lover of sunshine! She was so sweet and tiny. Her parents were selling paintings and records.


One of our favorites was a booth set-up and styled to reflect a 1960's home with retro furniture, trays, decanters, and linens. We scooped up some floral napkins for a few dollars and truthfully, we wish we had the space for some of the furniture! This seller was extremely friendly and we wish her price tags were stamped with her name or the name of her business so we could give her a shout out. (Hopefully she will be back next month and we can do just that!)

Vintage clothing, home decor, records, and collectibles were plentiful throughout the market. As we browsed music was not only being broadcast at the back of the market, but near the entrance local musicians were playing guitars, harmonicas, and even a tuba at one point. We heard "Did you see this?" and "I want this!" over and over again as people browsed and scooped up their newly found treasures. Both vendors and shoppers were having a great time, us included! (We think this was largely in part to the weather. We're finally seeing spring here in KY!) We can't wait to venture back up next month!


ellen + evlin had TONS of vintage clothing on racks, in addition to their sale items in these bins.
So many decanters, trays, and glassware!
We've decided we need a telephone table.


Just to give a rundown here's some of the info on The Flea Off Market again:

-You can find their Facebook page here.
-It occurs on the second Saturday each month in the heart of Louisville, downtown in NuLu /East Market District.
-Sometimes the event takes place on Sunday too, check Facebook page to confirm the date/s.
-Open from 10am-6pm.
-Some vendors accept cards, but many are cash only and there is an ATM on site.
-If you're interested in a booth contact: thefleaoffmarket@gmail.com

We will be sure to share next month's The Flea Off Market event on our Facebook page prior to the event, so head on over there and give us a like!

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