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by tmhhmt
los angeles, California
March 7, 2003
Parking is easy because of the huge lots, the walk from the car only seemed long on the way back because we were lugging our purchases. Next time, I will definitely bring a cart.
Off topic--you can drive around the base to look at the big ships. In fact, one (I was told) is a museum.
Although this is supposedly the biggest antique market in northern California, it was a very manageable size and easy to cover the entire market without foot damage or sunburn in a few hours.
The market takes place on the first Sunday of the month.
The price to get in was steep if arriving early, so we arrived late. The merchandise was pricey, but after all, you're still basically in San Francisco and everything there is the opposite of cheap. That said, we stayed until closing and as people were willing to deal (rather than pack), I got a great price on a 1930s crystal boudoir-ey sort of lamp and bought several vintage textiles--napkins, tablecloth, and bedspread. Some of the best finds included baby hats made of vintage emroidered handkercheifs for my neices. And! there was no hawking of faux Rolexes or dubious Kate Spade bags. Everything was the real thing. According to the website, everything for sale must be at least 20 years old, and it appeared they stuck to that rule. If my bank account had allowed, I would have bought far more than I did, for there was great stuff everywhere I looked.
I found out about the market on the Internet, so I will give the URL as it provides detailed directions--there isn't really an address.
www.antiquesbybay.com
I will conclude by saying, YES! if you are staying in the San Francisco area, it is absolutely worth your time to drive out to this market.
Oh, and one more thing. On the far left side of the market (I think it was south or west) there are food stalls--the charge for a beverage was steep, so bring your own and save yourself $3. Also, there was a Swedish baker there who makes the best cakes and pastries in the most authentic German/Swiss tradition. My friends and I bought one of his little cakes to snack on while walking the market, fell in LOVE, then went back and bought half of his stall. You can't miss him because his table is full of cookies and tarts and cakes. His prices are extraordinarily reasonable and the best things were the mini chocolate cake with cheese and the apple cake with fresh apples and cinnamon. I'm glad he doesn't do mail order or I'd be in trouble.
From journal Alameda Island (a quiet spot on San Francisco Bay)