Apart from the Internet, there's no better, and more convenient, place to find affordable art than at flea markets. Good news is, D.C. has plenty. These markets are found throughout the metro area and are sure to hold some hidden treasures.
Bethesda Flea Market 7155 Wisconsin Ave. Metro: Bethesda (red line) Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays
After a visit to Bethesda's charming Mustard Seed used clothing store, stop by the Bethesda Flea Market for equally charming, if not overpriced, furniture. Who wouldn't love to decorate their dorm room with shabby chic brass eagles and porcelain toucans? The on-site Montgomery Farm Woman's Cooperative Market provides fresh produce and special items like "Nooks and Crannies Antiques and Collectibles," according to its Web site.
Flea Market at Eastern Market Seventh Street and North Carolina Avenue S.E. Metro Eastern Market (blue and orange lines) Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
For a cornucopia of flea market wares, there's no better bet than Eastern Market. Pick up that antique map for which you've been pining. You may also get lucky at one of the several vintage clothing stalls, which sell everything from vintage men's bell bottoms to questionable '80s floral print rompers.
Florida Avenue Market Florida Avenue between Second and Sixth streets N.E. Metro: New York Avenue-Florida Avenue-Gallaudet University (red line) Hours: About 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Pick up that elusive pastel-hued print of a kitten running through flowers you've always wanted at Florida Avenue Market. The R&B hits blaring from the speakers add to the yard sale atmosphere, where drug store shampoos are sold alongside original clothing creations. Afterwards, be sure to visit one of the market's many wholesale/retail food stores for a chance to buy an entire butchered goat.
Georgetown Flea Market at Court House 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Metro: Court House (orange line) Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Don't be confused by the name; the Georgetown Flea Market is temporarily calling Arlington, Va., home. The Washingtonian has called this flea market "the best reason to go to Arlington," no less. This weekend market promises antiques and collectibles, as well as a Saturday produce market. Remember: no dorm room is complete without a proper tea service.
Western Market 2200 18th St. N.W. Metro: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (red line) Hours: Noon to sunset Saturday
Northwest D.C.'s answer to Southeast's Eastern Market, this arts-and-crafts focused flea market offers handmade jewelry, home furnishings, photography and clothing from locally based artists. Western Market is the perfect place to support local artists and find snazzy jewelry, as well as a decoupage box decorated with the visages of historical figures.
