Safari #46: Cambridge Antique Market

If you're an adventure seeking Bostonian, chances are that you've already visited the SOWA open and vintage markets, which are great places to scope out hand made goodies and unique vintage items.  I'd like to suggest another great spot for vintage shopping - with free parking and a T station nearby.

The Cambridge Antique Market - located in North Cambridge - offers an unbelievable blend of vintage items including furniture, housewares, artwork, novelty and print items, collectibles, clothing, and jewelry.  With five floors, you are guaranteed not to leave empty handed.  I was shocked at the amount of Danish mid-century housewares and collectible glass - both passions of mine.

Today's trip was for a secret santa purchase for a co-worker who enjoys 1950's novelty items.  I had a hard time choosing between vintage comics, toys, and other chotchkies.  In the end, I selected a cute pair of salt and pepper shakers.  I think she will adore them!

What have you purchased recently?  And what did you love about the item?

Before You Go

• Getting There. Parking is free and onsite.  The Lechmere T station is only a few blocks away.
• Be Prepared.  Every floor is FULL of items.  You can easily spend a few hours shopping.  Each floor has restrooms for your convenience, and the 5th floor has a small seating area.
• Floor Attendants.  The tables and display areas in the market are open for your perusing.  When you're interested in buying an item, find one of the market attendants on the floor (a person typically carrying a large, black, electronic clipboard) to put aside the item for you.  When you're done shopping, head to the registers on the first floor to pick up your items and pay.
• Like Bicycles?  I didn't get a chance to see the basement, but rumor has it that the market has one of the best selections of vintage bikes.