Guest Author - Michelle R. Mangio
If you're like me, you want to come home from your travels with something handmade by local artisans and craftsmen - something that captures the essence of the place you've been to remind you of your journey. A conversation piece that gets friends back home asking "Where did you get that?" so you can tell the tales of your adventures.
But finding a great place to buy local crafts can be a challenge, especially when traveling abroad. And even if you're not looking for that one memento - even if your goal is to find a great place to do shopping that isn't chain stores you can find back home - where do you go?
Sydney, Australia, is thankfully blessed with many craft markets and numerous fairs throughout the year. And one of the best is The Rocks Weekend Markets, held every weekend in the historical Rocks district of Sydney.
What makes this market so great?
For one thing, the Rocks is a fantastic location - the historical setting of Sydney's oldest region for one. But it's central location near Circular Quay and the CBD make it easy to get to, no matter where you are staying in Sydney. Of course, if you're staying in the Rocks, it's a stroll away! If you happen to be staying at the Old Sydney Holiday Inn, the Rocks Market is literally right outside your door! Talk about convenience.
More importantly, however, is that there are nearly 200 stalls and booths set up, all local craftsmen and artisans selling their goods. Hand-made and personally designed, and most often staffed by the artists themselves. How often can you buy clothing and talk to the designer? Jewelries, woodcrafters, painters, sculptures, designers and more. Half the fun is just browsing and seeing all the amazing things for sale and on display.
The atmosphere is fun and very chic, and there are also culinary creations, pastries and other offerings to tempt the tastebuds and keep you satiated as you browse and shop. You'll likely soon find yourself walking away with bags on your arms from all the great deals and items to buy. There's everything from antiques and paintings to music and books, from toys to fashions, jewelry, and more.
So remember when visiting Sydney to spend some time at the weekend markets at The Rocks. You may find just the thing you were looking for.
