By Carla Zanoni
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
INWOOD — Uptown shoppers kicked off the holiday gift-giving season this past weekend as they snagged deals on soaps, jewelry, clothing, tea and cupcakes at Off the Map, Inwood’s first holiday market.
The three-day holiday bazaar, which will take place again on Dec. 9 and Dec. 18, featured original, handmade gifts with a strong neighborhood feel made or designed by 15 local artists, artisans and merchants who live and work in Washington Heights and Inwood.
"It’s called Off the Map, because we’re not part of the Bronx, not Harlem, we’re part of Manhattan, no matter what cab driver you ask," said Leo Vasques of the Audubon Partnership for Economic Development, one of the sponsors that partnered with the Inwood Merchants Association.
"It’s amazing to see people coming here without bags from small, cool shops downtown, this is about keeping this economy uptown," said Vasquez, who also heads up the arts group Sound of Art.
Pat Tiller, an Inwood native and craftswoman, participated in the market, selling her handmade decorative wreaths and earrings made from MetroCards and homemade soaps.
"This has always been a strong neighborhood, but this is the first time we’ve had anything like this," said Tillery, whose items are normally sold at Brazen Lingerie on Dyckman Street.
Merchants like Tillery offered a host of items, some with Upper Manhattan themes like T-shirts and original photo prints, and others more general items like baby carriers or cupcakes all made by area residents.
Inwood resident Taina Montalvo-Teller, 29, shopped at the market and was even able to procure a custom-made shirt after a late night tweet to one of the market vendors, Will Teez, asking for a special limited edition T-shirt with the word "Inwood" emblazoned on its front in silver metallic ink.
"It's so nice to know so many people here," she said. "It feels more like a party. It’s so great to be able to do this close to home."
Off the Map will take place on two more Saturdays, Dec. 11 from 1:30 to 9 p.m. at Bread and Yoga, located at 4951 Broadway, at 207th St. on the Second Floor. And on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Audubon Partnership Headquarters located at 513 W. 207th St., near Post and Tenth Avenues.
