ASTORIA — Looking to numb the pain of the last-minute holiday shopping frenzy? Grab a beer while you browse at the Astoria Market, coming to the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden this weekend for its final appearance in 2012.
"These will be our last two shows of the year," said founder Diane Modric, who started the artisanal market in 2010 as a way to showcase the wares of the creative community in Queens.
This weekend's market will feature 30 to 35 different vendors, plus holiday treats like eggnog, chestnuts and hot apple cider, Modric said. The goods are displayed indoors in the Bohemian's main hall, just upstairs from the beer garden and restaurant space, so shoppers can easily take a break for a pint and a pierogi.
"Everything is all within the same area and easily accessible," Modric said.
Potential gifts include edible items from the Astoria-based bakery The Chocolate Swirl, which sellls holiday truffles and brownie pops, and specialty condiments like spicy fruit ketchup from Mel's Melting Pot.
Shoppers can also pick up a charm bracelet or anklet from Astoria's own Strung Out Jewelry, crafted with stones and gems that are believed to cut stress, or find some Queens-inspired art and decor from Sunnyside designer Bridy Crawford. Brooklyn-based Pigeon Be Pigeon will also be selling its line of T-shirts and other apparel.
The Astoria Market will be at the main hall of the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, at 29-19 24th Ave. in Astoria, on Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 from noon to 6 p.m.
