Got the recession blues? Cheer up! You can still greet the warm weather with something unique, something unusual, something that just screams you!—and have a ball shopping for it.The City boasts terrific flea markets every weekend, from those ubiquitous street fairs to cooler-than-cool venues that feature the occasional flapper gown or vintage Rolex next to a pile of what might be charitably referred to as junk. But that's the fun of fleaing—it's the thrill of the chase, not to mention the challenge of successful bargaining, that makes an afternoon at the markets so exciting, and ultimately so rewarding.

First, a few tips before you set out.With regard to bargaining over prices: be polite, and remember that there is no shame in asking, "Can you do a little better on this?" or "What is your best price?" But be warned—if you take the leap and say, "Will you take X dollars for this?" and the dealer says okay, then flea market ethics compel you to purchase the item.

When should you go? There are two schools of thought on this—some people say early in the morning, to get the best selection, while others argue for late afternoon, when prices can tumble.Whenever you go, bargaining is always easier when you have cash to offer— you'll be surprised how even the frostiest dealer melts when confronted by a waving stack of green.

Here are some of the City's happiest hunting grounds.

The LuLu's Vintage Lovelies collection at Antiques Garage. Antiques Garage

When rumors surfaced last winter that the demise of the garage on West 25th Street was imminent, you could practically hear the collective hearts of antiquers break-ing—this division of the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market is much loved by fans of indoor markets. But the place has received a reprieve, and the two-level weekend space (on weekdays it reverts to its original purpose, housing cars) still contains an incredibly diverse inventory—from 18th-century plates to genuine sable jackets; art deco diamond rings to old copies of Life for $1 each.

Tables of secondhand wares at the Hell's Kitchen Flea Market.

Hell's Kitchen Flea Market

This venue, near the West Side Highway, was opened as a replacement for the old Annex market in Chelsea, which is now the site of a soaring apartment tower.The spirit of the Annex survives here (like its predecessor, this market is held on weekends only)—the rough-andtumble atmosphere is home to goods ranging from well-priced secondhand furniture (ask them to deliver it—they have a truck, you don't!) to vintage clothes, brass doorknobs and plenty of other items, which, though odd, might be just what you're looking for.