Porter Flea Market

One of the first things to welcome us to Nashville was the Porter Flea Market. We just happen to get in town two days before the event, and since most of the things we needed unpacked were nestled in their new homes, we decided to check out what a flea market was by Nashville standards. There were many elements that we expected, but there were also some things that were surprising, perhaps simply because we are new to the area. (Who knew prints were such a big deal around here?)

The first thing we noticed when we arrive was the homogeny. There's definitely a style in Nashville, a style that across the rest of the country might be called "folk," or even "hipster." Wide rimmed glasses, tank tops on both sexes, fitted denim pants, high-top shoes, and hair slicked back and styled, most likely with local pomade (I heard "I'm a Dapper Dan man, dammit!" in my head on more than one occasion). However, I imagine that when you're in the middle of an Elvis impersonation convention, it's not outstanding to see someone in a white jumpsuit. Likewise, when you're in the heart of a culture that exudes a particular style, no one in particular stands out. It's not a unique style as much as it's a group preference, a zeitgeist that everyone follows simply because it's fashionable. So, when in hipster central, no one's a hipster because everyone's a hipster.

Besides the human element, there were dozens of stalls and vender stands lined up in rows, much as you would expect in a flea market. These, too, carried an air of similarity amongst their handmade, handcrafted goods. Things made of wood and metal, all unfurnished and bare of ornamentation. Clothes in muted tones, much like the styles that the shoppers wore. A few things did stand out, though. One stall sold topiaries in miniature, blown-glass vessels. It was manned by a woman from North Carolina, who claimed it was hot. We scoffed inwardly, having come  from Mississippi and knowing what "hot" and humid really means. There were also some local food vendors selling homemade sodas, honey, nuts, and the like, and there was even a photo booth, and a stall where you could get your self-portrait made. The stalls spilled out of the huge warehouse, were most of the goods were housed onto a graveled yard where more vendors claimed their spots in air conditioned trailers. Also outside were some of the city's iconic food trucks, including the Grilled Cheeserie, which had a line that put the others to shame, stretching past most of the other trucks as if to mock them.

The most notable thing about the event, to me, was the number of vendors selling prints. And, most interesting to me, was that I rather liked most of them. They were, for the most part, 8 1/2 x 10 or larger prints of minimalistic design, flat colors making up the majority of the backgrounds. Most of them were of animals or nature-related elements, some of which were cartoonish, but without being childish. And, honestly, if I had a job and could have afforded a couple, I probably would have made a couple of the vendors happy. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait until next year, since the flea market is a once-or-twice a summer event.

Despite my lack of cash, the market was still an interesting excursion. We all (Sarah and I and her father, since he was still in town) enjoyed ourselves just walking along, getting a feel for what Nashville is. It was a welcoming, and seemingly representative introduction to what we can expect from living in the area: communal, inviting, unique, and artistic. I'm already looking forward to next year.