2018 Neon District Makers Market
The last week of my day job has been rough. Paired with a recent death in the family….lets just say all work and no play has made me a dull boy. I feel as though I may smash through a door like Jack Nicholson, in The Shining. To prevent this from happening, I decided to grab my camera and clear my head. Today’s mission, a makers market, in the colorful neon district of downtown Norfolk, Va.
I arrived looking to meet up with some friends. I arrived early, leaving time to enjoy a lamb and beef Gyro. Not just any gyro though. This one was from the Turkish restaurant, Istanbul. If your ever are in town, make sure to grab lunch there. It is behind the bus station. Look for the red roof and park in back. You will not be disappointed.
Once my friends arrived, I walked around the restaurant to meet them. Right off the bat I knew this was going to be a ton of fun. Colorful murals created by local artists are juxtaposed by old urban norfolk. Norfolk is old. As old as America itself. One of the first main shipyards in America; It was once burned to the ground by the British Royal Navy during the Revolutionary war. Today it is one of the epicenters of Hampton Roads.
The Neon district of downtown Norfolk, now a days, is a small half mile strip of the city. The Neon District is lined with colorful buildings,which are home to local boutique shops. The craft fair was taking place in a small parking lot known as The Plot in the heart of this area. I walked onward past Bob’s Gun Store, into the entrance of the busling event.
There was a lot to take in. Jewelry, chess, leatherwork, music, costumed characters, and food of all kinds. There were people with dogs, their children, their significant others. enjoying the brisk overcast atmosphere. I drive by this place everyday, however, I had never reserved the time to walk around and explore on foot.
I moved from booth to booth. Looking over many amazing crafts made by talented local artisans. Everyone was very nice, smiling, and always offering assistance or warm conversation. My girlfriend recent took up knitting, and I saw a booth with many knitted items. Very cool indeed. A table had a selection of handmade bow ties and neckties. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a beautiful Golden Retriever. I was lucky enough to snap a pick with a costumed character and that gorgeous dog.
Something I found very cool was a large chess game painted on the concrete with giant heavy chess pieces. There was a huge Jenga game. I was lucky enough to spot a monkey playing with it versus a huge blue furry guy. Very interesting in my opinion. You certainly do not see that everyday.
Part of the reason I came here, was to meet Ian from Eaglework Co. I follow them on instagram. You can visit their website at http://eagleworksco.com. I have chatted with him through direct message on social media and am always amazed at the quality work he performs. His motto is “what do you want? We can make it!” A husband and wife team, they were the nicest people and you could really feel the passion they have for the craft. Was an honor and privilege to meet sech a fellow woodworker! Maybe in the future, a collaboration is in order. We shall see. By the way, go to his website and check out his wooden coffee pour overs. Such a simple, clever way to brew you coffee!
As a lover of the K9, I could not help myself. I had to take some pictures. I hope the owners did not mind. Next time I should bring shopdog Toby along with me. I believe one of the dogs I saw was a Corgi/Golden Retriever mix. That, I have never seen before. Weird!
As I mentioned before, the neon district of Norfolk is very colorful. It does not gain the name from bright lights. Instead Various local artists paint huge colorful murals on the buildings and store fronts. I think it is really interesting. I have watched this area clean up and start to develop. Small local businesses are moving in. Maybe one day SugarTree WoodWerks will have a space here. I would 100% pay someone to paint a mural on my storefront I am not certain of the artists names, however I would love to give credit to these amazing individuals and teams. Leave a comment below if you know any of them!
