No IKEA in Memphis, so we turned to the "Antique Malls" for our furnishing needs. But first we visited some upscale shops in our neighborhood: first stop was at a charming store with a lot of country style wares that probably would not have been out of place in most martha stewart friendly homes:This store also had a nice upstairs 'mall' area (these are very common in the antique market here- rented out 'rooms' or stalls, managed through a main front desk), that was eclectic and fun, but still beyond our current budget and needs.
Then onto another few stores in this vein- catering to the upper middle class- amazing selection and good prices throughout (as compared to the Bay Area at least).
But our desire for lower prices led us to the 'Antique Malls'- and these were eye opening! Large, sprawling mazes of goods ranging from plain junk, to quality antiques, to mid-century wares, on through collectibles of all sorts- overall a topsy-turvy world of chaotic nostalgia:
We had a great time, these places may make up for the lack of both IKEA and a modern art museum in town. The nostalgia is thick and seductive. But as other bloggers I've been reading note, Memphis is a city ruled by nostalgia. Perhaps best symbolized by the presence of Elvis EVERYWHERE!
One last note about antiquing and bargain hunting here. The Thrift Shops can be a little disturbing with their random and chaotic piles of goods:
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