LA VERNIA, TX

{ HelloNeighbor } La Vernia, Tx

Take a Deep Breath in La Vernia, Tx

Story and photos by Michael Pape

Despite how close La Vernia is, and how many times I’ve passed through, I was guilty of having no idea what La Vernia truly had to offer. Sure, I’d stopped for a nibble or fuel, but never took a chance to smell the green. I regretted this, but am here to rectify that. Being a responsible adult, humble toward my failures, I did the responsible thing. I Googled what La Vernia had to offer.

For the first time in 20 years, Google failed me.

All of my stressful Googling was, of course, completely unnecessary. I knew there was a weekend market that I desperately wanted to visit. That’s all I needed. With all of my traveling, all of my random excursions to the tiny, or the unknown, I never arrived with more than a vague idea of what could be fun. The towns do the talking as soon as you step out; predetermined expectations ruin the thrill of exploration.

So, I threw my computer, along with Google’s vague walking trail suggestions, right out of my window. I had a weekend market to get to, and perhaps a loose plan of hunger-sating. (Side note: there’s a Taco Bell in La Vernia. I’m sure many of you don’t need to read further.)

I arrived in La Vernia – which, again, isn’t that far away – later than I anticipated. I probably had an hour to peruse the market, and then the rest of the day to find places and people of interest. Before hitting the weekend market, the gravity of a different flea market sucked me in, stealing more time. I felt a kismetic kinship with the owner, and wanted to chat, but had to cut that conversation painfully short. The clock ticked quickly, and I knew vendors would be closing up soon at the aforementioned weekend market.

I left with quick promises of returning another day and rushed to the weekend market to find it closed. With some lazy Googling that I had previously abandoned, I would have known they weren’t open on the particular weekend I intended to visit. Disappointed, I searched for strong coffee to calm the disheartened deal-hunting beast in me. That’s when things unfolded in the lovely way they tend to on these trips.

From here on out, I really want to emphasize the authenticity in the smiles of the people I spoke with, and the genuine niceness emanating from them. To the two lovely baristas serving tall, cold, sweet coffee: Your smiles were as sweet as my Joe. I’m sorry I had no idea what I wanted, I can sometimes be indecisive.

To the gentleman with the trailer on the side of the road selling a variety of interesting items: Sincerely, truly, deeply, thank you for the Casio keyboard. Since I was a kid, I’ve wanted one to tinker on and be a rockstar, and you’ve fulfilled a very old dream. Your generosity will warm me for a lifetime.

To the family with the flea market hiding on the side of the road into La Vernia: You have wonderful energy. I instantly knew I could sit there and talk all day about the treasures lurking in your store. I apologize for not staying longer, I had to rush to a closed weekend market. I promise I’ll be back, and I never break a promise.

After wandering a few hours, finding beautiful humans, and a trunk full of cool stuff, I left for San Antonio to run some errands. I came back at the golden hour to take some photos, and feel out the town at night.

At that hour, the town was glowing. Honestly, La Vernia was golden.

I wandered for at least three more hours, shooting random doorways, buildings, and local signs. For how small La Vernia is, I saw a surprising amount of people. Aside from waves and hellos, none of them gave this dork a second look when he was lying around, shooting photos of brick walls and flowers, and for that, I thank you.

It’s not only these people that made the trip worth taking. My strange-person wandering and chatting aside, there are amazing places to eat, drink, hang out. You don’t need the spice of life that is variety when every little thing with an open door is a gem. The definitive quality over quantity can be found in La Vernia, Texas.