Shop Hop is a monthly column that shines a spotlight on small local retail businesses in and around Nashville.
The parking lot in front of Eastside Station smells amazing — the scent of Yeast Nashville’s freshly baked kolaches drifts through the air, challenging anyone within 300 yards to resist the urge to run into the shop to grab a cherry or cream cheese-filled pastry. Two doors down from Yeast sits Nashville Sweets, another bake shop that offers up stunning layer cakes sold by the slice, elegant cupcakes, impeccably decorated sugar cookies, macarons and more.
But there is more to be found at Eastside Station than a belly full of baked goods. Sandwiched between the destination-worthy sweet spots sits Harlan Ruby, a small, delightfully cluttered gift shop that offers a feast for the rest of your senses.
Harlan Ruby — which is also home of Vroom Vroom Balloons, the balloon company capable of crafting a display as large as a house — is owned by mother and daughter Sunny Becks and Fiona Flaherty, and it has everything you need to throw the party of your dreams.
One corner is filled with chic paper goods — plates, napkins, cups, place cards and more — decorated with dozens of different designs. Another wall holds a massive display of greeting cards. There are options for every occasion, mood and ... favorite Bravo show? Yup! On one, James from Vanderpump Rules is screaming about pasta; on another Teresa from Real Housewives of New Jersey threatens to flip a table. They even have a few refreshingly honest cards for folks who’ve lost a loved one, are going through a difficult breakup or dealing with serious illness or injury, because not everyone wants “inspirational” quotes about the meaning of life or generic watercolor paintings of lilies when facing a big ol’ pile of bullshit.
But the best part of Harlan Ruby is the dizzying array of gifts — there’s something fun for literally every human in your life. There are presents for creative people (designer pens) and people who like to pretend that they're creative (designer coloring books). There are dozens of different kinds of journals, calendars and organizers for people who like to write things down. There are earrings for people who love avocados and coffee mugs for people who hate Donald Trump. There are socks for hockey fans, aprons for sarcastic bakers, candles for people who like to light things on fire and miniature puzzles for anyone who wants to learn about historical women while also improving their problem-solving skills.
Seriously, if you need a thoughtful little something for someone in your life, Harlan Ruby has it. Hell, even if you don't need anything, it's worth a visit — on more than one occasion I've stopped in just to browse but managed to leave with the perfect present I didn't know I was looking for.
Harlan Ruby
805 Woodland St. #301
Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
