by Laura
Last night, I stumbled across an article that numerous friends had forwarded on just after we decided to move to Chapel Hill – the New York Times take on exploring the Triangle area in 36 hours or less. Restaurants, shopping, lodging and culture are all covered, but tellingly, the only recommendations that we’ve followed are listed under the “southern breakfast” heading. (For the record, the shrimp & grits at Crook’s Corner are indeed fantastic. And, well – you all know how I feel about biscuits.)
Anyone need about 3,000 corks or a barrel of cardboard?
This morning, however, we decided/agreed to rummage through the goods at The Scrap Exchange, which the Times described as a, “bazaar of modestly priced former junk donated by Carolinians and scavenged from local businesses that include a hosiery mill, a zipper factory and a parachute plant”. In other words, weird junk repurposed in the name of art projects and recycling.
A seven-year old and I stared at this ribbon for a long time.
Anyone missing a pair of shades?
Entranced local kiddies were spending their allowance by filling bags of scraps perfect for collages and other creative creations. For just $5 a piece, you can let your little ones loose in their open studio, making it a bargain destination for birthday parties.
The experience was bringing me back to my kindergarten teacher days, so I bought a silver charm shaped like a bumblebee, in honor of my previous life leading, “Ms. D’s Busy Bees”. (That set me back a mere quarter.)
Sandwiches pre-devouring.
Afterwards, our hungry tummies tried out the sandwiches at Parker & Otis, thanks to a gift certificate from our friend and devoted blog reader Kate. You may recall that last month, I wrote about their goodies as potential Christmas presents. Well, Kate was paying attention and knew just what to get me for the holidays. Let her be an example to you all! ;) My curried chicken salad with mangos and grapes on sunflower bread hit the spot, and their shelves were overflowing with gourmet bites, cookbooks, candies, wine, and other fancy treats.
Next on the list of Times’ recs? A late night visit to a taco shack easily recognized by the giant plastic cow on its roof. I have a feeling that their offerings are best enjoyed at 1 a.m.
Laura
Harold
