As a reformed North Carolina loyalist, I recognize the ability to take amazing day trips as one of the amazing perks of this great state.  One example of the perfect day getaway is Pittsboro, which I took my dear friend Sara to visit while she last visited the Triangle.  It is a cheery gem of Chatham County thriving with personality and charm.

Oh, Pittsboro, how do I love thee?  Let me count the ways:

1. Locally-owned storefronts.  I found tons of nutty antiques and second-hand stuff, like at Oldies But Goodies.  French Connections also amused us with tons of unique new items, much of which were unfortunately made in India or China.  These were just the beginning…
2. Local craftsmen and artisans.  Like Vespertine, an inspirational and happy store with an amazing woman (Ginna) who owns it, runs it, and creates products for it!  Sara bought the cutest glass sculpturette by Leslie Fesperman and Ginna from here!  Lots of locally-made herbal soaps, fun jewelry, unique stationary, and more live here too.
3. Quirk galore.  Pittsboro = quirk.
4. Cats in windows.  Sara and I loved the cat here!
5. Locally-grown foods and co-ops.  We grabbed a DELICIOUS lunch at Chatham Marketplace restaurant!  I have previously visited General Store Cafe as well, and highly recommend it.

If you are located in the Peidmont of NC, particularly central or so, consider taking a day trip to Pittsboro.  Be forewarned:  going mid-week insures that some of the great storefronts will be closed, so consider a Saturday for the full lineup.  Pittsboro is known as well for plenty of great festivals.  The residents and history are rich, the downtown quaint yet ahead of the game.

If you are on twitter, check out ChathamNC, ChathamMarket and the Pittsboro Convention Visitors Bureau too.

(Side note: please pardon the truly horrid cellphone pics. WHY did I not take real photos that day?!)

I should plan another trip to Pittsboro…

Until then, sustainably yours,

Ashley Sue

Our Pittsboro Cheat-Sheet:

Eating:

Chatham Marketplace, www.chathammarketplace.coop, 480 Hillsboro St, 919.542.2643

General Store Cafe, www.thegeneralstorecafe.com, 39 West St, 919.542.2432

Locally-made:

Vespertine, www.vespertinecafe.com or www.ginnae.etsy.com, 64 Hillsboro St, 919.356.6825

Joyful Jewel, www.joyfuljewel.com, 919.545.6836

Bizu, 18 E. Salisbury St, 919.545.9255

Quirky:

Unity Books & Stuff, www.unitybooksandstuff.com, 80 Hillsboro St, 919.545.0619

New Herizons Trading Company, www.newhorizonstrading.com, 52 Hillsboro St, 919.542.7366

Chatham Habitat for Humanity Home Stores, www.chathamhabitat.org, 467 West St, 919.542.0788

French Connections, www.french-nc.com, 178 Hillsboro St, 919.545.9296

Oldies But Goodies Collectibles, 106 Hillsboro St, 919.542.1126

Have a blast!

Between leading a World Wide Photo Walk and eagerly waiting to find out if my Beginner Darkroom class starts Monday, I cannot help but ponder how environmentally-friendly photography is.  I particularly wonder about my own love affair with 35mm photography.

I often have digital photography enthusiast jab at me for my seemingly hypocritical juxtaposition as a naturalist and environmentalist with my 35mm photography addiction.  The petroleum and chemicals involved in film and developing, the waste of hundreds of photos taken for me to find the handful of prized images worthy of framing… blah blah, I know.  I have not been heckled yet for being a vegetarian 35mm amateur (film also uses gelatin), but I am obviously aware, so do not bother with that argument.

I guess this is where I choose the “Grounded” side of (G)G.  Photography is something I love, and the quality and experience of 35mm is not something I am willing to compromise.  I may in time get a quality digital camera as a supplement to my photography experience, but not yet.

I would love any addition and elaboration on any side of this argument.  The same could be done for another love of mine:  letter writing.  The waste and energy associated with writing letters and sending cards could make a strong argument for email and ecards being a sound environmental choice, but to me, that completely compromises the experience of personal communication.

Am I going about this all wrong?  Do you have questions or answers of your own?  I would love a well-rounded debate on the merits of each side.

Sustainably yours,  Ashley Sue