For most, Thanksgiving kicks off the craziest time of the year, but we chose, instead, to spend the weekend enjoying our leisurely, unplugged traditions: #TakeBackFriday and Small Business Saturday.
#TakeBackFriday found us hiking part of the Pine Mountain Trail, along the last foothill of the Appalachian chain, where red and yellow leaves softened our footsteps and rocky overlooks beckoned us to stare into endless blue skies. And we confirmed picnicking by the old hatchery pond while completing Mad Libs was approximately 1,001 times more fun than shopping.
Trail vs. mall on a 70° November day? No competition.
On the way home, we stumbled upon our kind of Black Friday specials.
A box of your finest Black Magic, good sir.
Our Small Business Saturday tradition began with a trip to Café Campesino in Americus, Georgia, where we stocked up on good conversation and a year’s worth of fair trade, organic coffee. Oh, and shots of Cuban espresso that made us twitch all morning with caffeinated delight.
We might know a few of those.
Twenty-four pounds of organic pecan pieces found their way into our trunk at the intentional community of Koinonia, also in Americus. A ridiculous amount, yes, but necessary now that we’re addicted to Brad’s homemade cereal.
ohmygodsomanypecans
After lunch on Main Street, a five-dollar donation to the American Cancer Society let us bring home one of these bumper stickers from Plains, Georgia. Because, Jimmy Carter.
This.
The last Small Business Saturday stop was in Richland, Georgia, to visit Karin and Erik at Richland Rum as they demonstrated syrup boiling with cane from their farm. The 150-year-old, cast-iron vat from our hometown’s historic Iron Works made it all the more special.
Double, double, toil and bubbles…
A quick peek inside the thrift store opposite Richland Rum yielded a treasure trove of 1960s British coasters for one dollar. Even more motivation to finish renovating the bar in our house.
Trout Tickling for the win!
Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and managed to sneak a few quiet moments away from it all.
