Nov. 2009 - It’s beginning to be the season of gifts. With eight birthdays, two anniversaries, Christmas, Hanukah, and New Year’s piled into the next two months, I need to get shopping.

This year I want to do things differently. I want to buy gifts that come from within 100 miles or less from my home. That does not mean from the malls within 100 miles. Quite the opposite.

It means made, as much as possible, using local natural resources, by local hands or local manufacturers, and sold by locally owned businesses. Why?

Because then I know the laborers who made the goods were not small children, or subjected to cruel and harmful working conditions, and miserably low wages.

Because spending money is a very powerful act in our economy, which I often underestimate. I want to use that power to strengthen my community and tread more lightly on my planet.

Because having a vibrant local economy makes my life better, and I have the power to contribute to its success, or to its demise. I’m choosing the former.

Because the carbon footprint of stuff made locally, bought and used up locally is far less than things flown around the world (sometimes multiple times like the North Carolina cotton that is flown to China only to be flown back as t-shirts, socks, and possibly these jeans I’m wearing.)

Because the downtowns of our small towns, where you can walk from store to store and know most of the people inside, cannot survive the onslaught of malls that spring up off the highway on the outskirts of town (think Siler City, which thankfully is working hard to recover.)

Because when I don’t get discouraged, throw up my hands and say, it doesn’t really matter what just one person does or doesn’t do, I remember that this stuff matters to me, and of course what one person does is significant.

One, and one, and one, pretty soon we’ve got a billion. Again this year, a few of my gifts will be contributions to someone’s favorite charity, but for those that get stuff, or delicious food, it will be as local as I can figure out how to make it.

That’s where you come in. I need to hear about products, services, good gift possibilities, that fits this “local” category. I need a longer list of options. The more you can tell me about the product, the business, etc. the better.

I'll publish what I learn on this blog so anyone else who wants can see it as well. Thanks very much. I hope to see you around town.
Carol Peppe Hewitt, Pittsboro, NC

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Art and Galleries

Chatham Arts Gallery - Pittsboro
-Showcasing the work of artists throughout Chatham County, including painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and more!

General Store Cafe - Pittsboro
-rolling exhibits of various artists from the community, as well as delicious local food

NC Arts Incubator - Siler City
-two galleries showcasing local artists

Stonecrow Pottery - Pittsboro
-handmade pottery
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Restaurants and Food

The Chatham Marketplace Coop - Pittsboro
-local and organic produce, products, and food; serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner

The General Store Cafe - Pittsboro
-restaurant offering as many local and organic ingredients as they can; selling coffee, art, and various retail items
-local music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays, with a monthly Burrito Bash fundraiser for local organizations

The Food Fairy - Chapel Hill
-Personal chef services, and various cooking products, guides, and gift certificates.

Southern Supreme - Bear Creek
-offering fruitcake, books, tea, accessories, decorations, sweet treats.
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Clothing Retail

New Horizons Trading Co. - Pittsboro
-Selection of dresses, tops, socks, scarves, etc along with quality shoes.

Second Bloom - Pittsboro
-Second-hand store offering men's and women's clothing, shoes, and accessories, books, and jewelry.
**Proceeds benefit the Chatham County Family Violence and Rape Crisis Center**
(Accepting donations year round to put in the shop.)
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Product Retail

Paperbacks Plus! - Siler City
-a plethora of used books with coffee to boot; capable of special orders.

New Horizons Trading Company - Pittsboro
-unique games, books, and toys as well as jewelry and clothing (some made locally). Also showcases local artists.

Orchid Gallery - Pittsboro
-Sell and care for gorgeous orchids, and showcase artists Rita and Jeff Baldwin.

Vespertine - Pittsboro
-featurings local pottery, jewelry, silverwork, upcycled items, handmade purses/bags, and also Anole Nook Soaps.

Anole Nook Soaps - Pittsboro
-Handmade soaps and lotions - all natural, often using goatsmilk

Super Sock Monkey - Pittsboro, Siler City
-Handmade sock puppets and related items. Pottery and hand-built items available at Raleigh St Gallery and The Other Person
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Monday, November 16, 2009

Events

Deep River Alpacas - Moncure
Enjoythe bounty of our 2009 shearing. High quality yarn, in natural colors. Meet the animals that produce the yarn. Experience knitters will be on hand to answer questions. Refreshments supplied by Angelina's Kitchen.
Sat. Dec. 5 10am - 5pm
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Pets

Max's Dog Wash & Snack Shack - Chapel Hill
-Homemade dog treats and pet grooming. Gift certificates available.

Best Buddies Companion Rescue and Adoption
-Adoption and rescue for dogs.
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