Archive for Andover
Still thrifting
The Andover Service Club Thrift Shop is always in a giving mood. Although they typically receive – donation items, that is – they are sure to give back in a big way. Last year, all the shop’s profits – to the tune of $12,000 – went back to the town in the form of scholarships. The thrift shop is located on 26 School Street in Andover, and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Be sure to bring your donations!
Shop local
Before I traveled to Tilton and points beyond, I started my shopping day at 9:30 at several local shops. The first was Bayberry Barn (www.bayberrybarn.com) on Route 114 in Sutton for a 20 percent off sale on items throughout the store. Now there’s a shop to get you in the Christmas mood – ornaments, candles, cards, linens, calendars, music boxes and wind chimes displayed throughout the store with great holiday cheer.
Then it was off to the holiday open house at Country Treasures in East Andover. Marsha and her family have turned their home into an extravagant craft emporium for several days. There are so many cool things (made by local artists) that I had to make the loop to all five rooms several times to make sure I didn’t miss anything! I bought a gift for my daughter (not telling what it is – but let’s just say it is less expensive than a real horse) and a back up gift for some lucky person (just in case I didn’t check my list twice). Read the article in the winter 2008 issue of Kearsarge Magazine if you want more information. 
This has been on my to-do list for quite some time: American Cottage (www.americancottagerugs.com) in Andover. WOW! Was it ever worth the trip! I fell in love with several of Jodi Sleeper’s magnificent rugs. She is super talented and a nice person to boot. In addition to handcrafted rugs in all sizes, the store also has furniture, lamps, pillows and accessories, such as oversize dragonflies with pyrite eyes made by Tom Sleeper of Sleeper Welding in Belmont. (His glass top table with a cement and metal base resembling a tree was spectacular.) I predict great things for Jodi – her products are high quality, fun, colorful and will change the way you look at rugs. 
Last of the pumpkins
Considering there was a snow flurry last week in Grantham, I think this may be my last pumpkin shot of the season. There were a few little buddies left at Country Pine in Andover. There’s even a new variety, a pale beige pumpkin, that apparently has more “meat” than its bright orange friends. Our family carved pumpkin has long since molded, and the Halloween costumes are put away for another year. (The candy still lives on in a bowl on top of the fridge.) I hate to say it, but I guess it’s time to get out the winter coats and boots!
Always a good meal
Breakfast, lunch or anytime snack – well, I’d have to recommend the Blackwater Junction Restaurant on Route 11 in Andover. I’ve never had a bad meal there. This week I stopped in with a friend around 10:30 a.m. and was able to snag the last table. We ordered breakfast (although some options, like the country fried steak, looked like they could be a lunch) and were not disappointed. Even though we were full halfway through, we cleaned our plates. Pictured here are blueberry pancakes, sausage patties and real maple syrup. Yum!
What can I get for you, sweetie?
Sometimes when people call you “honey,” it feels derogatory, or out of place, or just plain annoying (depending on your mood.) But when I had lunch at Nana’s Do Drop In Cafe in East Andover, it was just what I needed. The waitress was so very nice – I think she called me honey, love and sweetie throughout the course of my lunch. Even when the cafe got very busy – five construction workers and a soda delivery – she still took the time to handwrite a receipt for me. It’s not the biggest cafe, with only one table and a counter, and it doesn’t have an extensive menu. But the personalized service was a treat.
