30/30: Hidden Oasis

October 11th

After forcing Tommie to do some evening errands with me, we went to Straw Valley Cafe for chai lattes.  They also have a beer & wine barn so there's something for everyone here.

People have been telling us about this funky little spot sandwiched between the 15/501 and a bunch of strip malls, but it's hard to believe it until you see it with your own eyes.

This zen-like compound is complete with cozy rooms, bamboo bordered grounds, and all kinds of cool indoor/outdoor nooks to sit in.  It doesn't feel like it belongs where it is; probably because it was built in the 1950's as a residence before all the roads and stores were built up around it.  It's tucked quietly behind all the chaos so that you feel like you're somewhere completely removed from it all.

We sipped chai on the open patio, listened to a good soundtrack of music, and decided that we'll definitely be coming back.

30/30: Night at the Museum

October 10th

Since it was free admission night at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University and we hadn't been since last spring, we thought we'd check out what kind of new exhibits were cooking. 

I liked everything, but I really enjoyed Doris Duke's Shangri La exhibit.  I had no idea about her private collection of Islamic art and the five-acre estate in Hawaii (now a cultural center) where she housed it.  

Several beautiful photographs of the estate were lit up in large light boxes.  The 3D effect made me feel like wish I was there.  I really appreciate the style and the architecture--maybe because it reminds me of our honeymoon in Turkey, or because it involves a lot of pretty lanterns, and you know I'm a sucker for that.

30/30: Hot Chocolate on a Cold Night

October 9th

The temps have dropped here in NC so we thought it would be a good night to try a cup of hot chocolate from Coco Cinnamon.  It's a cool spot for a hot beverage.

30/30: Dessert Before Dinner

October 8th 

We stopped by Hummingbird Bakery for a little dessert before dinner, which I'd probably do every night if I wasn't such a responsible adult.

We split a lemon drop and pumpkin cupcake.  I love anything lemon and everyone loves anything pumpkin this time of year.  The cake and frosting on the pumpkin was delish.  I should have gotten another one for dessert after dinner.

30/30: Storms and Shipwrecks

October 7th 

The remains of Hurricane Karen filtered through North Carolina today so we had a movie night in and watched Life of Pi.

While Pi had to share his lifeboat with a feisty Bengal tiger, we had to share our couch with an equally defiant little "tiger."  Why are animals always the boss?

30/30: Suspended

October 6th 

We checked out the Eno River State Park today (I'd been to the West Point on the Eno so it was nice to see the "other side").  

We walked a trail along a quiet creek then went over to the suspension bridge.

While it's sometimes hard to tell it's fall in Durham, here in the park the leaves were falling and it seemed more like October.  Part of what we like about where we live is that we can drive 15 minutes and feel like we're in another state--maybe even pretend we're in New England for a little while.