A Sweet Day Out: Antiques and Treats on Cherokee Street

This afternoon, the boys and I ventured into the heart of city charm and nostalgia—Cherokee Street's Antique Row—for the beloved annual Cookie Spree. Our family's affinity for antiques is only matched by our fondness for cookies, making this event a perfect outing for us. The spree coincided with the Print Bazaar, a celebration of local print artists, bringing an additional layer of creativity to our excursion.

Stepping back into this tradition after a hiatus during the pandemic, we noticed changes; the antique shops seemed sparser, giving way to a burgeoning scene of print artistry. The street was alive with creativity and community, a clear sign of transformation since our last visit.

Among the many delights, one of the more unexpected encounters was with a friendly llama, nonchalantly gracing one of the street corners. It added a touch of whimsy to our day, creating one of those unique memories that we'll look back on with a smile.

Despite the joy of the spree, there comes a point when even the sweetest tooth needs a break. At Elaine's, we found the perfect savory respite with their special baked potato offerings. This hearty interlude provided us, especially Tsunami, with the much-needed energy for the homeward leg of our adventure.

We meandered through the array of antiques, each piece whispering stories of days gone by, and we couldn't resist taking home a striking art print and some stickers from a record store to remember the day. Our outing was made even more special by catching up with a dear friend who lives nearby.

As we retraced our steps down the other side of Antique Row, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection—not just to the history encapsulated within the antiques or the modern expression of the prints, but to the evolving fabric of our community, weaving together past and present with every step.

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