On Saturday, December 12, I will be joining other artists and entrepreneurs in Saxapahaw for the FIRST-EVER Saxapahaw Holiday Open House!
I continue to be amazed at all of the things you can do in our small town--from the Saturdays in Saxapahaw music event and Farmers' Market (www.rivermillvillage.com), to Oktoberfest, to volunteering at Paperhand Puppet Intervention (did that one day-much fun!), to eating at our Country Store (amazing food!), to visiting Benjamin Vineyards (great wine and art exhibits, too!), taking canoe rides, visiting our wonderful Roxy Farms Antiques shop (and meet the most wonderful Roxy herself!), spending the night at the gorgeous River Landing Inn--or attending their art receptions (complete with terrific food and live music), taking movement and dance classes, taking a class here at my studio, and many other things.
So we are hosting this Holiday Open House Tour to let people know. Grab a friend and come on out. You'll be able to share in holiday festivities, see demonstrations, taste local wines, attend free classes and other activities, and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. All within a community of a few square miles. Amazing!
To date, businesses and artists and their offerings include:
Benjamin Vineyards & Winery - Winetasting, including seasonal Spice Wine and two new dessert wines, Twelve Days of Christmas Art Show featuring more than 35 pieces, representing the work of over 20 local artists. 6516 Whitney Rd. 12 noon - 5 p.m. 336-376-1080. http://www.benjaminvineyards.com/
The Bridge at Rivermill - free movement and classes from 9:30-10:30a.m. and 2:00-4:00p.m., acupressure sessions, available by donation from 1-4 p.m.. 1647 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd., www.rivermillvillage.com, www.metaformmovement.com, www.leighbrown.info, 919-619-6405, 919 601-1282 or dblondiedancer@aol.com.
Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. - Guest Appreciation Day: potluck, gear swap and free paddle trip. RSVP requested. Saxapahaw Community Center. Noon-5:00p.m. 336-260-6465, info@hawrivercanoe.com .
The Hawbridge School, a tuition free public charter high school, will feature an art exhibit and the launch of its student-run microenterprise, Hawbridge Designs. A wide variety of student-designed silk scarves, photo greeting cards, recycled art works, and large art pieces will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the sale support educational programs. Prospective students and their families are especially welcome from 2-4 pm when the school's music ensemble will perform. 1735 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd., 1-6 p.m. 336-376-1122 or www.hawbridgeschool.org.
Out of the Fire Sculpture Studio - Clay hand building and sculpture demonstrations, free mini classes. Visitors will be able to create their own masterpiece, leave it for firing and pick it up at a later date. 6035 Church Rd. 10a.m.-5 p.m. 336-376-9091 or www.cindybilesblog.blogspot.com/.
Paperhand Puppet Studio -exhibit of large puppets used in their productions. 1-4p.m. Saxapahaw Community Center. www.paperhand.org.
River Landing Inn - coffee, tea, Christmas cookies and snacks, exhibit of quilts by Violet DeKnikker. 5942 Whitney Road Graham, NC 27253. 12noon to 4p.m. (336) 376-1502 or matt@riverlandinginn.com.
Roxy Farm Antiques - A Dickens Christmas Carole Open House! Fine southern antiques, including primitives, baskets, quilts, hats, vintage photos, brass candlesticks, tree ornaments from Mexico, and much more. Tiny Tim, Scrooge and the Ghosts from Dickens', A Christmas Carole, will be singing Christmas carols. Join us for some Yuletide cheer with locally-grown wines from Benjamin Vineyards & Winery, along with homemade holiday hors d' oeuvres. 5768 Church Rd., 10a.m.-6p.m. (336) 264-7731.
Saxapahaw Artists Co-Op - wide range of unique items for holiday gifting 10a.m. – 6p.m.
Tour Maps are available at numerous locations throughout Saxapahaw. Tour locations will be well marked and numbered.
Getting to Saxapahaw:
From Chapel Hill/Carrboro take HWY 54 West, approximately 13 miles. Turn left on Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Road.
From Hillsborough, take Orange Grove Road to HWY 54 W to Sax-Beth Church Road.
From Mebane, take Mebane-Oaks Road to HWY 54, travel across to Sax-Beth Church Road.
From Burlington, take I-40 to exit 147 toward Pittsboro approximately 10 miles. Turn Left onto Church Road.
I'll post updates as I hear about them, or you can call Benjamin Vineyards & Winery (336-376-1080) or check their website: http://www.benjaminvineyards.com/.