HOT fun in the summer time

Happy Weekend to everyone in the real world.  For those of us in baseball land, it's just another Tuesday...I spiced up my otherwise "groundhog"ish day by exploring downtown Jackson, TN with my sister Samantha.  Downtown Jackson must have been built in the late 1800s, according to all the signs we found in town:

Our first stop was going to be to the Art Under a Hot tin Roof, which was a modern art gallery.  We thought we'd find some cool things to show Katy in there, but it must have recently closed, here's something that was left:

A lot of other stores seemed to be closed recently, judging by all the vacant store fronts.  Probably a sign of the times.  There are plenty of chain stores and strip malls full of "generic" places to go about 2 miles from downtown Jackson.  My guess is that the local shop owners just couldn't compete.  It's very unfortunate because the town center has so much potential to be a wonderful place to walk around and enjoy some uniqueness.  (Buy Local and support small business)!!! Unfortunately the downtown seemed more like a ghost town, I half expected to see a tumble weed blow by.

There are a few businesses still operating.  My first morning here, Steve and I went to a local restaurant called the Bakers Rack for an outstanding and very affordable breakfast! The Green Frog Coffee Co. I spoke of yesterday is also located in downtown Jackson.  And today, Samantha and I found a charming little treasure, Yesterday's antique store.  The store is operated by an older couple.  We were greeted by the husband, Bill.  He was so nice, warm and helpful! He even offered us freshly popped popcorn from his 1920s movie popper! A resident of Jackson came in with visiting friends and claimed that Bill's store was always on his list of places he takes friends and family while visisting Jackson! Samantha and I drooled over his jewelry collection:

We each bought gifts for special people we know! Nothing for ourselves, my we are giving.  Bill gave me an espescially great bargain! Love me some thrift store shopping! Again, buy local and support your local shop owners it's a much better experience!

We melted a little as we walked around the rest of downtown but we didn't find much else. Sam and I came home did A LOT of baking then we went to Steve's game.  It's Christmas in July at Pringles Park which is so much fun.  Samantha enjoyed some thunder sticks:And there was an amazing fireworks show set to christmas music after the game.  Very fun!

We had some sad news after the game, Steve is no longer with the Mariners orginazation...Boo! But he will have a new job in no time and his great spirit and love for the game will be appreciated somewhere else, I just know it! We are off to Nashville in the morning and then we are alll headed home to Boston.