Hello, My Friends!
We have now entered the blogosphere!
I am not sure how frequently I will be blogging, but my goal is to document the changes in the Short North as we face uncertain times.
The Short North is an amazing neighborhood, often taken for granted by those that live here and always appreciated by those that don't. Primarily an arts district, we are also home to some of the best restaurants in the city, and lots of other specialty retail - almost all of it owner operated. We are in an easily walkable area, as well. Long and narrow. Put on your hiking boots, park at one end and walk to the other. Turn around, repeat. Along the way you will see limited edition toys, adult toys, antiques, folk art, gardening stuff, wine, lamp shades, vintage stuff, fine art from contemporary and challenging to pretty and decorative, fine craft from functional to fun, kitchen stuff, fair trade imports, cigars, art supplies, dog biscuits, people biscuits (cookies, sweet rolls, breads), expensive and trendy blue jeans, cheap and trendy blue jeans, scented candles and so much more.
The question is who will still be here in a year. Being owner operated means no sugar daddy, no deep pockets, no safety net. We can turn on a dime, though, and adapt. Perhaps that will save us.
As I write this one of our artists just delivered a lovely packet of paintings priced at $20 a pop! They are going to go like hot cakes!
Here is to the future, uncertain that it is. Challenges await. I think we are ready.
