Balmy Evening, Cookies, Hot Cider, Holiday Windows

The still night air, moderate temperatures and the refreshments offered along the way made for the perfect Sip & Shop this past Thursday in downtown Edenton. As shoppers strolled down South Broad Street, shop windows glistened with tantalizing gift ideas for the holidays. Byrum Hardware’s brightly lit chicken was a shopper stopper. After the last three summer and fall Sip & Shops were basically rained out, it was smiles all around as merchants greeted guests as they shopped.  

From the number of bags in hand, locals and visitors to town started their Christmas shopping days before the Thanksgiving turkey was going into the oven. Many were heard commenting on the uniqueness of the stores on Broad St.  

Thursday was a Rockwell Holiday Evening as friends and neighbors greeted each other while chatting about the cookies at the bakery.  New friendships were created when locals welcomed visitors to town while sipping champagne and enjoying delectables at different merchants.

Residents should be proud of the unique retail selection in a town the size of Edenton. With less than 5000 residents, it is impressive to see the selection and quality offered at our local retailers. Each store has their individual personality and customizes their merchandise for their specific customers, making it a treasure-trove of selection verses shopping in a massive mall of duplication after duplication of product. Shopping local is not only smart when looking for unique products, but also keeps Edenton vibrant and healthy by circulating those dollars in our community.  

Aside from daily holiday shopping, there are two additional shopping events, Black Friday, Nov. 28 and Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29.    

Edenton transformed itself into an Americana Candy Land  Friday evening. An estimated 1000 people, many costumed impersonators, converged on downtown Edenton Friday night in a show of comically joyful entertainment as Broad St. came alive when youngsters of all ages became  Dinosaurs, Ghosts, Goblins and Spidermen and woman for a walk through town that will be remembered forever, both young and old.  

Merchants along Broad St. opened their doors in a show of candy giving force. Bowls, bags, and boxes momentarily overflowing with a variety of candy and treats were manned by business owners, many made up beyond recognition.  

The Town’s First Responders, police and fire, and the town ambassadors were noticeably enjoying the evening, mingling with astronauts and cowboys parading down Broad St. While the evening progressed the police proved they were still on duty, apprehending an unruly  skeleton previously at the town’s newest restaurant, The Edenton Hot Dog Company. The Skeleton was laced in the front seat of the cruisers until the event ended.

Once again Main Street Edenton in collaboration with Edenton merchants, volunteers and supporting groups organized an event the envy of cities and towns across county lines.  

Whether a local or a visitor Broad St. became host to a neighborhood street party for the very young of all ages. It was night to remember...in pictures below.

There was a noticeable increase in foot traffic in Downtown Edenton Saturday, both long and short legged, young and old,  locals and visitors were all around town enjoying the sights and unique shopping experiences. 

Over the past few weeks less people appeared to be downtown due to vacation, ill health or the quick visit of winter weather last week, keeping many inside. However, warmer temperatures - see the weather outlook below- brought out walkers, many with their the dog and a noticeable increase in out of town license plates bring visitors to downtown. 

It doesn't take much to bring  Edenton to life. With the first sign of  soon to come spring, the Edenton Farmers Market was very busy. Samples of the Inner Banks' Tuscan Bean Soup and Brunswick Stew worked taste bud magic as both culinary delights sold out before the end of the day. Along with the stew and soup, Inner Banks Inn's short ribs also will feed a lot of Edentonians, they were also gone by noon. 

Downtown Roots played semi-host to a group of ladies from Virginia, visiting for the weekend. After ordering at Roots, the ladies enjoyed their lunch at Edenton Bay Trading Company before heading to the waterfront and the Penelope Barker House.

Everyone in town continued their unofficial ambassadorships. The ladies commented more than once how friendly and hospitable everyone in town was. It's obviously becoming known for history and hospitality. The week ahead looks more like winter than Saturday, with rain on Sunday and cold weather returning Monday. However, the rain won't dampen the ladies from Virginia. Their plans include a movie on Sunday. They're looking forward to the Taylor Theater experience. 

Currently playing at the Taylor: Marty Supreme, starring Timothee Chalamet and Song Sung Blue, starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. 

Many Edentonians are familiar with Enzo Adachi, the stylish canine often seen walking Darryl Adachi, Enzo's driver. Recently Enzo had a surprise Bark Mitzvah at Edenton Bay Trading Company and over 100 residents attended the event some say was merely a night of Trivia.  

However, not so for Enzo.  

Last Saturday, after the Wednesday night event the Social Light had the opportunity to interview Enzo while Darryl was in deep conversation with Larry Sellers at the Edenton Bay Coffee House.  

ESL: Enzo, good morning. We heard you had a wonderful Bark Mitzvah on Wednesday evening. Did you expect any such thing to happen.  

Enzo: I was shocked. It was Wednesday night around 5:30 and I was taking Daryll for a walk before we go to Malcolm's for Trivia Night. Darryl was being a little coy, he wasn't practicing calling out the questions as much as last week so I knew something might be up.  

ESL: When did you suspect something?

Enzo: I thought I saw the Red Cape – the one in the picture – in the back of the Porsche, but I paid it little mind. When we walked past Downtown Roots I thought the crowd might be big because they were bringing in tables. At my sight level I saw a lot more table legs. On the way back to Malcolm's I had a feeling someone was having a get together. I had no idea the celebration was in my honor.  

ESL: Did you ever think a Bark Mitzvah was in your future combined with your thirteenth birthday.

Enzo: Honestly, I had no idea I was of the Jewish Faith. Frankly, I don't feel 13 and I wasn't thinking of a party. We've been tired after the holiday party circuit, too many dog treats and muffin crumbs. But in Edenton they'll use any excuse to have a party. It was a wonderful event and after the packed holiday party season my Bark Mitzvah filled a void of two week without a party.

ESL: Did you see a lot of people you knew.  

ENZO: I know a lot of people, by their shoes. I saw many friends, some loafers and an oxford or two. Blue deck shoe guy was there, and the lady with the yellow Espadrilles was also playing Trivia. That was the best, 119 people came to my Bark Mitzvah – a record - and played Trivia in my honor. Actually, they play every Wednesday night at Edenton Bay Trading Company, but I'm taking the guest count as a tribute to my popularity.  

ESL: What do you attribute your popularity to?  

Enzo: First off, I've got Darryl so well trained. Never a hair out of place - on me - thanks to him. A constant groomer. Look at me, I am a good looking pooch. Secondly, I can't walk Darryl down the street without people stopping, petting me on the head and asking "How you doing Enzo?" Often they talk to Darryl for a few minutes until I tell him we have to go. It's a great feeling everyone in own is friendly.  

ESL: Have you been going to Trivia for a long time.  

ENZO: As long as I can remember. I really look forward to Trivia night. I love Malcolm and Debbie King, did you know they own Edenton Bay Trading Co.  

ESL: Yes everyone in town knows "Malcolm's".

Enzo, Yes, they're popular with the people in town and many of my canine friends also enjoy the place on occasion.  

ESL: Darryl, this question is for you. Did you expect this type of turn out for Enzo's Bark Mitzvah?

Darryll:  No, I really didn't. It was Enzo's bark mitzvah on Wednesday celebrating his thirteenth birthday. We had 119 people who showed up for Trivia and his bark mitzvah cake. A very spirited competition won by a team with 14 people.  Always a fun night," said Darryl.

A Bark Mitzvah is not a formal religious ceremony, but a cultural phenomenon among some pet owners. Bark mitzvahs are a growing trend, especially in parts of the United States like Beverly Hills and the East Coast, but they are not a common, widespread tradition in a religious sense. 

While Enzo's celebration came with a "King for a day" ensemble and a beautiful cake, Malcolm and Debbie King have not decided whether to pursue the Bark Mitzvah party business since they already attract a regular crowd.  

The King's are area icons, here's why.  

Walking down Broad St. on certain Tuesday’s evening’s it’s not uncommon to see a group of men sitting in the front room of Edenton Bay Trading Company. What may seem uncommon to those not used to Edenton’s traditions and stylish eccentricities – it was a men’s bible study group. Trivial as that may seem, the wine store also hosts Trivia nights every Wednesday. Edenton Bay Trading Company, known to many town folk, simply as ‘Malcolm’s’, is the creation of Debbie and Malcolm King and serves the community in number of ways. Edenton Bay’s current 407 South Broad St. location has evolved over time into the area’s premier wine and beer retailer. “Our main purpose in life is beer and wine retail,” said Malcolm. “We are a comfortable place to gather with friends or to meet visitors”. Wine aficionados and craft beer enthusiasts are immediately impressed by the knowledgeable selections. Wines, both international and domestic include varietals from Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Hungary. Beer enthusiasts have choices from an impressive domestic offering including North Carolina breweries along with international brewers.

 \Edenton BayTrading sells individual bottles of wine but also has the capabilities to assist with large groups and parties.“We pride ourselves on our stellar collection of fine wine”. Malcolm continues, “From champagnes to a variety of port, sparkling wines and wines made in North Carolina, to selections from around the world. If there is a favorite we don’t yet have, let us know, and we’ll do our best to get it.People ask me all the time to do personal events in the store,” Malcolm said. “Often when  there is a wedding in town at the end of the wedding they will have a small reception here.” 

EBTC hosts birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, club meetings and has held a number of local weddings. The year-round patio stays cozy in the cooler months with heat lamps and small fire-pits. Inside, large round tables with seating for six is the perfect spot to meet new friends. If cheese is your choice, Edenton Bay Trading Company offers a nice selection of fine cheeses, a line of chocolates and even cigars. Guests are invited to bring lunch or a snack to enjoy with their beverage or bring a book, to enjoy with a glass of wine in a warm spot inside, on the patio or watch passers-by with seating in front of the store. If you have’t had the experience, the any time is the perfect  time to stop in for a glass of wine or a  bottle of wine from their large selection. You may even make a new friend or two and have the opportunity to pet Enzo.