In the waning days of 2000, I am beginning to wonder if the caffeine-crazed Generation X-ers have abandoned their respective coffeehouses in search of a more holistic buzz.Brandy Hammond-Wisniewski, "Around Town"
In the waning days of 2000, I am beginning to wonder if the caffeine-crazed Generation X-ers have abandoned their respective coffeehouses in search of a more holistic buzz.
Laden with notions of green tea, Yoga and Pilates, the year has seemed more of a spiritual pilgrimage toward western philosophy and a move away from the edgy, Seattle-based coffeehouse grind. But this notion couldn't be more wrong in Clayton.
It seems the Generation X-ers have passed their love of coffee and eclectic surroundings to Generation Y, while pulling Baby Boomers into the mix as well. And where is it that this diverse crowd meets to mix and mingle? The Coffee Mill.
Upon entering, the day's worries seem to evaporate in the smell of fresh-ground coffee beans and contemporary jazz. Stress seems to disappear among the original brick walls, circa mid-1800s, and the white tile ceiling. Wood floors and cabinetry massage the mind, encouraging patrons to return to oneself after a tiresome day.
Trinkets, knickknacks and lamps line the walls, adding ambiance and a warm, inviting glow to the coffee shop. Cabinets adorned with coffee beans, hand-painted coffee cups and teapots invite visitors to take a bit of the magic home. For a price, of course.
Regular customers and friends are greeted by name and engage in a friendly exchange with Jodi Sager, who, with her husband, Cliff Morgan, owns and operates The Coffee Mill.
The couple bought the shop in February 2000 and are committed to its continual growth and community involvement, especially by way of suggestion and participation in Open Mic Night, to advance the arts in our area.
Open Mic Night commences every Tuesday at 7 p.m., offering an original and unrehearsed lineup, ranging in events from yo-yo tricks to acoustic guitar solos to comedy routines.
One doesn't need special permission to present his or her talent or art, only a willingness to perform in front of an accepting and interested audience.
However, Tuesdays aren't the only time artists entertain at The Coffee Mill. In an effort to support the arts, Jodi and Cliff schedule various performances and visual art displays. Currently six paintings by Walter Day grace the walls of The Coffee Mill. Always interested in talent, new or previously discovered, Jodi encourages those with gifts to share to be in touch.
To date, The Coffee Mill is proud to boast several performances by Daniel Ballinger, a 16-year-old blues sensation. And Kurt Fortmeyer, co-owner of Hyphen Coffee House in Fuquay-Varina, has dazzled listeners with country, folk and blues. Local bands Blue Dust Box and Illusion have engaged crowds with their electrifying outdoor performances, and Clayton's "Strolling Violinist," Dr. Henry Goodman, strolls into the coffee shop to play a few tunes for admiring onlookers.
The latest talent entertained on an outdoor stage this past Friday night, drawing an enormous crowd of high-school students, professionals and even some seniors. The band arranged and advertised its performance by way of fliers and word-of-mouth. Jodi was particularly happy with the turnout of young people, because she offers a safe, smoke-free, alcohol-free environment where "the kids can just hang out."
And it is the idea of hanging out that keeps The Coffee Mill going. Jodi and Cliff have created a space where people can refresh and refuel during their day. Guests are invited to relax and read the paper at a table, watch a worker create a cup of energy at the bar, or observe life, as it happens, from a cozy couch by the windows. Diners and coffee connoisseurs may also enjoy their ambrosia al fresco, at one of the shop's street-side tables. A light breakfast and lunch is offered by way of salads, sandwiches, pastries, desserts and more, all made locally.
With the ever-expanding small-business arena in and around Clayton, making customers happy is what Jodi and Cliff strive for. When asked about up-and-coming coffee competition in the area, Jodi flashes a pageant-worthy smile and replies, "Competition just makes us work harder." Words we should all carry close to our hearts.
So, as the weather turns colder and the leaves begin to change, seek a little solace, peace and warmth in downtown Clayton. Share a talk or a piece of pie with a friend and a slice of life with The Coffee Mill.
Brandy Hammon-Wisniewski is a Clayton resident. Her column appears every other Friday in The Smithfield Herald.