Day 18 – Cottage Grove Atmosphere Earns Its Charming Name

Throwback Time: Video rentals !

Day 18 March 30, 2016

Woke up to a beautiful, sunshiny day. Had such a lovely breakfast in the comfortable dining room where there is room to spread out and relax at the Village Green Resort.
Afterwards we headed back to our suite to cram for work instead of exams. We put in quite a few hours until I called a “time out” to grab some lunch and check out the Historic District.
We walked around a bit, checked out some menus at local restaurants and felt most at ease at “Jack Sprat”, so we sat and enjoyed reggae music while we waited. The menu offers such a variety for regular, vegetarian and vegan dishes to please everyone. They claim to have “Comfort Food For All” and they have every right to do so.
I have never been overly fond of tofu, but I could eat this dish they prepared of “at least once a week, if not more. It was “Thai Coconut Curry” with lime-coconut encrusted fried tofu. It was a large serving that Han had the rest for dinner and was also completely impressed with the flavor, taste and texture. It all added up to “a YUMMY make you hum while you eat” kind of meal. Also the service and knowledge was impeccable.

http://www.jackspratsbrats.com/menu/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g51818-d3854183-Reviews-Jack_Sprats_Restaurant-Cottage_Grove_Oregon.html

After lunch we strolled around some more and most enjoyed the local book stores. We went into Kalapuya Books and I purchased a set of Rune Stones because I thought they looked interesting and Han complimented him on his store and restaurant area but the owner was devoid of any sort of personality, however he definitely has a unique store. I was fairly sure had I tested his pulse, I would not have found one. I am not sure why he was flatlining, but the next bookstore we entered felt like a haven from the previous attitude and from the world outside.
It was comfortable, friendly, airy, and I think we would have found new friends in the owners if we ever moved to the area. They sell everything from postcards to plants and of course books.
The store is “Bookmine” and we spent quite a bit of time there talking, purchasing some items, sharing stories, laughing and using their very unique toilet. Of course I had to take a photo of it so I could share its cool factor.

Afterwards I just had to give myself a new experience and went inside a pot store as it drew me in with its bright exterior and talked with the owner who was very helpful even though he knew we would not be purchasing his goods and even let me take some pictures. Nice guy, very stoned and store had a wonderfully laid back atmosphere. Imagine that???

So after inspecting what the downtown had to offer we headed back to the resort and walked the 14 acres of their specialty themed gardens with hidden benches, garden art, flowering trees and plants and meditation areas. Even though it is March, they had a surprising amount of blooming shrubs and trees to photo and smell as the garden was very fragrant. Very relaxing and it was the perfect way to destress before getting back to work. We spoke briefly with the gardener/caretaker who happened to be from Sarasota, Florida, but had moved to this beautiful little town because his two sons where attending college in nearby Eugene.

The rest of the evening was spent finishing some work, watching a few TV shows, eating leftovers, reading and getting some much needed sleep. Tomorrow is my grandson’s 5th birthday and cannot wait to see everyone. It’s about a 4 hour drive to complete this part of the journey. So very excited.