This past week has seen a break in my adventures in and around Richland County, as I’ve been back home in England visiting the mother country. Unlike my time here, which is largely spent in search of the new and untried, my visits home are more of a hurried greatest hits package, as I rush […]
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Posted inBusiness
Main Street Books offers a local gem of a shop
MANSFIELD — The first of my favorite bookshops was located somewhere in the maze of the Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre in South London. Nameless – there was no front sign – it was run by an aggressive Irishman who could have been the model for the proprietor in the ‘Black Books’ TV show. “Of […]
Posted inLife and Culture
‘Knockemstiff’ author in Mansfield to discuss ‘The Heavenly Table’
MANSFIELD — One of my favorite authors is coming to Mansfield this week. Donald Ray Pollock will be in town on Friday, Aug. 5 to take part in a ‘book talk’ event at Main St Books. Up for discussion will be his latest novel ‘The Heavenly Table,’ which promises to be just as dark, twisted […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Malabar Farm Hostel offers a natural getaway staycation
LUCAS — Back in January, I made my way out in the cold and ice to the Malabar Farm Hostel for a house concert, where a lineup of local talent assembled to perform in the cozy living room. It was a night of great music in a warm and hospitable setting and I knew at […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Budding Mansfield comics hone their craft at open mic night
MANSFIELD — A month or so ago I heard that a night of try-out, stand-up comedy – an ‘open mic’ – was being held at the ‘Relax’ coffee shop in downtown Mansfield. I knew I’d have to get down there to check it out. I’ve been a fan of live stand-up since, as a teenager, […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Local karaoke scene has a long and intoxicating attraction
MANSFIELD — A couple of Thursdays ago I found myself in The Den, an old-school dive bar on Lexington Avenue, trying to steady my nerves before getting up to sing in front of the crowd. The night hadn’t started well as I’d accidentally sat on a stranger’s phone when I arrived. I didn’t notice, and […]
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A jolly good time can be found making local thrift shop rounds
I’m a regular at the local thrift shops, for my clothes and much else besides. This isn’t so much about the punk, do-it-yourself aesthetic (although I do approve of that), instead it’s more to do with a skinflint’s refusal to pay more than necessary, and a curmudgeon’s desire to be left alone while shopping. The […]
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An Englishman approves of house brew in Lex’s English-style pub
LEXINGTON — Tucked away in a back corner of the Happy Grape Wine Bar in Lexington is a tiny English pub called Laxton Hollow Brewing Works. Nothing fancy, just a compact narrow bar with three hand-pump beers: a bitter, a golden ale and a porter. On Thursday night the spot had its ribbon-cutting ceremony. Last […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Mansfield’s night-life offers a myriad of opportunities
MANSFIELD — I’ve been looking for an excuse to check out Belcher’s House of Rock on Orange Street. So when I heard local metal outfit Krymzon was booked to perform I figured it was the perfect opportunity. But as often happens, events end up overtaking you. On the night in question I instead found myself […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Celebrity leads Mansfield walkabout, highlights positive habit
MANSFIELD — Six years ago, Jonathon Stalls of Denver, Colorado, got the urge to walk clear across the U.S from the east coast to the west: 3,030 miles on foot. It took him 8.5 months, led to hundreds of chance encounters and unexpected adventures, and left him determined to share his positive experience with others. […]