Ox and Rabbit: Soda and Sundries
The week before last, my Big Zoom turned two. To celebrate Mr. Zoom, Little Zoom and I all trekked to the local fire station to visit with the fireman. Then we headed out for burgers and shakes as a family. It was a really nice little birthday celebration.
The next day, on a whim, a friend and I decided to take Big Zoom and his best bud Owen for old fashioned sodas at Ox and Rabbit to continue the celebration.
Before we had the boys, Mr. Zoom and I lived in a funky old tobacco loft in downtown Durham, NC. We really liked the area and especially loved all the neat shops and local restaurants within walking distance of our home. I’d walked past Ox and Rabbit several times while living there, but never made it inside. Now that we live much further away, I really wish I’d checked it out sooner.
The vibe in this place was great. It’s part old time milkshake and soda bar, part kitschy gift shop. The sell everything from t-shirts to throw pillows, coasters to art work, paper supplies, sweet sweet baby and kid items, and so much more. I honestly fell in love with the place and wanted to set up a little desk in the back to blog and take in all the inspiration.
We ordered the boys Egg Cream’s after asking the owner what they consisted of. I knew I’d seen a special on Food Network a while back and was happy to try one out. They are old fashioned “milkshakes” originating in Brooklyn which consist of a flavored syrup, milk and soda water. Cool.
They could barely fit their noses over bar, but really enjoyed watching their drinks be made.
One of my favorite things about the place was the totally local vibe. While I’d seen some of their wares for sale in other such shops, the way they were displayed at Ox and Rabbit using reclaimed and refurnished furniture was really neat. If Mr. Zoom would let me, I’d fill our house with this kind of stuff. Low VOC paint be darned. I’ll take character any day.
I loved their selection of cards and single sheet wrapping papers. I’ve yet to find a shop in our area that sells the kind of packaging products I look for when gifting. I think I’ll have to make a trip back here to stock up.
We really enjoyed our morning trip to Ox and Rabbit. Summed up: it was part antique shop, part gift shop, and part ice cream parlor. We will most definitely be back for more!
