Life at the Sherer's

John and Talia Sherer put me up at their apartment in Chapel Hill, North Carolina while I was in town for two days of assessment for a library job. Talia is the Director of Library Marketing and National Accounts Manager for Macmillan, and John is the Director of University of North Carolina Press. So, what's it like to be a guest in the Sherer household?

You never know where you'll stumble across books when visiting these two.

While walking the UNC campus my first night in town, we came across this book art between two rocks.

And, Talia? Who knew her love of dessert and her love of thrillers intersects in cupcakes?

And, she's willing to take a visitor a few miles to find a wonderful lunch. Check this out - Crunchy Baked Potato Soup.

John and Talia know all kinds of terrific places in the area to eat. We had hamburgers at Spanky's on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. One night, we went to Carrboro to an Italian restaurant called Panzanella, where they pride themselves on a seasonal menu with local produce. (Talia can eat an entire pizza by herself.)

Talia and I drove to Pittsboro to Fearrington Village, and had lunch at The Fearrington Granary.

My terrific lunch with the Crunchy Baked Potato Soup was from The Fearrington Granary. And, my last night in Chapel Hill, we ordered in from the Mediterranean Deli.

Talia loves animals, every animal except one nasty dog that once attacked her. She gave me three books about animals to read while I was visiting. She said I had to see the Belted Galloways, the cattle at Fearrington Village.

If you want roommates to keep you company at the Sherer's, Talia MIGHT let you share a room with Shmackies or Marcie.

Shmackies

Shmackies' Favorite Spot

Marcie in the sunshine

Here's my roommate, Marcie, on the bed.

Marcie and I had a view from our room in the Southernmost Motel in Chapel Hill.

Books, food, animals. It's all a treat with John and Talia. But, when it comes right down to it, what's better than a trip to an independent bookstore for two book lovers? Talia took me to McIntyre's Books, an inviting bookstore in Fearrington Village.

The Library at McIntyre's Books

John & Talia Sherer make friends feel welcome - good food, animals, and of course, plenty of books. And, if you're very lucky, you'll get to pick a book or two from Talia's own stash in her work area - her book nook.

If you're heading to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, I'd recommend a visit with two hard-working book lovers, who also happen to be terrific guides. I'm sure John and Talia Sherer will make you feel welcome at their personal Southernmost Motel in Chapel Hill.

*****
Addendum - As much as Talia likes food, she's not the cook in the family. John made us Dutch Babies before I left on Saturday. Check out these works of art.

Dutch Baby in the oven

Dutch Baby just out of the oven

My half of the Dutch Baby

As I said, wonderful hosts who treat guests royally. Thank you, John, Talia, Shmackies and Marcie.