Tis the season for A Southern Season–the gourmet food and cookware store in nearby Chapel Hill (NC), that is!  It’s a fun place to go any day of the year, but particularly during the holiday season, in my humble opinion.

Since its beginnings in 1975, A Southern Season has grown to become a beloved business here in the Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill). “[T]he store features specialty food products, chocolate and candy, wine & beer, coffee & tea, prepared foods, kitchen tools, home items, gifts and much more.”[1]

In short, it’s a gourmet extravaganza complete with pleasing displays, helpful staff, and mood-enhancing music. One could easily get a little carried away while there, which is why I apply these three principles: (1) Will I really use it? (2) Can I really afford it? (3) Can I find it somewhere else for less? Regarding the latter, although many of A Southern Season’s offerings are not easily found just anywhere, I’ve seen some of them (e.g. teas, pasta sauces) at Harris Teeter, Fresh Market or the like–and often for a bit less. Even with one foot firmly in Fiduciary Land, A Southern Season is a world of delights.

A Southern Season is known for their (year-round) gift baskets containing gourmet and/or southern delights, many of which are made locally or regionally right here in North Carolina.

The candy counter is almost guaranteed to bring out the kid in you.

I grew up on Kraft Pineapple Cheese Spread but can’t find it anywhere these days. I stumbled upon this Elki brand spread at A Southern Season and decided to give it a try. It’s quite rich and has a lot more flavors going on than Kraft’s version. Not bad.

If you’re in the area, consider stopping by this Gourmet Greatland–or check out their “online location.”

[1] http://www.southernseason.com/our-store/