Happy New Year everyone, Old man winter has certainly made his presence known here in Ohio — a little behind schedule. After an unseasonably warm Christmas with temps in the sixties, we’ve had a few light snowfalls and thermometers hovering in the single digits.  Now that the decorating, shopping, traveling, wrapping, overeating, Christmas programs and parties are through, kids are back at college, and the decorations are packed away, it’s time to take a breath and get back in the swing of things.  A busy schedule and arctic temps tend to keep away thoughts of getting out in the wood ..read more

Last month, I got to drive down to stay with one of my oldest and dearest friends, in one of my favorite places to be, Black Mountain, North Carolina. This collection is inspired by the natural beauty and fond memories from the area. I’ve known Tom since I was five. And to say that we’ve had some good times together, highs and lows, at every stage of our lives up to this point would be an understatement. I say every stage of life, but we still usually act like a couple of unruly twenty somethings when we hang out. The difference being we probably won’t still be up when the wives wake up, and ..read more

As a pipe smoker, you’re no stranger to reflection and contemplation. For me, it’s probably the most valued aspect of this pastime. It just feels right to set aside time regularly in order to pause, depressurize, reflect, and appreciate what’s going on in my life.  And life surely gives us plenty of occasions to reflect, whether it’s an anniversary, a reunion, a niece starting high school, your son getting his drivers license, or a family member’s passing. Each significant event grabs us and, more often than not, turns our attention to the past.  With our oldest starting his master ..read more

The first day of summer fell during a trip I took with my wife and daughter to Northern Michigan. We spent the week relaxing on the west side of the Grand Traverse Bay, way at the top of a peninsula where things were nice and quiet. While the girls kayaked and paddle boarded, I spent time whittling, smoking my pipe, and even took a canoe out for a spin or two. The peace and seclusion were delightful, and most mornings the only thing we could hear was the call of loons. About the only thing "productive" I did was whittle this guy: These are the tobaccos I took to enjoy — highly recommend al ..read more

Man, I love the Muletown show. Fantastic people, cool town, excellent venue — it’s really not to be missed. Muletown Pipe Show Location The Muletown Pipe Show is an annual event held in Columbia, Tennessee, a charming southern town with historic architecture. The show takes place at Briarworks, which is not only a pipe factory, but also a storefront and lounge complete with humidor and bar. Unlike other shows we’ve attended, you can smoke your pipe while you walk around the vendor area.   About the show This year there were about 40 or so vendors, including carvers, estate sel ..read more

Last month, my wife and I checked out the NASPC 2022 pipe swap sell show  in Columbus, Ohio, just a hop down the highway from where we live. We had a fantastic time checking out all the tobacco pipes for sale, as well as the pipe making supplies and tons of related accessories. Just like when we went to Muletown in the spring, we were so impressed by the spirit of camaraderie among pipe people. A wide variety of tobacco pipes for sale It’s amazing to see the craftsmanship, artistry and range of the work of independent carvers. We really enjoyed chatting with fellow artisans and ge ..read more

Last weekend, we were lucky enough to attend the Muletown Pipe Show in Columbia, TN. It was our first one! Below are the three things we loved most about it, but the bottom line is 10/10 recommend. 1. The venue Briarworks is a cool space that’s just endlessly hang-outable.  The show had a really intimate feel to it. We’ve never been to any other pipe shows, but from what other people told us, this is the only one where you can browse vendors while smoking your pipe / sipping a beer / having a cigar. In the front of the house there’s a bar and seating area with darts, along with a swee ..read more