The Chocolate Festival is still planned, but the date has been changed to March 9 through 11, 2012. Stay tuned, all you chocoholics.

Plan a romantic evening at the Inn on Valentine’s Day with special menus and libations.

The annual Better Badin Poor Man’s Supper is planned for Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Badin Firehouse. Don’t miss this great supper for a worthy cause. Donations are accepted at the door.

More food news: Steve’s Pizza and Subs has reopened on the corner of Falls and Walnut Streets. Hours are Monday through Wednesday, 11am to 7pm and Thursday through Saturday from 11am to 8pm.      Steve’s will be closed on Sundays.

And more good food news: The Dough Bro Bistro on Falls Road will soon reopen under new management. Stay tuned.

Donna Johnson’s Great Looks Hair Salon on Falls Road now offers full nail services. Susan Palmer is board certified and licensed and offers manicures and pedicures. Now is the time to get those feet in shape for summer sandals, Make an appointment or just walk in. Hours for the Salon are Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm and Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. The Salon is closed Saturday through Monday.

Gill’s Tackle and Taxidermy on Falls Road, next to the Badin Town Hall, is now open Monday through Saturday. Owner James Gill, a Badin native, plans to expand his tackle business the better to serve local fishermen.

“Until now, folks have had to drive all the way to Albemarle for their fishing supplies,” he says. “New display counters and new supplies are in the works. Stop by and check us out.”

Plans are also under way for a Badin After Hours event at the Inn. This will be a social event with drinks and finger food to bring together customers, businesses and residents of the area to socialize and network in a convivial atmosphere.

More plans are in the works for a Murder Mystery evening in April. What better venue than the old Inn with its ghosts of Badin Past.

On a sad note, we must report that Twila’s Thrifts and Gifts is closing.

“I have no regrets,” says Twila. “I want to thank the community of Badin and the many friends I’ve made during my time here.”

Twila was a great asset to the community, helping over 100 families with food and toy drives during the Christmas season. She will be missed. We wish her well in her next endeavor.

We had a preview of The Tree House during the Christmas festival and can’t wait for it to open on a regular basis. Tanning salon, art gallery and gourmet coffee will be offered in the old Roger Thomas Gallery building on Falls Road.

There is much activity inside Steve’s Pizza on the corner of Falls and Pine Streets. This popular café should be open soon and will be a welcome addition to our downtown area.

And don’t forget to stop by The Cottage House. Vanessa has lots of new inventory in stock.

Badin Waterfront Park Plan

In November the Badin Inn winterizes its porch and the music continues every Friday night with Pickin’ on the Porch. On November 4, 2011 enjoy the sounds of Eversole and Flame. November 11, 2011 brings Taylor Chandler and the CRS Band. The music plays from 6:30 pm to 10 pm.

Want to hear your friends sing or try a tune or two yourself? Saturday night is Karaoke night from 7 pm until 11 pm featuring KJ Miller.

The Badin Inn Pub is open to the public and the entertainment is free. Food and drink are available.

Dough Bro on Falls Road is now serving beer and wine. On warm days, enjoy sitting on the cozy patio next to the café.

Here’s another date to save! On Saturday, November 5, 2011, Twila’s Thrifts and Gifts will put on its second annual Fall Festival. Starting at 8 am, the store will feature local crafters selling a variety of items just right for that Christmas gift list. There’ll also be a good supply of candied apples, and Brenda’s cakes. New inventory includes Dunkin’ Donuts coffee at a great price. And check out the men’s Badin t-shirts and Badin caps. Twila’s food drive is on-going and really helps needy Badin families. Perishable food and goods are always needed. “A heartfelt thank you to all those who participate,” says Twila.

At Badin Museum work is progressing on the Badin Centennial Souvenir Book. Stop by and check out the current center display to see the price of goods and services in the Badin of long ago.

The Cottage House has new items every week, says owner Vanessa Mullinix. Stop in to browse, buy and chat. And don’t forget to check out the garden items in the back.

Get a new hair do at Great Looks. Join the Sunshine Club. Attend a Better Badin or Town Council meeting and get to know the town’s movers and shakers.