I would like to remind you that among many other shops and galleries open to the public on First Fridays, Hob Nobs Coffee House and Sweet Pea Bakery and Catering are two that you don't want to miss!

Hob Nobs Coffee House will be having live music on Friday and Saturday from 7-10 pm. Paul Barzda, the general manager, confirmed that the coffee house will be open until midnight this Friday, though. It's located at 3rd Avenue and McDowell, 149 West McDowell.

Shuttles will be stopping by the coffee house every twenty minutes from 6-10 pm on Friday, and 18 artists will have their artwork shown on the patio and inside the coffee house. Again, here is a list of the artists:

ReleaseTheFear.org,  Ignacio Farias,  Brad Carrol,  Maryanne Noli,  Karen Leeds,  Marlen Debroy,

David Hannes, Joyce Baldwin, Sue Hunter, Maynard Breese, Kiley Burke, Davin Lavikka,

Richard Dean Renshaw, Jerry Crow, Sharon Sieben, and of course Tom Steward.

Btw, I just tried a Smokey (Smoked?) Joe, and it was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had. Turkey and bacon and something else I've never heard of, but tasty nonetheless. I even had a couple samples of the light and dark roast. I'm not a coffee person, but after mixing in a couple packets of sugar and milk, I might be converted! Too bad I'm on a water diet...The pastries and breakfast items look scrumptous as well, but I figured at noon I should try a lunch item, so until next time...

The Sweet Pea Bakery and Catering is open for extended hours on First Fridays, from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. The last I saw was artwork from Mathew Mayes---but that might've changed by now. Either way, it's worth seeing! And the bakery items are just delicious :) And cheap. So check it out! It's located at 2nd Avenue and Jackson St, 209 West Jackson St. Right next door to the Royal Coffee Bar.

I know I will try my best to make it--for that live music and great food :)