Spring has sprung! Which of course doesn’t mean everything is solved, but after the gloom of winter, it sure does seem like hope comes up with the flowers. I was walking my friend’s dog the other night, and along with the balmy temperature and clear sky, there was a light scent of honeysuckle on the breeze. I felt like I could breathe more deeply, more freely, in that moment.

Now, I know that honeysuckle is wildly invasive in this area, so smelling it might actually be a warning! These things come mixed, don’t they: the good and the bad. It’s not like when we’re miserable there aren’t bright spots—we often end up feeling guilty for being happy in those moments. And it’s not like when spring has sprung and we’re feeling good, that the hard things aren’t still there. Multiple things can be true simultaneously.

As an example, Free Parking takes as a big part of our mission being a community hub—a third place where people of all identities are celebrated and can find connection with each other. And we are also a business, so the bottom line is important to our being able to stay open. Don’t worry, this isn’t a veiled notice that we’re in trouble—we’re not! Simply a statement that both of these realities are true at the same time. I hope, in the midst of whatever hard things you are dealing with, you can lean into the beautiful, hopeful things, too.

Friends, keep warm, keep heart, and keep playing.

Alice C., board game librarian

Play Tacta!

I know I listed this last week in our new games, but I’m in love, y’all! Tacta came to us from a trade and you won’t want to miss this one. Players lay cards on the table, overlapping in particular ways so as to cover the scoring dots of others and maximizing their own. Think the aesthetic of Tron but with cards. Tacta plays well with two and gets increasingly chaotic and amazing with additional players. At 6, you can choose to play real-time, meaning rather than taking turns, players simply play wherever and whenever they can (excepting on their own cards), the game ending when someone’s deck runs out. Easy to learn, a little mean, and great fun! Definitely play after you’ve had your dinner, though, as it takes up a vast amount of space, even at 2!

Try our new pulled pork!

We’ve updated our menus, both food and drink, so get ready for an onslaught of the new, delicious items!

I mentioned last week that I ate all of my pulled pork nachos before I took a photo. Well, behold them in all their glory! Fresh tortilla chips, cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, plus BBQ sauce and either chicken, steak (also new!), or our house-made pulled pork. Spoilers for future emails: we’ve added a pulled pork sandwich and a new signature burger with pulled pork. Come in for the new menu, stay for a couple games of Tacta!