Jot This Down

Downtown Southern Pines is getting a stationery store full of products like cards, journals, planners plus accessories like desk supplies, wax seals, fountain pens and more. Created by Alice Gaddis, The Paper Trail is currently in its soft opening phases with a grand opening scheduled for September. 

“Being a military kid, I would write letters to my friends often,” says Alice, who carried the hobby into college. “Social media doesn’t have the same level of intimacy that pen and paper does.”

As an avid traveler, Alice also knows that stationery stores make a great pitstop when you’re looking for keepsakes, stickers or postcards from a new place. Small gift items and wrapping paper will also be in store.

“I want to encourage people to slow down and take their time with things again,” she says, “Sending reels isn’t the same as a phone call or writing a letter.”  

The store is still being stocked, but starting next week you’ll be able to shop Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expect to see more permanent hours in mid-August. Find it at 110 W Pennsylvania Avenue.