Common Grounds
~ by Jeff Tryon.
Owner Iris Gearhart. photo by Jeff Tryon
There’ s a little place, just around the corner, halfway down the alleyway, where you can find friendly folks, lots of books and collectibles, and most importantly, a good cup of coffee. photo by Cindy Steele
The Common Grounds coffee shop, located just off of North Van Buren Street, halfway down Molly’ s Lane, is more than just your usual java joint. It is a place where old friends meet and new friends are made over a wide selection of coffee drinks and tea, and a large array of books, art, and collectibles.
At first glance, after you get past the coffee bar up front, the spacious shop looks more like a used bookstore that has collided with a knick-knack shop.
For Iris Gearhart, a lifelong reader and lover of books, Common Grounds isn’ t just her business, it is her life. Most days, she is there from seven to seven.
“ Day to day, it’ s not a job to me, I love being here, love the people,” she said.“ I kept telling people after I came to Nashville,‘ You’ ve got real people here.’ What you see is what you get.”
46 Our Brown County • March / April 2024