Sweet Fordy’s, Pembroke

At the Sweet Fordy’s store in Pembroke, Nicole Fabricius, left, and owner Elena Ford hold a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries.

THE SKINNY

As you turn into the Sweet Fordy’s driveway, you’ll see a sign that reads: “We got coffee, we got sweets, we got a deli, we got seats.” What you’ll find inside is Parisian cafe meets country store. Sweet Fordy’s sells soups, sandwiches, salads, freshly baked breads and heavenly pastries. The bakery and delicatessen are in the front. In the back, by a seating area, are cabinets and cases full of fine wine and beer.

Cost: About $11 for a “signature sandwich” and a slice of cake. Buy a festive floral bouquet to take back to the office and you’ll spend a few dollars more.

Time: 60 minutes

Grab a bite

Order one of Patrick and Elena Ford’s signature sandwiches and, as the menu says, “enjoy life one bite at a time.” The offerings include the “Tuscany,” the “Athens,” the “Center Street BLT” and the “New Englanda.”

The Sweet Fordy’s store in Pembroke.Patriot Ledger Staff Photo by Debee Tlumacki

RELAX

Climb a few steps and find yourself in a quaint cafe with a slanted wooden roof, leaf-shaped fan blades and decorations that include wine signs, teapots, flowers, plants and wind chimes. By the window are adult and children’s books, many with local themes, and a chess board. Relax with a book or a newspaper or play a game of checkers or chess with a friend.

CHECK IT OUT

Visit the neighboring Enchanted Design greenhouse and enter a winter wonderland of flowers, plants and handmade dollhouses. Owners Wendy Hess and Peter Perrotta grow the flowers and plants and build the dollhouses. They sometimes bring their parrots to work. With the sun beating down, you’ll feel like it’s summer. Spend some time watching the fish in the pond.

On your way out, order a coffee and a slice of cheesecake, a tart or a cookie to go. You might also want to grab a freshly baked loaf of country white bread or a French baguette and a bottle of your favorite wine.