This Holiday Season, Shop Differently!

So, as I attempted to explain on Facebook, this year, Downtown Roanoke Inc. is encouraging all holiday shoppers to take a look at their holiday shopping habits, and Shop Differently!

Going to the malls and big box stores is stressful, parking is a mess, and no one truly gets to enjoy the experience. The worst part is that you fight the stress and exhaustion to simply settle on the same gift you got them last year.

Downtown Roanoke offers an alternative shopping experience for people who want to break out of their old habits. Featuring over 50 retail stores that you cannot find anywhere else, handmade gifts, fair trade items, and one of a kind pieces, Downtown Roanoke has something for everyone on your list this year. And the best part is that the City of Roanoke has offered FREE parking in the Towers, Market, and Center in the Square garages after 4pm on each Thursday night in December. Even better is that our retail stores will be offering extended holiday shopping hours on Thursdays in December until 9pm. The list of stores, as well as a map, can be seen here.

It doesn't seem fair to ask other people to participate in something I am not doing, so this holiday season, I will be doing all of my shopping in Downtown Roanoke. I have made my list, checked it twice, and now I'm ready to begin my shopping! I've got a long list this year (lots of people have been extra good), so be sure to keep checking back as I work on getting the perfect gift and help keep my holiday dollars local. And if you see me Downtown, be sure to come say hi and tell me who you're shopping for! (I'll be the one with the video camera!) 

If you're interested in who I'm shopping for, here's my list. I'll periodically check off people as I get their gifts.

Mom, Dad, my brother David, my youngest brother Mark, my girlfriend (who promised she wouldn't read this blog because I'll be sharing all the gifts I get), my awesome neighbors, my girlfriend's parents and step-parents, and my best friend Adam. 

And don't forget, this year's SunTrust Dickens of a Christmas begins Friday with the City of Roanoke Christmas Tree Lighting! We'll all be down there helping out, so come out and enjoy the festivities! And we still need Kid's Zone volunteers, so if you love kids, love to volunteer, or just want to help out, click on the link here to sign up! 

This holiday season, shop thoughtfully, shop locally, Shop Differently! See you Downtown!