By Gari Voss
The highlight of Thanksgiving Weekend may be the Ribbon Cutting for Allegan’s Downtown Streetscape at 11am on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, but the Holiday Roller Coaster is ready to explode from the starting platform! Everyone is encouraged to enjoy Thanksgiving including dinner and activities with family and friends, then prepare to head to Allegan on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday to enjoy the new Streetscape and the shopping experience.
Black Friday offers sales and activities downtown, including the 20th anniversary of the movie Elf. Though the movie begins at 9:30pm, there are elfin activities with a pre-party at Tilt and a post-party at Tantrick.
Small Business Saturday offers specials too numerous to list, but know there are treasures to be discovered and specials in each shop. Be sure to travel Hubbard St. from the District Library to On the Grid, wander Brady St. from the Second St. Bridge then investigate Locust St. Don’t miss Trowbridge St. for the shops and the Regent Theater. On Water St. lies Schaendorf’s Brewery and Mug Shots, while at Water St.’s end is the Baker Studio.
Activities are still materializing so be sure to plan your route carefully, include rest stops, then shop until the cows come home – usually after dark.
**Take Note:
There are several parking lots downtown, and more businesses are leaving open their backdoors.
No matter which direction a person drives from Downtown Allegan, there are additional places to shop and eat. No one must stop shopping in Downtown before discovering additional treasures.
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND:
Fri., Nov. 24, 2023:
Black Friday happens in Allegan stores.
Flashback Friday at the Regent, 9:30pm: Elf – 20th anniversary fun along with the movie
Pre-Party at Tilt: Stop at Tilt 118 on Brady St. to get pictures with Buddy, the Elf.
After-Party: Tantrick Down Under features Elf-Themed drinks.
Sat., Nov. 25th – Small Business Saturday
11:00am – Ribbon Cutting: Gather on Trowbridge Plaza by Minnie’s to celebrate the opening of the Downtown Streetscape!
Shop: “When you buy from a Small Business, an actual person does a little happy dance!”
A-Tech: More than a computer store
Beyond Bones: Don’t forget your loveable “pets”.
Mini-Mall on Brady St.: Crafters will join EccentriCGarden and the Flippin’ Vintage.
Annie’s Bridal: Plan ahead.
Aubrey’s Closet: amazing second-hand clothing, plus
Something Sweet for You: chocolate and gift items
Hathaway Cottage & Gifts: Lovely pieces to tickle the eye and give as gifts.
Allegan Floral & Gifts: flowers and more
Rebellious Rose: unique gifts
Sharon’s Quilts & More: Always items for the sewers and crafters plus gifts
Sassy Olive: Pink Day with many store specials and surprises.
Just a Second: Enjoy browsing to find wonderful treasures past and present.
Tardy’s Underground Comics & Collectibles: Take pictures with some of the more unsavory Christmas characters.
Baker Allegan Studio: Shop beautifully woven and hand-made items.
Lambda Gunsmithing: Interesting items can be found down on Riverfront Plaza.
ACE Hardware: More than a hardware store
Relax & Play: Tired of shopping? Try something active or relaxing.
The Fairways Downtown: keep sharp on the game of golf out of the weather.
Life Pyramid Massage: Stock up on healthy alternatives and sign up for a massage.
Zenlightenment: Could be a gift shop or a massage parlor, but offers far more.
Board & Brush Creative Studio: Sign up for a session to create.
Museum Obscura: a unique experience for the brave at heart
Hidden Alley Gaming: Down the alley by the theater with fun games.
The Regent Theater: Watch for special movies. Fri. 9:30pm is Elf.
Old Jail Museum: Up on Walnut St. near Hubbard; open Fri. & Sat. this weekend!
Allegan District Library: Always something happening for babies through adults.
Eat & Relax: The best shoppers know the best place to get nourishment and more.
Riverfront Nutrition: try those wonderfully nutritious shakes!
Tantrick Brewing Co.: Whether upstairs or downstairs, food and drink are unique.
HeronMark: brewery and charcutier boards
On the Grid Café: Relax with down home cooking.
Tilt 118: Food and drink (plus ice cream) always go better with a good game of pinball.
Sherwood Cove: A favorite in the Social District or just catch up on a ball game.
Pizza Hut: Try some Italian.
Minnie’s Restaurant: A favorite for breakfast and lunch
Schaendorf Brewing Company: Red meat is definitely on the menu, plus sides.
Mug Shots Coffeehouse: Enjoy a warm drink, something savory or something sweet.
Juan Lin: A bit of the Southeast Asian cuisine near the Village Market.