Weekend Plans

School is starting on Monday.  Can you believe it?

It's our last chance to stay up late enjoying the summer evenings.

There's always something going on Downtown, but these two things will help you enjoy the last bits of summer...

Storytime at Books on Broadway

Saturday August 13th 6:00 PM

They'll be reading:
SKYPPYJON JONES--CLASS ACTION
Siamese cat Skippyjon Jones really wants to go to dog school, but his mama won't let him. Inside his closet, he finds himself on the playground of his imagination surrounded by dogs of all kinds. And when a bully sends shiver-itos down the spines of the little yippers, Skippy saves the day and earns the biggest gold star. Full color.

Then grab some gelato at Fratelli's (I hear they've got Extra Rich Dark Chocolate Coverture in the freezer) before heading down to Second Saturdays for music in the park.

Rick Reding and the White River Music Company will be playing some tunes.

Good-bye summer...

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

PS: There are some fun must-have school supplies to be found Downtown, too!  Four Corner's Frame has all kinds of stationery, Amandromeda has vintage clothes for back-to-school clothes, Books on Broadway can order any books you might need to start the semester, Heather Hill Boutique has the perfect hair accessory, and I could go on an on...  Perhaps you'd better just grab a cup of coffee at Pour Jon's and shop for yourself!

Mother's Day Shopping

Do you still happen to have a little Mother's Day shopping left to do?

Are you running out of time?

Thanks to Downtown, you don't have to panic.

We've got you covered.

Here are a few shopping suggestions:

Perhaps the mom in your life would like something vintage...

...or something decorative...

...or a frame with your picture in it...

...maybe a book or magazine is more her style...

...flowers are a wonderful option...

...maybe the mom in your life would like to have a much deserved free-day to do nothing but craft with pretty paper...

...perhaps a nice piece of art...

...or maybe she'd simply like to have someone else take over kitchen duties for the day--Farmer's Market is open today.  Just like mom always says, "Eat your veggies!?

There's all kinds of things Downtown just waiting for you!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Weekend Plans

It's going to be a big weekend!  There are two major events going on Downtown.

The Dogwood Festival kicks off Friday morning!  The festival will continue through Sunday afternoon.

This morning we saw people marking off the booth spaces in City Park.

Lots of Downtown businesses are having specials during the Dogwood Festival.  You might want to head to the Downtown Businesses tab to find links to the different websites (There's the book sale at the Library, the book signing at Books on Broadway, extended hours at the Cafe on Broadway, etc.).  There's lots of fun to be had!  Oh, and remember to find the Main Street Siloam Springs, Inc.'s booth at the Dogwood Festival; Farmer's Market stickers can be found there among other things.

And then there's The Royal Wedding.  :-)  Friday morning action is happening at The English Tea Room.  After spending the morning there, I'm sure you'll be feeling rather English.  Keep that feeling going by heading to Pour Jon's for a cup of tea...

...and then head down the street for a British flag notecard at Amandromeda.  Did I mention I'm excited about The Royal Wedding?  :-)

Regardless of which events you choose to attend, it's bound to be a fun-filled weekend!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

2009 Holiday Open House

It's official- the holiday season has begun! Although it was a drizzly and dreary day, that didn't stop leagues of holiday shoppers from enjoying all that Main Street merchants had to offer. I know that I am certainly in the Christmas spirit after spending the afternoon visiting numerous downtown shops for this year's Holiday Open House event. Here are some highlights:

Always chic, always stylish- Amandromeda.

These joyful balloon creations from The Balloon Closet would make a delightful addition to any holiday gathering.

The Balloon Closet has expanded their inventory to include chocolates, salt water taffy, penny candy and the full line of Jelly Belly flavors. I personally am very excited about that news, as I'd been driving all the way to Tontitown for my Jelly Bellys!

Happy snowmen in the front window of Broadway Flowers.

More Christmas finery at Broadway Flowers.

The lovely front window of Curves, in their new location.

The charming front window of Four Corners Frame & Design.

Lydia, from Occasions, spreads some holiday cheer.

I love this Santa tree at Occasions!

The bakery case at The Cafe on Broadway, featuring a Pumpkin Marscapone Cake, topped with candied ginger. (They're open until 10:00 tonight if you need to try a piece- I'd highly recommend it.)

Cafe owner Carolyn Robinson, demonstrating a Bodum French Press. The cafe carries a wide array of coffee and tea products for your home.

A string quartet entertains relaxed cafe patrons with holiday music.

A delightful collection of tea pots, mugs and cream & sugar sets at the Cafe.

Let the festivities begin!

Amandromeda

I think that if I could dream up the perfect downtown shopping destination for myself, it would be a store very much like Amandromeda. I remember seeing the tagline on the window front, months before the shop opened... "vintage modern stuff". Swoon! I am a lover of all things mid-century (the clothes, homes, appliances, cars, design, manners, etc.) The shop's motto conjured up wonderful images of furniture and home decor, and Amandromeda does not disappoint.


It isn't merely a store, it's a design space. It's a glimpse of what is possible when you combine interesting and character-filled pieces with a flair for creating artistic spaces. Amanda Orcutt, the owner of the store and a master at interior design, is a delight to chat with and she finds great joy in finding unique pieces and combining them in her store. She said that she only puts pieces in her shop that she would want in her own home, pieces that are exciting to her. Her unique and stylish home, featured here, is incredibly inspiring and Amanada says that its decor is continuously evolving.

In addition to finding great stuff for her shop, Amanda also reupholsters furniture, creating one-of-a-kind items. In the future, she may also start designing her own furniture. She has also recently added a clothing and accessories area to the store. Fun! In addition to staying busy with the shop (both in Siloam and in cyberspace), Amanda also writes a great blog that is full of amazing design and decor inspiration.