Coffee and Books

Next up in our construction series... 

 Have you noticed the flurry of activity happening at Cafe on Broadway?  Have you been hearing the sounds of drills and saws?

They've merged with Books on Broadway and are making all kinds of great changes!

There will be two espresso machines, two cash registers, and two kitchens!

I'm excited!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Hot Days

It's been a hot summer. 

The other day I heard it just might be the hottest on record.

I hope things are starting to cool down.

 In the meantime, Books on Broadway has great air conditioning.  :-)

It's one of our favorite places to spend a hot end-of-summer afternoon.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Bzzz

Books on Broadway is having a bee themed Saturday! 

Two authors are signing their children's books, and both books are about bees.

The event is from 1-3pm this Saturday.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Drawing with Mr. Davis

Did you enjoy the Dogwood Festival? 

I especially enjoyed the activities hosted by the local merchants on Broadway Street.

Our family's favorite was Drawing with Rich Davis hosted by Books on Broadway.

Mr. Davis is a local artist who has illustrated many children's books.

We spent some time watching Mr. Davis draw, and then we got a drawing lesson and practiced what we learned.

It was such fun!

Books on Broadway sell quite a few books illustrated by Rich Davis.  Swing by and give them a look.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Betzy

On Saturday we headed Downtown for a book signing at Books on Broadway. 

Local author Dawn Denton's latest book is out.

Dawn was kind enough to read to the boys...

...and introduce them to Betzy the Bumblebee.

After our story it was time for a cookie delivered from The Cafe on Broadway and made by Betty their talented baker.  Yum!

No worries if you missed the fun, there's another book signing coming up.

Head by Books on Broadway for all the details.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Oliver the Toad

Books on Broadway hosted a book signing for local author Dawn Denton on Saturday, September 24th.

Dawn was there to read her books.

We also took a few minutes to have her sign a few books for upcoming gifts.  (Hint, hint...Christmas is coming!  And Downtown is the perfect place to find a special something!)

Oliver the Toad is an adorable book--the second book in a series of five about guests in our gardens.  

Dawn even brought along her toad house to inspire us to make our gardens more toad-friendly.

Stay tuned!  Dawn's up and coming book (about a ladybug) will be out soon. I'm pretty sure Books on Broadway will invite Dawn to have another signing.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

More Orange

Here are more pictures of what Fall looks like Downtown.

Why, you ask? Well, because Autumn is my favorite season!

A scarecrow in the window at Siloam Springs Printing

Halloween books at Books on Broadway

A cute decoration at Siloam Flowers and Gifts

Fall paper at Creative Corner on Broadway

A cheery wreath at II Gals Junk

Soup is back at Fratelli's Wood-Fired Pizzeria

Yay for Fall!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Glimpses of Fall

I think fall might almost be here!

The other day we headed Downtown to see if there were any signs of autumn being just around the corner.

Here's what we found:

Slightly yellow leaves

Faint shades of orange leaves

Paper leaves in the windows at Books on Broadway

Local Flair Gallery has a painting on display full of fall-ish color

I think it's safe to say fall is here!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Learning in the Park

Yesterday morning the local CHESS group (Siloam Springs home schoolers) met Downtown near the Gazebo for a Nature Notebook session.

Local author Dawn Denton read two of her books (Ruby and Rocket and Oliver the Toad--both available at Books on Broadway) and shared with the children some ways to make their backyards places where hummingbirds and toads would want to live.

The children made notes in their notebooks while Ms. Dawn was sharing.

Then they painted toad houses to put in their backyards.

At the very end of the session, Dawn let us in on a little secret.  This picture is from her book titled Ruby and Rocket.  Does the fountain look a little familiar?

Yes?  Well, you're right!  Dawn specifically asked her illustrator to draw a fountain like our fountain.  It's just a little something special for the children who spend time in Downtown Siloam Springs.

Thanks Dawn!

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Annual Ornament

Downtown's annual Christmas tree ornament has arrived!

Here's the official announcement:

This unique replica of the Community Building is a symbol of the beautiful architectural heritage found within our historic downtown. All proceeds from purchases of the 2011 Ornament directly improve downtown revitalization efforts through Main Street Siloam Springs' program. Produced in the United States, these 24 karat gold on brass ornaments are the highest quality of their kind, and will not tarnish. Each ornament is $15.00. Pre-order yours now by calling 524.4556 or emailing meredith@mainstreetsiloam.com! These will be available for purchase in downtown retail establishments soon.

Be sure to head Downtown to get one for your tree.  I picked up mine at Books on Broadway, and I know other shops have them as well.  One little catch--there are only 263!  Don't wait until Christmas, purchase one now and support our Downtown.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

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!

Froggie Goes to Hawaii

Last Tuesday we headed to Books on Broadway for story hour.  The book being read was Froggie Goes to Hawaii.  Everyone received a lei on their way in...

...and colored a picture after hearing the story...

...and then had Hawaii-themed snacks!

It was such a fun evening!

Mark your calendars for Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad on July 9th.  I wonder if Ladybug Girl will be making an appearance...

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Froggy goes to Hawaii

Head to Books on Broadway this Tuesday.  It's Story Time and Froggy is going to Hawaii!

Come for a story, activities, and a snack.

The fun begins at 6pm.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Llamas in Pajamas

Books on Broadway hosted a super fun event this past Saturday evening.

Llama, Llama stopped by for a visit.  He even wore his red pajamas!

(Pictures courtesy of BonB's facebook wall.)

After snacking on some llama food, everyone sat down and listened to Ms. Trish read Llama, Llama Red Pajamas.

Did you, like me, miss this months' story-time event?  Never fear, there's one coming up next month!  Check out Upcoming Events for more details.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

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

I hope you're already reading...

Because the next meeting of the Siloam Springs' Library Adult* Book Club meets on Monday, May 9th at 7pm.  Here's what they're reading:

Looks like a good book to me!

Head to Books on Broadway to find a copy.

For more details find the Library on the Local Businesses tab.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

*And in case you're wondering...  It's "adult" as in grown-ups only.  :-)

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

Punch Cards and Book Signings

Books on Broadway now has punch cards!  This is a good thing at my house as we're in the habit of buying books.  Head Downtown, buy a book, and get your first punch.  It's fun!

In other Books on Broadway news, local author Dawn Denton's second book is out and ready for signing.  Her first book (above) titled Ruby and Rocket is one of my boy's favorites!  We're looking forward to the release of book number two (in the series of five) titled Oliver the Toad especially because we've been catching toads in our backyard this spring.

The book signing for Oliver the Toad is will be on Saturday, April 30th at Books on Broadway from 10:30-11:30am.  Mark your calendars and plan to attend this fun event before heading to the Dogwood Festival.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Weekend Plans

How will you be spending your last weekend of Spring Break 2011?

I'm heading to Books on Broadway to pick up a new book.  My spring is shaping up to be pretty busy, so I'm taking advantage of this break to read for fun.

Not sure what to read?  I'm glad you asked!  Follow Books on Broadway on Twitter.  They often tweet about their newest books and often include a link to a review.

Click here to find Downtown Siloam Springs favorite book shop on Twitter and feel inspired to read.

I'll see you Downtown!

--Karyn

Second Saturdays

Did you make it to any of the last Second Saturdays events?

We only made it to one event: Dawn Denton's book signing at Books on Broadway.

(Photo credit: Dawn Denton)

My two boys enjoyed listening to Ms. Dawn read her book about Ruby and Rocket the hummingbirds.

Dawn's next book in the series will be out this spring and I'm sure Books on Broadway will host another event.

Even though Second Saturdays are over for the season, there's always something going on Downtown.  Head on down!  Maybe we'll see you there...

--Karyn