Take Part in Some Classes Downtown!

Ahhh….I love this cooler weather!  It actually feels like Fall!  Make sure you get Downtown and enjoy the crisp air!  There are quite a few classes you can take part in this week.

On Tuesday, October 30^th at 5:30pm, Avenue Sea is hosting another one of their wonderful classes.  The theme for this class is “Pardon me, but you’re in my seat.”  This is “a class on social graces and designs to keep you sane, happy, and still maintain your best hostess title.”  You must make reservations for this class, so please give the lovely ladies at Avenue Sea a call at 850-215-7542.  If you can’t make it to the class, be sure to stop by sometime soon because “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” at Avenue Sea!  They have such beautiful displays that you don’t want to miss!  The ladies at Avenue Sea can help you decorate your home for the coming season, no matter what your budget is. 

Dance Life Dance Studio knows how to have a ghoulishly good time!  On October 31^st (Halloween Night) from 7:30pm to 10:30pm, Dance Life is hosting a Halloween Bash.  Be sure to come dressed in your best costume to dance the night away to live music from Muddy Rudder!  It will be a fun night with unusual food, smoking drinks, creepy music, and dancing!  The party doesn’t stop there!  On Friday, November 2^nd from 9pm to 11pm, they are hosting another Latin Night! Visit www.pcdancelife.com or call 850-215-4453 for more information.

If you stop by the LH Bead Gallery on Saturday, November 3^rd at 10:30am, you can make earrings and at 1pm, you can make a basic bracelet!  For the month of November, if you buy three strands of the beads that are $6 and under, you will get one strand free! This offer expires November 30^th.

You’ve seen the latest trend on jewelry that women are wearing, the Mariana jewelry.  Accents Home Décor and Gifts has the largest inventory of Mariana Jewelry in the area!  These pieces make great gifts (it’s not too soon to be thinking about Christmas)!  At Accents, not only can you accent your wardrobe with beautiful jewelry, but you can accent your home with beautiful décor!  You can visit their website, www.accentshomedecor.net to get a preview of everything they have to offer.  Be sure to stop by their store located at 428 Harrison Avenue to start your Christmas shopping!

On Saturday, November 3^rd at 7pm, “Love Me Again” will be hosting the First Annual Charity Vintage Fashion Show at 229 Harrison Avenue.  Admission to this event is a donation of non-perishable food items which will be donated to the Panama City Rescue Mission, Catholic Charities, and the Humane Society Thrift & Gift Shop.  Before this event, there will be a Wine Tasting at Millie’s at 6pm.  This is a fun way to give back to the community, especially with the Holiday season approaching!  For more information, contact Lynda Holland at 850-960-6130.

Also, this Friday, November 2^nd, is the LAST Friday Fest of the season! There will be a fireworks show at 8pm.  They best view is in front of the Martin Theatre, facing 4^th Street.

Get out and enjoy this crisp, cool air and remember: Shop Local, Dine Local, and Play Local!

Great Things are Happening!

It's hard to believe it is already the middle of October!  The last two weeks have been filled with festivals such as Friday Fest, Hogs and Grogs, and Oktoberfest.  It is only fitting for the Fall season to have so many festivals going on.

Willow's British Tea Room has some exciting new things going on!  They have new hours of operation which are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11am to 7pm.  They also have a new extended menu which can be viewed at www.willowstea.com.  Beginning this Thursday, every Thursday is Senior Citizen day.  Seniors will receive 10% off their bill.  Whether they purchase a full meal, or just a cup of tea, they will get the 10% off!  I love it when restaurants try new things!

Though we have just started having fall-like weather, Christmas is beginning to arrive at Avenue Sea.  Their theme this year is the "Magic of Christmas" featuring Mark Roberts.  Be sure to stop by and see how they can help you decorate your house and "shop the Magic of Christmas."  On October 30th, they will be hosting another FREE class where you will learn about social graces and designs to keep you sane, happy, and still maintain your "best hostess" title.  Be sure to call them at 850-215-7542 to reserve your spot!  Avenue Sea recently held a store-wide 40% off sale and they wanted me to say thank-you on their behalf to all who came by and supported them!

Love Me Again always has a half price rack just outside of their store you should check out.  They also have more merchandise to choose from! Love Me Again is such a cute Vintage clothing boutique, but they have more than vintage clothes.  They also have antiques, purses, shoes, beautiful jewelry, and locally made art!

Dance Life Dance Studio is also hosting a Dance Party on Thursday, October 25th, 7:30-9:30pm!  Singles, couples, and groups are welcome!  Be sure to stop by the studio, or give them a call at 850-215-4453 for more information.

Do you have a child that is in the school band, or do you want to learn to play a band instrument, but don't have the instrument?  Leitz music has all of their band insturments 50% off on their website, www.leitzmusic.com.  Also, on October 24th, they are having their semi-annual closed door sale.  It is by invitation only, so you can just print out the picture and show it to them at the door!

I hope everyone has a great week and remember:  Shop Local, Dine Local, and Play Local!

Avenue Sea is Celebrating Their Birthday!

You know what's great when a business celebrates its birthday?  Amazing discounts!  This Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Avenue Sea is celebrating their 4th birthday with a 40% off store-wide "Birthday Blow-Out Celebration!"  Everything in the store, with the exception of wine, samples, and display items, is 40% off.  So if you've been yearning for something new or have had your eye on something outside your $ comfort zone, now's the time to treat yourself!  Don't forget to shop for upcoming special occasions and stock up on hostess gifts. Help them make room for new holiday items without "breaking the bank!"  To make it easier for you to "shop until you drop," they are going to have extended shopping hours.  On Thursday and Friday, they will be open 10am to 7pm and on Saturday, they will be open from 10am to 5pm.  For more information, call 850-215-7542 or just stop by the store located at 542 Harrison Avenue.

This Month, Estate Treasures is celebrating "National Oyster Month" by offering 20% off all their oyster plates and shrimp cocktail bowls.

This Friday, at 9pm, the Dance Life Dance Studio is once again hosting a Latin Night! It is $10 per person, or if you are a member of the studio, it's free!  It's not necessary to bring a dance partner because everyone at Dance Life dances with everyone!  You can dance the merengue, bachata, salsa, cha-cha, or whatever sizzling Latin dance you want.  You can consider this the "After Party" of Friday Fest!

As I mentioned before, Friday Fest is this Friday, 6pm to 10pm.  Be sure to come Downtown for a night of great music, great food, and great cars!

As always: Shop Local, Dine Local, and Play Local!

Happy Fall!

Aw, my favorite time of year, fall, is finally here!  With the new season come new merchandise, new sales, and perfect weather for shopping downtown.  To set the mood for shopping, stop by Willow’s for a cup of hot tea, or Trigo’s for a cup of coffee (they have Pumpkin Spice!).  For me, coffee, cool weather, and a great book go hand in hand.  Books by the Sea is all the time having a sale going on and have authors of the week where their books are BOGO.  Check out their Facebook page to keep up with the authors of the week and other sales they have going on!

Rachel’s Dress Shop is a one stop retail shop.  She has clothes, jewelry, shoes, purses, and more!  This week, she has a 50% off Fall sale on select racks.  Love Me Again has increased their vintage clothes selection.  They also have handmade art, jewelry, and bath soaps made by locals.

This month is national oyster month and Estate Treasures is celebrating by offering 20% off all their oyster plates and shrimp cocktail bowls during September and October.  They have quite a selection to choose from!  They also have a great selection of jewelry; I have three pieces from there and absolutely love them!

Accents Home Décor and Gifts is offering 15% off all Mariana jewelry.  Be sure to stop by and check them out, they have a lot of gorgeous jewelry, accessories, and home décor. 

Sugar Britches has 25% off all “previously loved” clothes and 10% off all toys, strollers, and baby gear.  They have lots of merchandise to make for a great day of shopping!

Tomorrow Night, 5:30pm to 7:30pm, Avenue Sea is having a party!  The theme for this party is paint and sprinkles.  This is a great chance to see what new merchandise they have and what items are on sale.  I know I will be attending this one!

The Dance Life Dance Studio always has something fun going on.  This past Saturday was the 007 Casino Royale Murder Mystery Dinner and Ball. It’s always fun to get all dressed up, meet new people, solve a mystery, and of course, dance!  If you missed that, then you missed a lot of fun, but the fun will continue Thursday Night at 7:30pm with a Social Dance Night.  Don’t have a partner? No worries! The Dance Life team will be more than happy to dance with you.

Enjoy this fall weather and get out and do a little shopping.  Shop Local, Dine Local, and Play Local! 

Wine, Dancing, and Bargains!

I love this much cooler weather! Fall is definitely on its way!  Come Downtown and enjoy this beautiful weather with some great wine, lots of dancing, and amazing bargains. 

Avenue Sea is having their kick-off wine tasting on September 13^th, 5:30pm to 7pm.  The theme for the tasting is “bubbles and bling” in which they will feature champagne.  At the tasting, you can peruse new items for entertaining for casual elegance including champagne glasses that keep the champagne bubbling for 2 hours.

Also on September 13^th, Dance Life Dance Studio is having a Social Dance Party at 7:30.  It is $10 per person.  This week is the last week to purchase the 007 Murder Mystery Ball tickets for $50.  After this week, they will go up to$75.  I purchased mine and am excited to attend!

The Fit Life side of the studio is having a sneak peak on Saturday.  At this sneak peak you can talk with Kat Holmes, the trainer and learn how she can help you get fit!

There are a lot of great bargains to take advantage of Downtown!  You can get a head start on your Christmas cards by stopping by No Regrets.  They have major discounts during the months of September and October on all their Christmas cards.

Sugar Britches is having a 25% off sale on all their clothing.  They have such a large selection that it would be hard to not find something!  They will also have a booth at each Friday Fest right in front of the store, so while you are at Friday Fest, be sure to check them out.

Accents Home Décor and Gifts has all their Mariana jewelry 15% off.  They have the largest selection of Mariana jewelry in Bay County!  To see what all they offer, “like” their Facebook page.

You can find some really unique items at Franci’s Unique Treasures and get 25% off your purchase if you are willing to dance a little jig when you check out.  Get funky with it!

It is also that time of year to buy your season tickets from the Martin Theatre.  Their first show of the season is premiering this weekend, September 14^th and 15^th at 7:30pm.  This production is a comical satire on life in rural America.  Two actors will be playing all roles involved – men, women, children, and animals!

On September 11^th, there will be a commemoration at 9am on the Panama City Marina for all those that lost their lives on this tragic day 11 years ago.

The Northwest Florida First Responders’ Wounded Warrior Tribute will be held on Thursday, September 13^th.  The escorted warriors will be leaving the beach at 4:30 and will make their way down Harrison Avenue to the Marina.  The public is encouraged to line the route to show their support.  For more information, visit www.warriorbeachretreat.org.

Hogs and Grogs is also this Thursday in Downtown Panama City at 6pm.  Bring your bike down to show off, meet up with some friends, and have great evening listening to great music and enjoying delicious food from some of the Downtown restaurants! 

Better Late Than Never!

I was thinking of not doing a blog post this week because I was on vacation last week and Monday was Labor Day, but then I found where I had collected some information from a few of the business owners before I went on vacation last week.  Better to have the information late than not at all!

On September 6th, the Dance Life Dance Studio is having a FREE open house!  From 3pm to 5pm, you can get a sneak peak of their new children's classes.  They will be offering ballet, ballroom, and hip hop classes for the young ones.  Then, from 6pm to 8pm, it is the adults' turn to drop in on a group class and see what the Dance Life is all about.

On September 7th, Dance Life is hosting another Latin Night.  You can dance the Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, and more from 9pm to 11pm.  This event is $10 per person.

You can make this gorgeous Rivoli Ring
on September 8th at the LH Bead Gallery.
550 Harrison Avenue.

The LH Bead Gallery also has some great classes and discounts going on this week!  On Thursday, September 6th at 10:30am, you can learn how to make a Chinese Cord Herringbone Leather Wrap Bracelet.  this instructor fee is $25.  On September 7th at 10:30am, you can make a Braided Wire Bracelet (Instructor fee is $40).  Again, on September 8th, at 10:30am, you can make a gorgeous Rivoli Ring. This instructor fee is $30.  Through September 15th, the LH Bead Gallery is offering 20% off all seed beads!

This Saturday, Art-Tique will be taking place again, along with the Vintage Market!  Special for Art-Tique, Estate Treasures will be offering 30% off all framed art and pictures!  They will also be having a local artist working right outside their shop.  You can stop and watch the artist work and possibly purchase an original piece for yourself!  If you are interested in being that artist, contact Erin at Estate Treasures 850-215-3782.

Friday Fest is also this Friday, so be sure to come Downtown for a good time!

Dancing Downtown

There is so much going on this week, especially a lot of dancing! There is something happening everyday/night that gives everyone a chance to feature their best dance moves.

Dance Life Dance Studio has a ton of fabulous events happening this week!  They are hosting a workshop with guest instructor Ashley Minzes on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights this week 7pm-9pm.  You can learn the Rumba on Monday, beginner West Coast Swing on Tuesday, and the Hustle and East Coast Swing on Wednesday!  It’s $30 per class.  You can check their website, www.pcdancelife.com, or call them at 850-215-4453 for more information.

In celebration of an extra party in August, something that only happens once in a blue moon, Dance Life is hosting their first ever Blue Moon Party!  Wear your most comfortable blue jeans or your prettiest blue dress and have fun with the Dance Life family on August 30th, 7pm-9pm! It’s $10 per person and a great way to try out your new dance moves, or learn them!  They are also sponsoring another Backstage Pass concert at the Marina Civic Center on August 31^st at 6:30pm.  It’s only $5 to get in!  On Saturday, they are hosting a “West Coast in a Day” workshop.  This relaxed workshop is designed to build on previous experience, from Tuesday's beginner's workshop or before.   As always you will learn not only the steps and patterns but how to link moves, turning & spinning, freestyle techniques.  As well as being taught the moves, you will also learn how to string them together so you can “freestyle” your way through a dance and you will immediately have a repertoire of core beginner’s moves.  The fee for this workshop is $75.  

Dance Life also has tickets for sale for their 007 Casino Royale Murder Mystery Ball taking place on September 22, 2012 ($50 through August, they go up in September).  This will be a fun filled night of great food, mystery, and dancing! I’m excited for this event; it’s going to be so much fun!

Stop by Franci’s this week to “dance for discounts!”  All you have to do is dance a little jig for them and you will receive 25% off your purchase! Even if you can’t dance, give it a shot and you will get a discount.

As always, Elegant Endeavors has sales on select booths.

Love Me Again (located at 229 Harrison Avenue, next to Gaston’s Hideaway) is having a By One Get One ½ off sale on all their clothing a shoes.  They have some really cute and unique items, so take advantage of this wonderful sale!

Sugar Boogers raised $756 for the Animal Rescue Center of Bay County last Monday!  People really came out and showed their support!

Make sure you check out our Downtown Deals for the different coupons offered from our Downtown Merchants!  When you go shopping, mention that you saw their sales and offers in this blog.

FYI, next week’s blog will be a few days late because I am currently on vacation, but I expect to hear about your Downtown experiences from this week!