(Chelsea Update would like to thank Maureen Tobin for the information in this story.)
The 11th Annual Wine, Women and Shopping event will take place on Nov. 12 throughout Chelsea.
For those not familiar with the event, it is both a celebration of friends and family by bringing women together from all over southeast Michigan, as well as the unofficial kick-off for the holiday shopping season.
Chelsea provides the perfect venue for the occasion with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and local artists’ booths offering numerous sales and exclusive discounts, along with trunk shows, demonstrations, and complimentary snacks in many of the stores throughout the day.
Participating restaurants and cafés will offer food and drink specials – and some will have live music.
Originally conceived as a day for girlfriends, sisters, mothers, and daughters to do a little shopping, it has expanded for many into a social occasion that includes shopping, of course, but also an “after party” at The Chelsea Alehouse, a play at the Purple Rose Theatre, and an overnight stay.
For out of town shoppers looking for an alternative to a long drive home, Chelsea’s Comfort Inn obliges with special rates for the night.
In a new location this year is Mule Skinner Boots, a perennial favorite with shoppers. Still on Main Street, but one block north of its former location, the boot store is offering a variety of specials to lure customers into their new quarters.
Two new businesses will open just in time for the festivities – custom jewelry design studio, Jewelry Set-in-Stone, at 105 ½ South Main and Wines on Main, at 110 North Main. Look for special offers at both of those Grand Openings on the day of the event.
“We enjoy challenging the limits of design,” says owner, designer Stephen Kolokithas. “Be sure to stop by and check us out!”
Longtime residents of downtown Chelsea will also be offering a number of special deals and activities.
The Garden Mill, Global Marketplace, and Bumble’s Dry Goods are just a few of the favorites that shoppers enjoy. Whether you’re looking for holiday décor, fairy garden accessories, Michigan-made bird houses, bird feeders, or garden statuary, you’re bound to find it in Chelsea.
The Garden Mill will also provide a licensed massage therapist doing free chair massages to rejuvenate the fatigued shopper.
The Chelsea Depot Artisan’s Market will be returning to Chelsea’s Historic Train Depot this year as well. Once again, you’ll find fresh, fun, and quirky artisans with handcrafted goods for unforgettable gifts.
In the spirit of the season, Wine, Women and Shoppers are invited to contribute non-perishable food items to the local food bank. Collection stations will be set up at the Chelsea Train Depot and at US ArtQuest. Visitors are encouraged to make a contribution and sign up to win one of several prizes, including the Grand Prize of an overnight stay at Chelsea’s Comfort Inn, two tickets to the Purple Rose Theatre, and a $50 gift certificate for one of the participating restaurants. All items collected will go to Faith in Action of Chelsea.
Now, more than ever, people recognize the need to shop locally and support small businesses. This event provides a fun way to contribute to the community and get some holiday shopping done.
So gather friends and loved ones and plan to spend the day in Chelsea. You’ll find great deals on food, drink, and all kinds of shopping. Maps and brochures detailing the offers at each participating location will be available throughout Chelsea on the day of the event.
