Do you love to shop local? Do you want to shop on Thanksgiving weekend but not in the crazy-wait-in-line-all-night way? Do you have family in town that you need to entertain over Thanksgiving? If so, then I think Holly Trolley Shopping, part of HolidayFest in downtown Fort Wayne, is a great option for you.
It is for me. I love to shop local. In fact, I do it at every change I get – from my summer vegetable CSA, to sound equipment to coffee shops. The Holly Trolley is how I make my holiday shopping local. Holly Trolley shopping is happening on Saturday, November 30, 2013 and is an all day event in downtown Fort Wayne.
Nearly 50 different local businesses will open their doors from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can park your car near your favorite business and then hop on the trolley and shop all around town. You can also drive to each participating merchant – the trolley is not mandatory, just a fun option. The Holly Trolley Shopping day, while busy, is not crazy busy like we think of when we imagine Christmas shopping. There aren’t mile long lines or getting up at 3:00 a.m., but it is a fun and unique experience many shoppers in Fort Wayne overlook with malls and big box stores all around town.
Another great reason to come out during Holly Trolley shopping is the unique pop-up shops that only exist for just a couple of days during the holiday season, better known as Holly Pop. This is the chance to access local artists who do not have regular stores or shops for their wares. Holly Pop will be open on November 27 ( Night of Lights), November 29 (Black Friday) and on November 30 (Holly Trolley shopping). You can truly get something at Holly Trolley that you may not find again. Last, but not least, a great reason to check out Holly Trolley is that is a great way to spend a day with family. Last year my parents came to Fort Wayne for Thanksgiving (the first holiday in my new home) and we spent our Saturday at Holly Trolley. We found some treasures, checked out the holiday lights, and enjoyed a day out of the house. Holly Trolley offers a great taste of Fort Wayne for visitors and newcomers.
There are plenty of reasons to take advantage of Holly Trolley and all the HolidayFest, but these three are what keeps me coming back. If you're planning on going out to Holly Trolley Shopping, you can RSVP on Facebook! For more information on Holly Trolley shopping, or any of the other great Night of Lights and HolidayFest activities going on around Fort Wayne, check out Visit Fort Wayne! See you on the trolley!
