Editor Loves: November
Nov 7, 2023
Entertaining
Living
November is one of my favorite months for a few reasons. First, it’s my birthday month, so naturally a time for celebration! However, I also just really love fall. Pumpkin spice latte, yoga pants, and Uggs boots jokes aside, there is something so refreshing after the weather finally turning a bit chilly and the strange heat waves of September and October finally being (almost) over. It’s a time for breaking out the apple cider, spending way too much time on Pinterest planning interesting side dishes for Thanksgiving that only a few people at the Thanksgiving table will appreciate, and hoarding holiday presents after taking advantage of all the sales. Long story short, it’s a season filled with goodwill and fun outdoor activities every weekend and a celebration of change – weather, leaves, clothes within your closet, the seasonal drink menus at all the local coffee shops.
With that in mind, I think my “five favorite things” this month will not come as a big shock to any of you. This list is meant to motivate – get outside before the weather turns actually cold and enjoy our local community! We live in an excellent area that truly celebrates the joys of all four seasons and there is no time like the present to explore fun new things around the Triad! One note – three of my favorite things are all on the same day! Normally I would cull the list but all three events are individually fabulous.Christmas on State Street on Saturday, November 18 from 12 PM – 6 PM
In addition to the fact that State Street is now a social district and thus you can shop and sip while you stroll, this is one of the most interesting shopping neighborhoods in town. For this event, the stores will be open and feeling festive, there will be an outdoor vendor market from 12-4, family-friendly games, food trucks, and the man in the red suit himself from 3-5 PM. Christmas carolers will stroll about from 4-6 PM and live music from 6-9 PM. All in all, a fun day of shopping, dining, and gamboling around State Street.
Reynolda Village Holiday Stroll on Saturday, November 18 from 3 PM-6 PM
https://www.reynoldavillage.com/holidaystroll
It surprises me all the time how many people in the Triad have not ever experienced Reynolda Village. This little gem of a shopping destination near Reynolda House in Winston-Salem is one of my all-time favorite places to go and spend an afternoon. Many of these businesses go back decades and the business community is tightknit and very supportive of one another. For their Holiday Stroll, they have carolers, free carriage rides, and an appearance by Santa Claus. Many of the businesses offer special deals that day and you’ll get first dibs on their holiday selections. While there, pop into Norman Stockton and say hello to Hill and team!
High Point Holiday Party and Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 18 from 3 PM – 7 PM
https://www.hpholidayparty.com/
Clearly we are all going to be busy on November 18th! The tree lighting in High Point will take place at the Rockers Stadium. There will be a trolley ride that takes you through all the Christmas Décor on HPU’s campus, inflatables for the kiddos, a holiday market and craft bazaar featuring dozens of local vendors, and holiday fireworks to cap off the night after the tree lighting. For the 21+ crowd, there are plenty of cocktail options nearby and this is smack in the middle of the High Point Social District, so get yourself a drink and have a great time!
The Loaded Grape – Cade, Odette, and Plumpjack Tasting on Friday, November 24
https://www.loadedgrape.com/
Unless you are a total oenophile or spend an inordinate amount of time in Napa (absolutely no judgement here!!), there is a good chance you are not familiar with these three vineyards. And that is a situation that needs to be corrected immediately. Technically all under Plumpjack, these three vineyards are in my Top 5 Napa Valley cabs – and anyone who knows me even a little bit knows that I have a deep love of Napa cabs. Relatively reasonable in price, these are the bottles you buy for that special evening with your honey or for a very nice dinner party where you really want to impress your friends. Run, do not walk, to their website to book a ticket to this tasting because I am sure it’s going to sell out. Besides, it’s a great way to wrap up that Black Friday shopping madness!
Shop Small and Support Local on Small Business Saturday
I know y’all hear “shop small” from us ALL the time, but around the holidays it is truly important. These small business owners in the Triad are members of our community, just like you and me, and for many the holiday shopping is the biggest part of their year. Not surprisingly, I do everything I can to shop locally during the holidays because I know how truly impactful this is for our community. It’s so important to support these businesses. We will soon be publishing both our Holiday Gift Guide and a guide to the deal and discounts offered by a lot of these businesses so you can more easily shop and support locally this holiday season.
***Honorable Mention*** McAlister-Leftwich Holiday Market on Saturday, November 11 from 10 AM -4 PM
https://mcalisterleftwich.com/events
I don’t list this as a favorite because it is occurring TODAY and thus many may not read about it until later, but the Holiday Market that Kaitlin puts on at McAlister-Leftwich in downtown Greensboro is fantastic! 20+ vendors and seasonal cocktails! Definitely fun to pop by if you see this in time!!!
