I am no Mall-hater by any means. As a matter of fact I actually enjoy a good Mall, outlets are a bonus - just not in December! Shopping at the Mall between Thanksgiving and Christmas is like the Running of the Bulls in Spain! You better watch out, walk fast and get out of everybody's way ... or else!

Call me crazy but having to circle the parking lots for an hour until possibly lucking out and scoring a precious parking spot does not really help me get into the holiday spirit. Neither do those stalkers that follow you driving 5 mph when you are walking back to your car - on the other end of the lot of course since that was the only place you could score a spot! CREEPY! It does get interesting when those people being followed are just unloading their stuff and go back into the madhouse ... and just thinking about the 84 times of Jingle Bells one is subjected to during just one visit is giving me a headache.

In my humble opinion the best place for holiday shopping is still Main Street USA. Fortunately, I have quite a few of Main Streets to choose from in Central Maryland and shopping there is an entirely different experience. People are pleasant, you are greeted with a smile, Christmas music actually does just run in the background and hunting for those unique presents is actually fun!

One of my favorite Main Streets is in Ellicott City, Maryland (love Annapolis and Frederick, too). It's just a charming street with its historic buildings and great mix of antiques, collectibles, wine, home decor and toys. Being able to find lots of items Made in USA is also to its advantage.

The town of Ellicott City is again offering free parking this holiday season to encourage people to shop along historic Main Street. There's also the Annual Ellicott City Historic District Photo Contest going on:
check out the storefront windows while you are out and about Ellicott City's historic district and vote for the best holiday decoration. You can enter to win a $75 gift certificate to one of the shops or restaurants. Ballots are available at the Howard County Tourism Center which just recently relocated to 8267 Main Street!

While you visit you may also want to stop by the B&O Railroad Museum Ellicott City Station - it's very charming and practically on your way, you can't miss it!

Friendly people, decorated storefronts, charming historic buildings, free parking (at least in Ellicott City), unique gifts and support of local small businesses - all reasons why Main Street USA is still the best place for Holiday Shopping!

ANDREA BEDARD, M.A. ~ THOMPSON COMPANY, REALTORS ~ LIVING MARYLAND BLIPS

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Thompson Company, Realtors
15711 New Hampshire Ave Silver Spring, MD 20905
o: (301) 384-9177 c: (240)593-2860
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Andrea is a proud military spouse, mom of two beautiful little girls, hobby decorator and a Realtor® based in Silver Spring, MD. Andrea focuses on Montgomery County and Howard County Real Estate, she enjoys everything beautiful in life and always answers the phone with a smile.

 

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14 Comments on December's Season of Celebrations & Sharing: The best place for Holiday Shopping is still Main Street USA

DEC
05
2011
967,076 Points 60 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Drea, Ellicott City is one of my favorite places in Maryland.  For several years I lived on Tamar Drive off 175... I think it was.  Ellicott City is such a lovely place.  I liked it so much... I even studied up on it by reading all about it's history.  A fascinating place.  <is calling you Drea, ok ?>
11:22pm • #1
307,289 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Karen, it is perfectly fine, that's what my friends call me. Tamar Dr is about 15 min. from my house and I'm almost that close to Ellicott City, too. Just love it and have been eyeing a couple historic homes there!
11:31pm • #2
532,041 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Andrea,

Girl, I'm so with you on this post...I love shopping main street and out of the way places vs. the mall when I can.

To me it's a big part of the American spirit of opportunity that we all share!
11:33pm • #3

Hi Andrea,

 I am with you all the way on this one!! I will post some pictures of Main street in my town....the best place to be at this time of year! Keeping it simple has not yet gone out of style as far as I'm concerned! Thanks for writing this post. Keep up the good work :)

 
11:49pm • #4
DEC
06
2011
555,176 Points 148 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Andrea, your running of the bulls analogy is perfect.  I can see both in my head and they are definitely similar.  8-)  Great local post!  Suggested.
8:42am • #5
307,289 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Lynda: It's just so much more fun to hunt for a treasure on Main Street - I've picked up quite a few presents and always find stuff for myself, too.

Hi Kathleen: Good to see you! I know you have some beautiful Main Streets in RI! Looking forward to seeing the pictures!

Hi Mike: :-) Just thinking about the madness, that's what I pictured - especially Black Friday! Thanks for the suggest.
12:24pm • #6
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Dear Andrea - I AGREE....oh how I hate crowded malls!!  It is not that I hate malls, but I have definitely become an "in & out" kind of girl that is mission oriented...especially if crowds or difficult parking are involved!  :-s lol.  However, it is "truly" fun to shop during the holidays & especially if you have already those treasure shops that are a well kept secret.  Wishing you & your family a wonderful holiday & I HAD to share this video I just watched on Wayne's blog.  I thought you would enjoy :)  Hugs & great post...Mike beat me to the suggest :-)  It is a wonderful way to support the small businesses in our areas!!  Have a great week.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/2636011/all-i-want-for-christmas-hms-ocean-coming-home
9:57pm • #7
307,289 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Pam, LOVE the video (GO NAVY :-) Thank you, definitely enjoyed watching it & needed the laughs, too!
10:10pm • #8
DEC
07
2011
601,529 Points 36 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Andrea....this post is a hoot! I so appreciate your version of shopping at the "MALL". Too funny and too real. I love the part about people hovering for the parking space while the person loads up the car and heads back for more. Oh....for that simpler life. Look at your responses here as we all acknowledge that same desire to return to simpler times. Hope you are well and that your Hubby is coming home soon. Wishing you well babies and beautiful Holidays! I love your writing. You do it well! Have a beautiful evening!
8:51pm • #9
906,345 Points 21 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Andrea, I'm sooo with you!  I don't do Black Friday neither... just can't imagine standing in line for ANYTHING and having to get up in the middle of the night to do so.  I love the arts shows and the local shops, I find the quality to be much better as well.  Hope you enjoy this holiday season and Adventszeit, and have a merry Christmas!
9:38pm • #10
307,289 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks Jeanean: I'm really glad you liked it! The parking spot stalkers get me every time - I do everything in slow-motion until they give up and stalk somebody else. Seriously though, one has to watch out & if I can't even see in the car because of the tinted windows... it's just creeping me out! It also appears that lots of people forget their manners this time around while out shopping hunting .. since when is it socially acceptable to knock somebody out with your shopping bags and get upset because you were in their way! That's almost another blog :-) I'll have to think about that "X-Mas Shopping Etiquette"!

Silvia: All I can say is GLUEHWEIN!! I'm totally jealous of my family .. I want some! My dad brought me a Dresdener Christstollen when he visited last month .. sweet - I need my German X-Mas fix! I tried Black Friday once and it was likely my last, too. There's no way I would spent Thanksgiving camping in front of a store to score a ticket to just have the chance to get 1 of the 2 flat-screens/dvd players/game consoles etc. 

Wuensche Dir auch einen schoenen Advent und Frohe Weihnachten!

 
10:42pm • #11
DEC
08
2011

I am sooooo with you, Andrea - browsing "Main street" is so much more fun (and a great way to connect with potential new clients!)  Many of the stores on our city center are owner/operator and they are the best places for me to find unique client gifts.  Great post!
1:08am • #12
Outside Blog

Andrea,

          I am a guy and hate shopping all together no matter what time of the year it is...especially malls. After reading your post though, you made it sound so good I might just get out there and do it. :)...Wayne
8:47pm • #13
307,289 Points 32 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hi Karen: Thank you & you are so right, it is so much easier to start a conversation with people on Main Street than at the Mall.. it's more relaxed, friendly, warm setting!

Hi Wayne: Yep, Wayne, you totally should :-) Now just look at Karen's comment above yours - that should eliminate the last bit of doubt you may have!

11:56pm • #14


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Andrea Bedard, M.A. ~ REALTOR® & Mil Spouse ~ Silver Spring, MD and beyond

Silver Spring, MD

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Thompson Company Realtors

Address: 15711 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD, 20905

Office Phone: (301) 384-9177

Cell Phone: (240) 593-2860

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From Bethesda to Odenton - Montgomery & Howard County Real Estate blog

My blog is a mix of information about Maryland Real Estate, community spotlights, customer service discussions, industry news and trends, things to do & places to visit ... - sprinkled with a candid perspective of the life, times & tribulations of my life as a Realtor, mom and military spouse in the national capitol area

Living Maryland - blips from a Realtor, Mom and Military Spouse

Please visit mdhomes4mil.com - my blog for military families stationed at WRNMMC/NSA Bethesda and Fort Meade!

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