Winter’s arrival this week meant it was time to break out the herbal tea and welcome holiday shoppers at downtown Vicksburg’s gift and antique shops.
Inside such shops on Washington Street open for Thursday’s annual Hit the Bricks and Adjoining Streets hoped the early cold snap translates into big business this winter.
“I like shopping during the holidays for the decorations, the friendly atmosphere,” said Debbie Baker, who braved the elements and perused Cinnamon Tree with her daughter, Heather Woodson, for the event, a kickoff of sorts for holiday shopping downtown.
“It’s all the extra stuff they’ll have, the hors d’oeuvres,” Woodson said.
Cinnamon Tree plans to stay open on Sundays between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas in addition to the usual Monday-through-Saturday schedule, owner Karen Ruggles said.
“One thing I enjoy during the holidays is the people,” Ruggles said, adding the mulling spice will be offered to store customers during the holiday season. “I’ll be doing a lot of gift-wrapping.”
Peterson’s Art & Antiques hopes its display of Melissa & Doug wooden toys will draw curious eyes between now and Christmas morning.
“It’s about the increased interest downtown,” co-owner Bobbie Marascalco said. “Anything to get more locals downtown.”
The store continues to feature tastings for its selections of unique snacks, beverages and sauces on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Other gift shops open along Washington Street include Art & Soul, Sassafras and Willingham’s.