When I was younger, many of my friends would go mall-hopping. Myself being born in between the end of the millennial generation and the beginning of Gen-Z, I would remember my friends strolling around and finding something new.
Some of the best stores were the smaller brands that you didn’t even know existed. One trip saw a couple of my buddies head to Lids, a store that sold different sports hats. Even though I didn’t buy much, I was definitely tempted by the selection.
I believe this experience is what makes Parlor City Christmas magical. I know it sounds odd coming from someone who hasn’t spent much of Christmas time in Bluffton because of college, but Parlor City Christmas brings that feeling of wonder back.
Even better, all the businesses are local. Even in malls you have big brands where you know what’s coming. In downtown Bluffton, you don’t know exactly what you’re going to get. You walk into a flower shop and you realize that they sell candles and clothing as well. You walk into a coffee shop and realize they also sell breakfast items.
This level of unpredictability makes walking through downtown such an amazing feeling. Even when I was writing about the history of Parlor City Christmas I almost felt like walking into every door I saw just to see what surprises await.
Parlor City Christmas is mall-hopping, but for local shops. You can talk with the owners and staff to build friendships, and you know that the money is helping someone in the community. It’s hard to ignore the magical feeling even in the weeks before the event. I can’t imagine how great this year’s edition will be.
jonathan@news-banner.com
