We recently moved to a small town in Kansas and we are totally enjoying it.  Exploring the quaint downtown area is a favorite past time of ours.  Tonight was the Holiday Open House.  They had 27 downtown stores participating.  They even had a little scavenger hunt where you had to visit every store to solve a puzzle.  Some of the stores had yummy refreshments and the traveling carolers were wonderful too! 

We went to a cute little bookstore, just busting with books.  They had their beautiful golden retriever there with them.  He roamed the books seeking attention and getting lots of it.  We arrived just as the high school choir was arriving to sing.  They did a beautiful job! 

We walked into a little gift shoppe just in time to listen to a wonderful pianist and cellist play “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” as the Mayor sang along.  What fun it was!  There was laughter and music, smiles and friendly words. 

We visited an art and frame shop that had wonderful works of art with some artists right there sketching.  They did wonderful work and they shared it with us while they visited with us and welcomed us.  The owner had wine punch that was just wonderful with cheese spreads and crackers.  They were so friendly and helpful and truly inviting.

There were several antique stores that had the most beautiful window displays!  Beautiful Christmas trees, and Santas, lights and wreaths, dolls and trains.  I felt like I had stepped back in time. 

Probably our favorite though was the Corner Drugstore and Soda Fountain.  We stopped in and had the Friday special.  For $3.90 each we had the BEST double cheeseburgers with fries and a soda.  While we were there a Barber Shop Quartet came in caroling and oh what sweet music for our ears. 

There was also a leather shop that had wonderful handmade leather products.  This is their first year in business and this event brought in a lot of new people for them.  Then there was the do it yourself pottery place where you choose a piece and paint it and they fire it for you.  

There were so many neat stores downtown and the decorations and carolers and the people were just awesome!  I think we just may love living in a small town.  We can’t wait for the Vetern’s Day Parade and the Christmas Parade!  Fun times are ahead!