A new spin on a downtown tour

Wine and coffee at Scooters

Last Thursday, a group of about 25 women were in town for a conference.  The group leader had approached me a few months back and had asked for ideas on how to entertain them the first evening of the conference.  She explained that they often eat dinner together and she wanted these women to get a feel for our great downtown. 

After thinking about it for a bit, I told her about an idea I have seen in other communities.  Downtowns will hold progressive dinners through the businesses of the downtown.  This ensures that the participants visit the businesses while also being fed.  We quickly got to work on this idea and it turned out great.  Eight downtown businesses participated in the evening and the women were able to see all areas of the downtown as well. 

A roast and veggies at Satchel Creek Steaks

This event was not intended to "ring the registers" throughout the evening, but to gain exposure for what our downtown offers and hopefully to bring them back to shop and dine.  The very next day, several of those businesses involved in the dinner reported that many of the women came back into their stores after the conference concluded and made purchases.  What a fun way to bring people into the local businesses!