Last Shop and Stroll in Statesville for the 2021 season tonight

Photo by Kim McKinney

Downtown Statesville is all lit up for the season and a glorious place to celebrate these last days before Christmas. Tonight, Friday December 18th, is the last night for downtown Statesville's Shop and Stroll, sponsored by the Downtown Statesville Development Corporation.

The event is what it says and more. Christmas is in the air. Downtown merchants will be opened a bit later than usual to help you find that perfect gift, as you discover and support some of our local small businesses.

You'll see horse drawn carriages and can ride the free downtown Holy Jolly Trolley to get you from place to place, sponsored by Griffin Insurance. Rides will begin at the town's Christmas tree on Court St.

Photo by Kim McKinney

Check out these area merchants that are participating in the stroll. They should have something to offer for everyone on your Christmas list.

• For your music lover, how about some vinyl or a special CD? 33 1/2 Records , located at 214 West Broad St., is ready to help you add a few tunes to their collection.
• Create Pottery Studio Pottery Studio will have handmade crafted items such as pottery, calendars, gift tags, jewelry, and scarves. Or how about giving a gift certificate for a class for the new year? They're located at 121 North Center St., Suite 201.
• Creations by TYS offers unique jewelry handcrafted by a local designer. You'll find them at 111 S. Center St., Suite 101.
• A special pair of sneakers is sure to please many, and Fresh Kicks, LLC, located at 111 S Center St Suite 102, just may have that special pair they'll treasure.
• Frontline Bargains, 118 W. Broad St., could have that TV or toy or other special gift for you cheaper than the big box stores. Check them out if you're looking for a bargain.
• GG's Art Frames Gift is well known as a long-time haven for those looking for a special gift. They feature many special gift items, including the work of local authors and artists, specialty food items, stand-out clothing, and items that are the perfect remembrance of Statesville for the out-of-town Christmas visitor or proud resident. They're located on the corner in the center of town, 101 W. Broad St.
• You'll never know what you'll find at New and Not, Treasures. Some items are gently used, some brand new, but bargains await you.
• Ahhh, jewelry is always a popular gift and two long time Statesville merchants will be there to help you find that perfect gift of fine jewelry. R. Gregory Jewelers, at 122 West Broad St., and Wooten's Jewelers, at 107 S. Center, just may be holding a shiny treasure sure to bring smiles.
• Then there's that person who loves the outdoors. Roots Outdoors, 201 W. Broad St., has everything from clothing to equipment to accessories that will be a great accompaniment to adventures in the new year.

When you're not finishing that Christmas shopping, have a bite to eat at one of the many downtown restaurants or a drink at one of the bars and breweries or coffee shops.

Photo by Kim McKinney

A fun family activity is the Statesville Story Stroll, sponsored by the Iredell Country Partnership for Young Children and the Iredell Public Library. Start at the 220 Cafe, 220 S. Center St., and make your way around town as you read Santa's Sleigh is On Its Way to North Carolina, by author Eric James.

After you finish reading the story all the way through, make sure to visit the Youth Services Department at the Iredell County Public Library in Statesville for a prize and then go to the Iredell County Partnership for Young Children for a Make and Take activity. (Check their hours of operation before you go, as they will not be open Friday night.)

Oh, and don't forget the fun at the Historic Sharpe House at 402 S. Center St. Not only is it beautifully decorated for Christmas, but the Pasture Stage in the back yard is a holiday wonderland. Enjoy refreshments of baked goods, hot chocolate, and apple cider, and meet Santa Claus before he starts on his journey. Let him know if you've been naughty or nice. (Though be honest - he's been watching you!)

Photo by Kim McKinney

The Holiday Stroll will be happening in downtown from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., but come early and stay late and enjoy all the holiday magic happening in downtown Statesville.

Have you downloaded the News Break app? You can do that here. All of your news in one app. You can customize it to your own needs and follow your favorite writers and news organizations.