TOURISM TALK: Whether you’re visiting here or staying put, Happy Thanksgiving!

Shop till you drop.

Yep, holiday shopping season is here. The window displays are going up. The kids’ Christmas lists are growing. Plans for shopping excursions are being made.

That’s where shops like those found in Adair County come in. Whether you live here and shop local or look to the area as a destination, the variety of unique items to be had is mind-blowing. Ed & Eva’s in Greenfield alone carries almost 100 Iowa artists, and that’s just the start.

So why not come to Adair County and make a day of it. Or a weekend. We have plenty of places to stay.

Think starting the day with a cup of Joe at Cup on 2nd in Stuart, then making your way through shops like Doe-a-Deer.

Then end your day with an ice cream at the Stuart Scoop. (Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to eat ice cream while Christmas shopping. Nothing wrong with that at all…)

Or take an evening after work and hit Fontanelle for a beer and some shopping at Rustic Tap, with a stop to look at some live edge furniture while you’re there.

Most area establishments offer gift certificates, a great option for those friends and family who are really, really going to need a treat or a night out after the holidays. Adair County Conservation Board even offers gift certificates for camping.

Shop Small on Saturday

Shopping is only part of the fun.

The party starts Wednesday, November 22, on Thanksgiving Eve, with Friendsgiving starting at 3 p.m. at the Rustic Tap in Fontanelle. Wreckers or Checkers Bar will have karaoke and snacks to get you ready for the big day.

To work up an appetite for that Thanksgiving dinner, Adair’s second annual Turkey Trot starts at 8 a.m. on Thursday. It’s a 5K or mile run/walk through Adair that will get your juices running.

If you’re looking for a home on Thanksgiving, Jennie’s Place in Orient is hosting a community Thanksgiving dinner. You can sign up in advance at the bar for sides and desserts to bring.

A few area restaurants will be open. Check their individual sites for details.

Friday brings the traditional Festival of Lights to Greenfield. The lighted parade begins at 6 p.m. This year’s theme is “Christmas in the Village.” Before the parade, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate by the Greenfield Business Women and mini-donuts by the Lion’s Club in front of Grand Theater.

Santa will be in Long’s Park gazebo after the parade. Shops will be open and Holiday spirit will abound.

Saturday, November 25 is Small Business Saturday. So, shop-shop-shop.

You get a chance to work off some of Thursday’s dinner logging in the miles carrying shopping bags.

Of course you’ll have to refuel over lunch.

Imagine completing your shopping list with free, easy parking and no box-store late night crowds to fight. Many stores will have sales and prize promotions.

Jennie’s will be cookin’ again on Saturday night with a Harvest Celebration. ‘Nuf said. Ridin’ Shotgun will be playing 8 p.m. to midnight.

On Sunday morning Adair County churches will welcome everyone who comes with a thankful heart.

You can get your fill of hamballs and pie at Bridgewater Café at noon, then, if you missed Santa on Friday, you can catch him along with a dose of cheer and a picture with a fire truck at the Greenfield Fire Station, courtesy of the Firemen and Firemates from 1-3 p.m.

Oh, and don’t forget Lion’s Club BINGO at The Gathering Place in Greenfield Sunday at 4:30. They’re there the fourth Sunday of each month.

Then it will be on to Christmas and New Year’s and another whole season of festivity. You can see what’s happening at www.VisitAdairCounty.org and Facebook Adair County Iowa Tourism. Of course, the Free Press will tell you the latest as well.

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

GIVE THANKS!