First Thursday! Eat, Shop, Experience Downtown!

It's the first week of September -- and the back-to-school routine is getting settled.  Now that the kids are good to go, it's time to think about your own fun -- and have a great night out in Downtown Westminster!  Tomorrow marks the next edition of "First Thursdays", a great opportunity to experience all that Downtown has to offer. Here are some ideas to have a fun evening -- and grab some great deals!

Start with a bite to eat at Rafael's, where you get $5 off any $25 meal purchase that night. Continue your night with a nice stroll over to the library lawn and check out the live music of  "Three Sheets and the Wind" playing on the Library Stage. If you'd rather have an evening of great food and tea, check out the Cup Tea Bar's innovative "Taste of Maryland" meal and tea pairing (advance reservations required).

If this week of making lunches, checking homework and driving carpool makes you pine away for something new to wear, your cravings will be fulfilled right downtown. Most of the shops downtown are open until 8pm or later this First Thursday evening!  Drool over the yummy fall finds at Sidetracked, where all autumn apparel is 20% off.  And if this humid weather still has you in summer mode, take advantage of the great summer clearance sale at The Olde Liberty Shoppe.  Ballard Bunting Boutique is also offering 20% off any purchase between 6 and 8pm.

Perhaps art is your idea of relaxation.  Main Street has the solution for that as well this First Thursday! Get creative at The Pottery Loft, where you can paint your own pottery and mosaics and receive 20% off.  But if you'd rather buy it than make it, meander down to the Carroll Arts Center, where you can receive 10% off all art and craft purchases, or receive 15% off custom framing and 20% off all in stock jewelry at Ain't That a Frame.

Since all that shopping is likely to make you hungry, why not take the receipt from one of your purchases and visit O'Lordan's or Johansson's?  Each will give you 20% off your meal with any downtown receipt from the evening.  There are also dine out specials at Maggie's, and a great $10 offer for panini, iced tea and salad at Birdie's Cafe.

So grab a pal, get a drink, listen to some music.  It's just around the corner and a great way to celebrate the kids back in school!  See you around downtown!

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