Published July 9, 2009                                                         
 

Take advantage of sidewalk sale
to get re-acquainted with town

   This weekend, head downtown for the annual sidewalk sale — and make a day of it.
   Meet some friends for a cup of coffee and something tasty to eat at your favorite breakfast spot — or bring a paper to read as you linger over a second cup of coffee if you prefer shopping alone.
   Fortified with a delicious breakfast, start your stroll down Washington or First street to check out all the great bargains. Downtown merchants will have tables in front of their stores, and retailers from Gateway and Grant squares will be under tents along the street. Some stores will be offering deep discounts — up to 70 percent off.
   In addition to finding some great bargains outside, this is a good time to head inside to take a peek at the latest fall merchandise at your favorite shop.
   The sidewalk sale also is a great opportunity to check out some of the new businesses that have come to town or opened new locations since you last shopped here. When you’re driving through town, watching for pedestrians and deciding where to park, it’s easy to go right past a store without noticing that it’s there.
   When it’s time for lunch, there are plenty of options. Everything from a juicy burger to a fresh salad is available downtown, and diners can choose a spot for a quick lunch or a long, leisurely one.
   Mid-afternoon can be an excellent time to take another little break from shopping. Plan ahead to enjoy a relaxing hour or two by making an appointment at one of Hinsdale’s many salons to treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, facial — or all three.
   There are plenty of practical reasons to support local businesses. Many merchants are our friends and neighbors. Successful stores and restaurants attract other successful stores and restaurants. And the sales and food and beverage tax revenues help pay for things that make the village a wonderful place to live and shop.
   But Hinsdaleans shouldn’t head downtown solely out of a sense of obligation. They should spend a day downtown because it’s a real delight. We’re fortunate to have a convenient shopping district filled with interesting architecture, beautiful summer flowers and friendly faces. And the shopper parking lot on Washington Street near Hinsdale Middle School means people can spend as much time as they want (up to six hours) without worrying about feeding a meter.
   So find some time this weekend to take advantage of the sale and to get re-acquainted with downtown Hinsdale. You’ll be glad you did.