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December’s Featured Artist: Cheryl Weatherford from Chereal Designs

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Meet Deb – Assistant Director at @villages_iowac

Meet Deb – Assistant Director at @villages_iowacity and one of the original team members who helped bring this Fair Trade treasure to Iowa City. Her passion for helping customers discover meaningful gifts that tell stories from around the world and sharing the shop’s mission make shopping there a special experience.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“My favorite part about working during the holidays is…everything! It’s my favorite time of year. Being surrounded by such beautiful handcrafted goods, knowing that each piece was lovingly made and fairly paid for, makes each day working here a joy, no matter what time of year. I always tell people it’s one of my “happy places”. How often do people get to say that about their job?”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“The ornaments! We have so many beautiful, handcrafted ornaments made by Artisans from all over the world, and from a wide variety of materials - gourd, felt, capiz shell, olive wood, glass, etc. I’m always excited to see what new ones come out each year. Their craftsmanship and creativity always leave me in awe.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“I love it when a customer finds the perfect gift for someone - even if sometimes they’re with that person! This gives us the opportunity to really feel like one of Santa’s elves. When they bring up the item and hand it to you quickly and discreetly across the counter - you know that your job is to quickly ring it up and secretly tuck it away into the bag before their friend notices. I love being a small part of the surprise.”

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘀𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹?
“ICDD really helps coordinate the most festive holiday experience for all the local businesses downtown. From the ‘Tis the Season Kickoff until New Year’s Eve, there is SO MUCH HAPPENING! Hunt for the Elves, Holiday Open House, trolley rides, and more. It’s always fun to see groups of families and friends take that perfect holiday photo with @benosflowers arch at the pop-up shops right outside our window.”

If you’re looking for some last-minute gifts, ma

If you’re looking for some last-minute gifts, make sure to check out the Downtown Holiday Pop-Up Market! This weekend’s vendors have the shops full of sweet treats, unique gifts, and holiday goodies: ✨🎄

🧁 @mollyscupcakesic  Molly’s is back with the Living & Giving Pop-Up this season! Shop DIY Gingerbread House Kits, with $5 off, and enjoy 20% off all cake orders placed at the pop-up. Don’t forget to place your orders for Christmas cakes, pies, and cheesecakes (for pickup on Tuesday, 12/24) by Sunday, 12/22! While you’re there, browse the pop-up’s other offerings, including handcrafted jewelry from @minkandbobby.studio, original art by Andrea Smisek Gage, and more.

🌟 @omgiftsiowa  Find unique, cultural, and spiritual gifts at Om Gifts for Body & Soul. Shop for holiday ornaments, kids’ toys, self-care products, essential oils, and candles to make the season extra special. Perfect for treating yourself or finding the ideal gift!

🥧 @wilsonsorchardandfarm  Wilson’s is back for one last weekend! Shop tasty holiday treats like homemade pies, apple crisp, donuts, and more to sweeten your celebrations. Plus, check out cozy sweaters, gifts for kids, and festive holiday décor to bring extra joy to your home.

Meet Andrew – Sales Associate at @theshopiowacit

Meet Andrew – Sales Associate at @theshopiowacity. With two years of experience under his belt, Andrew is a go-to for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their shopping experience. Whether it’s finding the perfect candle or offering some much-needed support during the hectic holiday rush, he’s the friendly face that keeps customers coming back for more.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“I absolutely love working at The Shop. The holidays can be chaotic and overwhelming for everyone, so I make it a point to really listen to my customers. It’s rewarding when they feel comfortable enough to come in and chat with me for hours—it’s what makes the season truly special.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“One of my favorite memories is the Holiday Retail Open House with all the festive energy and, of course, the cookies. There’s something about the smell of delicious, freshly baked treats that fills the air while everyone is out shopping, chatting, and soaking up the holiday spirit.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“I’m definitely a candle person, and the Ocean Sage candle by A Modern Day’s Apothecary is a personal favorite. It’s got this fresh, calming scent that just makes the whole space feel warm and inviting. Plus, it’s made locally in Muscatine, so it’s the perfect way to bring a little piece of Iowa into your home.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“I love spending time with my family and friends from elementary school.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“Darlene Love’s ‘Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),’ Eartha Kitt’s ‘Santa Baby,’ and Judy Garland’s ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.’”

You’re invited to Downtown Iowa City’s communi

You’re invited to Downtown Iowa City’s community happy hour! Celebrate the holiday season with us @plated.table this evening from 5:00-6:00pm.

Each December we come together for a casual and festive First Round where there are no speakers or sponsors, simply drinks, conversation, and holiday cheer. We invite you to come say hi to your fellow First Rounders, thank our past sponsors, and relax with a drink in-hand at this cozy wine bar.

We’ve been exposed to a wealth of knowledge over the past 11 months. We learned about the Anne Frank Sapling standing tall outside of the @pentacrest.museums, the beer caves hidden in the depths of the Northside, the exciting future of the UNESCO City of Literature, the process of printmaking, the influence that Keith had on our community, and so much more. We’re curious here at the Iowa City Downtown District and we know you are too. Join us next year to continue learning about the community, experiencing local venues, and meeting new people. First Round takes place on the third Wednesday of each month and is free for all to attend.

Thank you to our 2024 First Round Sponsors!

▪️@opnarchitects
▪️metronet
▪️@tuesday_agency
▪️@phoebemartinrealtor
▪️@uistanleymuseum
▪️@meld.marketing
▪️@lasansky_gallery_and_studio
▪️@heatherbrightrealtor
▪️@newpioneercoop

Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane in

Get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane in this special episode of The Downtown Dish, as Anna and Charlie are joined by the original crew behind the hit radio show: Catherine Champion, Bill Nusser, and Maeve Clark.

In this fast-paced and wild conversation, the team reminisces about the early days of the Downtown Dish, reflecting on how it became a beloved staple of Iowa City’s airwaves and how the show’s unique mix of humor, local gossip, and heartfelt community moments captured the essence of downtown life. With stories from the past and plenty of laughs, this episode takes you through the evolution of the show and its impact on the downtown Iowa City scene.

Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music to take a listen!

Meet Jan – Manager at @velvetcoat, where timeles

Meet Jan – Manager at @velvetcoat, where timeless style meets holiday magic. With just over a year at the boutique, Jan has quickly become an essential part of the team, helping customers find that just right outfit or the perfect holiday gift. Her love for the festive energy of Black Friday weekend and her eye for unique finds make shopping at Velvet Coat even more special this season.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“This year we are carrying decorative gift items from @johnderiancompany – puzzles, notepads, paperweights, and gorgeous coffee table books. We also carry fine jewelry you won’t see anywhere else, making for very special gifts.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“Black Friday weekend is so much fun. Customers are with their families, the mood is fun and energetic, and the store is bustling!”

“Our window decorations always draw comments from customers. I love how so many of our customers light up when you ask them what their holiday plans are – it adds to the festive spirit.”

𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁:
“Because some people are hard to buy for, I like to ask our customers questions to try to find out personal details about who they are buying for. What their personality is like, what they like to do in their free time, maybe a favorite color or activity. This can lead us to find something that really suits that individual’s uniqueness.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“Making the rounds of holiday parties and watching Christmas Vacation.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“The soundtrack from A Charlie Brown Christmas NEVER gets old!”

Meet Lindsey – Yoga Teacher and Work-Study Manag

Meet Lindsey – Yoga Teacher and Work-Study Manager at @hothouse_yoga. For the past eight years, Lindsey has been a guiding presence in the studio, helping clients find balance and peace on their mats. She loves being part of the Hothouse community, especially during the holidays when the studio transforms into a warm, welcoming retreat from the seasonal hustle and bustle. Whether it’s teaching packed holiday classes or helping customers pick out thoughtful gifts, Lindsey embraces the magic and calm that Hothouse brings to the community.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀:
“The holidays bring up all types of emotions for people. I love that Hothouse is a warm and welcoming place for anyone to practice yoga and help cope with any stresses the holidays may bring. Whether a client is coming in because that’s the one hour in the day they have to themselves or they’re bringing a family member visiting from out of town to laugh and sweat alongside them, there’s something for everyone. I love seeing how Hothouse is a constant place for our community to return to, feel at home in their bodies, and become a little more calm and grounded in their everyday lives.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻:
“Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day classes have a reputation for being full to capacity with fun holiday music. They’re an amazing way to connect with yourself while also feeling a sense of community and belonging with everyone in the room.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“We sell a lot of gift cards during the holidays. What’s better than the gift of practicing yoga?! I also love all of the retail our owner, Cara Viner, continues to bring into the studio, including quality yoga mats, essential oils, and a wide variety of yoga tops and bottoms.”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
“Baking cookies!”

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽:
“I’m partial to Jingle Bell Rock or anything Mariah Carey!”

This Monday-Wednesday, we’re thrilled to welcome

This Monday-Wednesday, we’re thrilled to welcome three new vendors to the Downtown Holiday Pop-Up Market, sponsored by @greenstatecu. Open daily from 11am - 7pm, visit the Ped Mall to support these incredible local businesses:

📚@heabookboutique  Marion’s romance bookstore is here to sweep you off your feet! Featuring romance titles from both indie and traditionally published authors (including Iowa authors!), HEA is a book lover’s dream. Don’t miss their bookish goodies, all designed with love by Jenn, the shop’s owner and Chief Book Babe.

👜 @midwestleather_fudgefactory  Craftsmanship runs deep at this family-owned leather goods shop from Amana. From purses and wallets to jackets, belts, and moccasins, Midwest Leather offers timeless, high-quality items for every need. With three generations of expertise, their products are built to last. Have a sweet tooth craving? Get a taste of their delicious fudge creations!

🕉️ @omgiftsiowa  For over 21 years, Om has brought positivity, calm, and unique treasures to the community. Shop a wide variety of cultural and spiritual gifts from jewelry, gemstones, essential oils, candles, meditation tools and other fun cultural and spiritual gifts

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