By Christine Davis Program Manager  Carlsbad Village Association

There are several ways to confirm that spring has arrived in Carlsbad Village. First, the State Street Farmers’ Market stays open until 7 p.m. making the streets of downtown Carlsbad come alive with shoppers and diners into the evening hours. That extra hour gives people time to stop by after work to do some quality food shopping and even grab a delicious dinner-to-go on their way home. Another surefire way to know is by the blooming flower baskets hanging overhead and pink flower buds on the trees at the fountain in the middle of town. And with the chill gone from the evening air, live, local, busker-style music returns to State Street on Friday nights to enhance an evening out.

Another way we are welcoming spring this year is through our inaugural Spring Shop Hop in downtown Carlsbad. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 22nd to spend the afternoon and evening in the Village shopping, dining, sampling, listening to live music, and saving on the newest spring styles in your favorite local retail stores. In addition to finding something truly unique and special, that you simply won’t find at a department store, you could even win some great prizes including a spa package valued at $230 from Chamber Member Jayden Presleigh, and more!

The concept is simple. Starting at 4 p.m., come check in at the Welcome Table at the fountain corner, located at State and Grand, to pick up your directory listing with all participating retail stores and restaurants. The first 100 people to check in will also receive complimentary swag bags with goodies from Village merchants. Participating locations will be offering everything from shopping discounts to light hospitality. Do a little shopping, take advantage of specials offered, sample some restaurant specialties, and really get to know your downtown small businesses.

Now, here’s the fine print. Get your directory stamped at the required number of participating merchant locations you visit and return it to the Welcome Table by 7 p.m. to be entered into a drawing to win one of several fantastic Carlsbad Village prizes. Prizes such as a spa package, dinner-for-two, a VISA gift card, or possibly even a night out at a downtown hotel for a quick, fun getaway could be yours just for spending time at the Spring Shop Hop in Carlsbad Village. No purchase is necessary.

So, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 22 and hop on down to the Village for some springtime fun supporting the small businesses that make Carlsbad shine.