Hello, Santarazzi! The big man was spotted this holiday season doing a bit of elf-free Christmas shopping. This supports my theory that elf culture is devoid of art and/or trinkets. Lots of toys though.

What do you think about Santa Claus shopping outside of the North Pole? Does he deserve to shop like the rest of us (but not online, apparently), or is he spreading doubt about the quality of his own workshop? Leave you views in the comments below!

This month we are featuring Holiday Window Decorations! Normally on Tuesdays we run the UpTake Tuesday Roadside Attractions Series. If you have a photo of an odd, funny or interesting roadside attraction that you would like to see featured here please submit it via the link in the sidebar with subject line: Roadside.

Nantucket Harbor at Christmas Time

Imagine the most quaint, historic little town imaginable, a place that is equally charming and upscale.  Then, imagine that place decorated for Christmas.  That is exactly the scene at Nantucket Noel, a month-long holiday celebrate which is in full force over the Nantucket Stroll weekend (which is when we visited).

Visit the quaint Main Street in Nantucket, where each business, in conjunction with local nonprofit organizations, has decorated a tree in front of the store.  Check out the Nantucket Whaling Museum, where eighty trees, all uniquely decorated, are on display.  My kids loved walking up and down Main Street and through the museum, pointing out their favorite trees.

During the stroll weekend, there is something for everyone, including art gallery parties, craft shows, shopping discounts, tasting menus at local restaurants, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus via Coast Guard ship.  My kids happily waited in line to greet Santa at the Jared Coffin House – despite the line.  Nantucket Noel is really the epitome of the spirit of Christmas, and our whole family loved it.

Not every restaurant and hotel is open in December, so it’s best to check well in advance before making plans.  Ferries do run, but on an abbreviated schedule, so make sure you make reservations for both legs of your journey.  During Nantucket Noel, we stayed at Harborview Place – a community of absolutely gorgeous vacation homes located right in town.

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: The Nantucket Chamber of Commerce and Harborview Place provided transportation and accommodations for our stay.

This public art is located in a city park, but it’s not the only colorful thing being photographed there. The park features a botanical garden and is frequented by celebrities and their families.

Does that make the location too easy?

Here are some hints:

If you are at this park, presumably with your kids (though not required) you can travel a short (relative) distance to the following tasty treats, Il Cono Gelateria and Millions of Milkshakes. That’s what we call a win-win.

If you want something with a bit more garlic try The Stinking Rose — everything is made with garlic, even the ice cream!

There is also plenty of shopping to do on one of the most famous streets in America.

Have you guessed it? If you said the Beverly Gardens Park, home of the bi-annual “Affair in the Garden” art festival, in Beverly Hills, California, then you’ve probably been there before. That’s okay, you still win the prize (there is no prize).

The park features a jogging path, a lot of public art and a pond. Beverly Hills features a lot of stuff that I can’t afford.

This post is part of UpTake’s Public Art Series.

Photo: prayitno via Flickr

Shoppers at the Randolph Street Market Festival

Chicago offers extensive shopping opportunities but one event only takes place at the end of each month from May through September. The Randolph  Street Market Festival is a must-see extravaganza of antiques, indie designer goods, vintage clothing  finds and all around deals. Raves have come from everywhere including HGTV, New York TImes and Lucky Magazine and for good reason. This is the Chicago shopping event of the season. Read More »