COVINGTON, Ky. – The Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fiasco is mercifully over, most deer hunters are home from the woods, and the Bengals are running out of hope. But keep the faith: High school basketball is about to kick off (Covington schools have won state champions in both girls and boys hoops in the last 15 years), and Thursday – tomorrow – is Thanksgiving.
Assuming your belly will be full of bird and dressing at some point in the coming days, you will want to venture out with or without visitors from out of town.
Here are some options …
We know most people have long since moved on to Schitt’s Creek, Ted Lasso, or Only Murders in the Building, but chances are you know more than you think about Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe, and Joey. (Did we put those six in the right order? Is there a right order?)
If you know how many sisters Joey has, for example, then head to The Gruff tonight for F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Triva Night.
While you’re there, make sure you get one of their tasty sandwiches and one or five of their cold beverages, too. It’s not easy operating a business in the shadow of a major construction project.
This is a big shopping weekend, of course, and we’re here to suggest encourage propose urge beg and direct you to do your shopping here in The Cov. Why?
- No. 1: We’re home to a vast array of cool retail shops selling unique goods, art, and services.
- No. 2: Does Jeff Bezos NEED any more money?
- No. 3: And you’re supporting local entrepreneurs and jobs held by your neighbors, family, and friends.
Whether you need a magic wand, archery equipment, an animal skeleton, a 1920s Art Deco engagement ring, a first edition hardback signed by Wendell Berry, a fishing reel, a collector’s bottle of bourbon, goetta, or a painting for over the mantle, you can find that here. If we had two hours to spare, we’d tag the veritable hundreds of Covington’s small businesses, but really all you have to do is head to MainStrasse Village, Ritte’s Corner in Latonia, Roebling Point, the 12th Street corridor, or downtown and its emanating spokes (Madison, Scott, Greenup, Pike etc.)
For example, here’s a few links we’ve found on Facebook:
- Shop Small Saturday at The Roost Latonia, which will house “makers” and “pop-ups” and then direct you to other Latonia small retail and service-oriented shops.
- Creative House of Art & Design will feature Doorbusters every hour, plus free earrings for every $100 spent.
- Left Bank Coffeehouse (and its retail shop, Maison) will have extended hours on Saturday, with specials, a Christmas Coffee Gift Basket Raffle, and special holiday coffee drinks.
- Plaid Friday at Roebling Books & Coffee will get you deals.
And to Covington small businesses, we were just told that if you sign up at American Express Small Business Saturday that you will be featured on a business map and in official marketing material that promotes you to its customers.
If you’re a regular fan of this narrative weekend events calendar, then you know that Purple Paisley, Local Artisan Shop is not only a source of locally created art to display in your home or office but also the host of many cool events.
This Saturday you can go to PP and learn about the art of quilling with artist Diana Daniels during a hands-on workshop called Holiday Quilling: Card/Ornament Class.
You leave with not only knowledge but also a hand-crafted card or ornament.
Space is limited. Sign up at the link.
Here’s an “event” you can do right in the comfort of your own home (or that of your children and grandchildren): Write The Big Man.
We’re not talking about Clarence Clemons (google it), Andre the Giant (alas, he’s no longer with us), Charles Barkley (retired), Francis “the Predator” Ngannou, or Brian Shaw. We’re talking the big jolly man in red himself, Mr. Claus.
The mailbox is installed and officially open for Covington Parks & Rec’s Letters to Santa initiative.
Your kids and grandkids (and great-grandkids, if you’re there yet), plus nieces and nephews and neighbor kids all have until Dec. 18 to drop off a letter to get one in return.
Look at it this way: Here’s your chance to influence their idea of Christmas. (And kudos if you got the Charlie Brown reference in the subhead).
Tonight: Wednesday Jazz Jam Session at Juniper’s …
Thursday: The Missy Werner Band at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.
Friday: Black Friday Black Light Dance Party at Madison Live … Estrada do Sol at Juniper’s …
Saturday: Livewire at Madison Live … Cincy Silent Disco at Madison Theater … The Nomads Trio at Juniper’s …
Tonight: Music Trivia at Frosthaus …
Friday: Feud at Frosthaus … Karaoke at Frosthaus … Holly Jolly Days at Behringer-Crawford Museum.
Saturday: Covington Farmers Market at Braxton Brewing Co. … MainStrasse Village Food Tour … Holly Jolly Days at Behringer-Crawford Museum … Karaoke at Frosthaus …
Sunday: Holly Jolly Days at Behringer-Crawford Museum … Sunday Fun-Dey at Braxton Covington! … Bengals Brunch & Shuttle at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub & Restaurant …
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