The question was whether to present our annual Holiday Market on a Saturday in early December, a wide-open day for many, and bustling with the idea of leaving no disappointments on everyone’s Christmas shopping lists. It would have made a certain kind of sense.
On the other hand, Thursdays have a well-grooved connection between The Shops at Sea Pines Center and the people who know the plaza here as a place where interesting things happen. We decided the Holiday Market should take place Thursday, December 7, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and we had a lot of help in seeing that this is how to do it right.
From the Heart
The Artists of Sea Pines and several other local artists helped establish First Thursdays Art Markets as a regular celebration here in the plaza. During pandemic precautions, people told us they were thrilled to have an outdoor observance for getting together – yet not too close together. First Thursdays captured a lot of hearts, and artists were able to reach hundreds of visitors and Sea Pines residents who might not have seen themselves as collectors until First Thursdays put the experience in such an easy grasp. While they don’t take place every single month anymore, First Thursdays are a heritage we can’t ignore.
Local musicians, including singer-songwriter Sara Burns and Jazz Corner favorite Martin Lesch, set the mood for those First Thursdays Art Markets, joined by friends who were also accomplished local musicians. The look, feel, and vibe of a Thursday as the sun began to set over the roof of Lowcountry Produce became one of the experiences that people in the know connected with The Shops at Sea Pines Center.
Special Every Time
For the December 7 Holiday Market, we will once again see the Shore Notes, dressed in their festive holiday best, strolling the plaza and singing carols to enliven the scene, as evening draws near. Artists and artisans in just about every medium imaginable will be presenting their creations, and experience suggest that while many will stroll by and enjoy, others will also be inspired to take an artwork home.
From times past, people tell us that the First Thursdays artwork on their walls not only imparts its spell in the moment, but also reminds them of the fine feeling they had when they discovered it here, in the plaza of The Shops at Sea Pines Center, and decided to take it home. The special feeling comes back every time.
Interesting People
Experiences such as these have made The Shops at Sea Pines Center known as a place where interesting things happen. Whether it is the seasonal Farmers & Makers market, or the Sip & Stroll that sets the tone for the Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival, or the rousing Fun with the Fox party that helps the Michael J. Fox foundation to fund Parkinson’s research, or a Thursday art market – even our December 7 holiday market.
When we think about it carefully, what makes all these events and occasions and celebrations worthwhile and memorable is the same thing that makes The Shops at Sea Pines Center a fun place to be on any day. It’s the interesting people all around.
Come join us for Holiday Market on December 7, or any day, and enjoy seeing what we mean.
