A Grand Kind Of Ladies Night

During college, I lived just blocks away from the corner of Cleveland and Grand avenues. This was the area where we could soak up exam stress with a Davanni’s pizza or caffeinate with a chai tea latte at Coffee Bené. We also ventured down Grand Avenue when my girlfriends and I wanted to change up our routine. Ending in downtown St. Paul, this 30-block stretch of shopping and dining bliss was also named one of Forbes’ Prettiest Neighborhoods in America. The avenue has a classc feel, as 90 percent of houses were built prior to 1939 and many of the shops are locally owned and located inside historic houses.

Grand Avenue Ladies Night Out

Photo by Kristine Erickson

This Thursday, Sept. 26, I’m getting some of those same college girlfriends together for Grand Avenue’s Ladies Night Out produced by the Grand Avenue Business Association. Nothing will change along the avenue except for what’s inside the stores. From 5–9 p.m. select shops and restaurants will have special discounts and events just for this night. If you pick up the event guide and punch card from one of the participating businesses and then visit at least five of them, you will be entered to win a $25 gift card to each of the 29 participating businesses. Also, 29 runners up will win a $25 gift card to one business.

One place we’ll definitely stop at is Quince Gifts. I’m a lover of all things leather and western, so this is my favorite store to add to my wannabe cowgirl style. I’ll mainly be going for the Corral Boot trunk show. Quince is also in the same building as Bonfire, so after we will probably stop by for a $5 ruby red slipper martini and get another punch on our cards.

What’s a Ladies Night without even more shopping? Atelier 957 and Perfect Fit by Marina will have 20 percent off on fall clothing and accessories and best yet, their clearance room will be open, which means we will save more money to get dessert. Grand Ole Creamery will be a sweet stop with buy one, get one free pizza and ice cream. At Chez Arnaud, sample authentic French macaroons and receive a $5 gift card with a minimum purchase of $15, which I could spend on their fluffy, flakey, and chocolately rich éclairs.

Dozens of other businesses are participating in Ladies Night Out. You can pick up a brochure at any of the businesses. If you’re not familiar with Grand Avenue, Ladies Night Out is the perfect chance to take advantage of discounts and get to know the personality of the avenue.