Nov 29, 2009 7:16 pm US/Eastern
Md. Tourism Office Wants You To Shop Locally
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ) ―
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The State Tourism Office is promoting Main Street Destinations as an alternative to shopping at the mall.
CBS
There's a way to discover Maryland while shopping for the holidays. The State Tourism Office is promoting Main Street Destinations as an alternative to shopping at the mall.
As
Tim Williams explains, each offers a unique experience that could be worth the trip.
It is a tiny taste of the season and of small town America.
"We're all mom and pop independent operators, kinda the soul of the economy," said merchant Ed Williams.
The stores are eclectic and the merchandise is quaint. They are the Main Street communities being showcased across Maryland this holiday season.
"The little windows. It's kind of like in miniature, you might say," said shopper Florence Kott. "I'm a miniature nut."
"Everything is unique. In the mall, especially the big stores, everything's the same. Here, you never know what you'll find," said shopper Geli Trzepacz.
In historic Ellicott City, some shops along Main Street have not been open long, but there are things that set them apart.
"The good thing about Original Souls down in Ellicott City is 99% of our vendors give back to charitable causes," said merchant Jessica Ponte.
Maryland's tourism office is spotlighting hundreds of stores during a statewide December campaign.
"Kids who were shopping here when they were four and five are now inviting us to their weddings," Williams said.
Ellicott City is one of 23 Main Street designations across the state, destinations the governor stresses are for much more than just shopping.
"These communities have established vibrant commercial districts through the restoration of historic structures, along with new construction, all in an effort to promote local commerce downtown. Every one of the 23 communities has unique charm," said Governor Martin O'Malley.
Maryland's 23 Main Street Destinations can be found
here.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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