Thanksgiving is over, and the Black Friday, shop small Saturday, and cyber Monday shopping weeks are behind us. Now comes the short few weeks of Christmas warmth. For me it’s low budget but heart warming Christmas movies (a Christmas Prince and the Holiday Caldendar I give a solid 5 ho ho hos to), hot cocoa, and carols. For me and most other children this can be the most magical time of the year.
Christmas lights as a kid were something that I equated to fireworks on the Fourth of July. My parents would bundle us up in the car and we would cruise the neighborhood in search of the BEST displays. One house in particular would turn its entire yard and front windows into Santas workshop with different themes each year. It was so beautiful.
There really is something about Christmas lights that bring a smile to the faces of little ones (and me). If you are looking for something for FREE to do with your kids this weekend the City of Sparks of hosting the annual 39 North Downtown event. Local businesses sponsor light displays for your free viewing pleasure. Local vendors set up shop in case you want to continue your holiday spending/shopping and food trucks set up all along Victorian Square to provide some GRUB (not free but worth it)!!
I showed up on Thursday (the first night) and got there really early to get some pics. Rookie mistake- as the best part of lights is experiencing them in the dark! It seemed as though some displays weren’t going up till today and with the bone chilling cold yesterday, I think most folks stayed home or came after I had left. I would encourage you to go this weekend but after 5:30pm so the lights can really make a statement. Dress SUPER warm and remember gloves/mittens! Also come hungry as the food trucks are on point serving up some delicious local favs and some holiday flare!
I stopped in at Carlito’s Calle tacos and was blown away at how good thier tacos are. For $1.75 a pop you get a mouthfull of street taco BAM! The marinated pork was money with a little pineapple salsa, crema, and avocado sauce I could have put down a few more if I wasn’t looking to sample a few places. This truck is a must stop!
Up next was the fabulous and ever popular Petite Street, serving up thier holiday spiked drinks and my fav the raclette sandwich! (Secret-the owners may one day be my family! But I swear I’m not biased keep reading the review writes it’s self! They are that good) Do you like cheese? Do you like cured meat? Do you like crusty chewy bread? If so you MUST go get this grown up version of a grilled cheese! They broil giant wheels of cheese under a flame and when the cheese is bubbling and browning it gets scrapped into the bread and meat and topped with a dill pickle. I’m sure I had you at bubbly cheese but for your viewing pleasure…..the raclette:
If you can believe it I had some room left to sample one more food truck! With the frosty air we needed some warm comfort food to thaw our icy selves! We tried Nomnivore and they did not disappoint. They got us nice and toasty with thier Pizole soup. A cross between a veggie chili and hearty soup with a Mexican flare, this slightly spicy hot soup did the trick. The people at Nomnivore were just so kind as well, we came strangers and after photo opts, free Madeline’s to warm us while we waited, and just the most pleasant company we left as friends!
Next up was the vendor tent! Hand made soaps, jewelry, crafts, and more! It also provided us with some relief from the bitting chill. There were so many beautiful goods inside. However one artist in particular caught my eye. You all know my love for plats, and herbs, and recycled windows. Well, Stephanie of Painted REDD married all these loves of mine and had the prettiest recycled hand painted windows and wood pieces adorned with… you guessed herbs! Take a look at these!
This event is for sure worth strolling through this weekend! Links to the featured event, trucks, and vendor below. Ya’ll life is short, so pick up a fork , and join me – The Chubby Yogi- for some Grub, Chub, and Namaste!
http://www.39northdowntown.com/https://m.facebook.com/paintredd/about/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0 hhttps://www.instagram.com/carlitoscalletacos/https://www.petitestreetbistro.com/
https://www.nomnivorellc.com/