Black Friday Sanibel Island Style

I keep hearing about stores opening at 12:01 the day after Thanksgiving and Friday morning at 4 a.m.

I envision all these people at the door waiting for the "go" signal as they stampede into the store/mall. While I love a good bargain and like to shop, this is not my idea of holiday shopping. I guess I'm still a little old fashioned....I like the good cheer and good tidings to all men philosophy, not the claw your way to the sales table mentality.

This year you can get some great buys while maintaining a sense of peace and goodwill toward your fellow man at the sidewalk sale that will be held on Sanibel Island at Tahtian Gardens shopping plaza 1975 Periwinkle Way. If you're going to be in town for the Thanksgiving Holiday or if you live on or near Sanibel, there will be great buys available offered in the relaxed island style. The sale starts Friday at 10 a.m. and runs all weekend. The center is open from 10-5 daily and many of the shops will have up to 50% off thier merchandise. I'm talking designer labels like Diesel, Seven, madeUlook and others. There is a fine jewelry store in the plaza as well as handmade glass jewelry and artisan works in various mediums. There are several shops that have wonderful Christmas and Holiday ornaments along with music and gifts, unusual stocking stuffers....you get the idea. Bath & Body, Resort Wear, collectables and home decor shops round out the selections.

One of the things I do like the best is that the shops carry limited numbers of their items, many of them have things you will not find in other stores or you will have to look a long time to find them. At Tahitian Gardens, you park in the lot and walk about 15 feet and you're at the nine retail and 3 eating establishments, so you don't get tired just going from shop to shop.

If you're shopping for less but want more value, quality and something that will be memorable, try Tahitian Gardens this weekend. You'll be glad you did and you'll keep your goodwill toward men and know that when your gift is received, it will be remembered for a long time!

Happy Holidays everyone.