Promotion streamlines downtown dining, shopping

Launched in October by Urban Districts Alliance, Night on the Town packages provide taxi rides, parking and restaurant reservation benefits, and Downtown Dollars to spend with participating merchants, galleries and restaurants.

“It’s a great program to support the downtown merchants and downtown in general,” said Nicole Chilton, Downtown Springfield Association president and Moxie Cinema owner. The Moxie is among downtown businesses participating in Night on the Town.

Three packages are available and can be purchased at Urban Districts Alliance, 304 W. McDaniel St., or online at www.itsalldowntown.com:

• The $50 Park and Ride package comprises a parking voucher for the Great Southern lot at South and Elm, $50 in Downtown Dollars and a buy-one-get-one-free beverage at the Mudhouse.

• The $100 Door-to-Door Dining package includes a cab ride downtown for up to four people from anywhere within Springfield’s city limits, a voucher for a cab ride home, and $100 in Downtown Dollars.

• The $200 Dining Deal is designed for larger groups who want VIP treatment. The package includes priority dinner reservations and $230 in Downtown Dollars – an added value of 15 percent.

As of press time, one package had sold, according to UDA Executive Director Rusty Worley. Program officials said consumers are still being educated about Night on the Town, and they expect the Door-to-Door package to be most popular.

“The free cab ride really resonates with a lot of folks,” said Rusty Worley, executive director of the UDA, because they don’t have to worry about parking or agonize over an extra glass of wine at dinner.

The Door-to-Door package can be a gift for the couple or family who want to enjoy a hassle-free evening downtown, but it also can streamline a downtown lunch and shopping adventure. The name Night on the Town does not limit the packages to nighttime use.

Also, excess Downtown Dollars can be used for dining or shopping the next day, the next week, or anytime for up to a year from issue.

“Unlike some gift cards that charge a service fee when it’s unused, this is good for up to one year and there’s no service fee,” Worley said.

Meanwhile, downtown storefronts are aglow with ornaments and lights, and Night on the Town merchants are looking forward to holiday shoppers.

“If you’re looking for an original and unique gift, downtown is a great place to come,” said Mike Sowers, owner of Well Fed Head Books. He said the hot gift item at his store is “Haute Cuisine,” a cookbook benefiting AIDS Project of the Ozarks. Featuring original works by local artists including Brad Noble, Renee Alyson, Bill Armstrong and Carla Stine, the book offers recipes from local chefs including James Clary, Peter Tinson, Colleen Smith, Nicola Gilardi and Lou Rice. (Editor’s Note: Contributing Writer Clarissa French is an APO volunteer who worked to put the cookbook together.)

Original art also is a big gift item downtown, such as the one-of-a-kind, handmade ornaments at Springfield Hot Glass Studio.

Christmas ball ornaments are popular during the holiday season, as are richly colored glass pumpkins, said Dani Underwood, Hot Glass clerk and bead maker. A new addition this year is the Venetian-style ornament, a swirled confection in glass.

Night on the Town Participants

Dining

Big Whiskey’s American Bar

Bruno’s

Coester’s Sports Bar & Grill

Hickok’s Steakhouse & Brewery

Kai

Marco’s Pizza

Maria’s

Mille’s Turn of the Century Café

Mudhouse

Mudlounge

Patton Alley Pub

Planet Smoothie

Riad

Springfield Brewing Company

Trolley’s Bar & Grill

Retail

Fitzwilly’s Gifts & Antiques

Springfield Hot Glass Studio

Staxx

Well Fed Head Books

Entertainment

2nd Stage

Gillioz Theatre

Moxie Cinema

Skinny Improv

Springfield Little Theatre

'Tis the Season Downtown

Sales, specials, festive decor and live art demonstrations are part of the holiday shopping scene downtown. Upcoming events for Night on the Town participants include:

• Springfield Hot Glass, 314 S. Campbell Ave., will host a two-day open house and sale featuring all-day glassblowing demonstrations Nov. 23 and 24.

• Moxie Cinema, 408 W. Walnut St., will offer a gift certificate special Nov. 23. Patrons who buy a 10-ticket bulk pass for $50 will receive two more passes free.

• Springfield Little Theatre, 311 E. Walnut, presents “Disney’s Aladdin” Nov. 29-Dec. 9. SLT is also offering a Holiday Flex Pass that provides two tickets to any remaining show for $42 or four tickets to any remaining show for $80, plus two bonus tickets to “Tom Sawyer.”

• Springfield 2nd Stage, 440 S. Campbell Ave., presents “Santaland Diaries” by satirist David Sedaris. The production is a behind-the-scenes exposé of Macy’s Santaland by one of Santa’s “elves.” Shows are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13–15 and 10 p.m. Dec. 15. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for students.

• The Skinny Improv, 301 Park Central East, presents holiday-themed shows every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 and 10. The Skinny Improv’s Children’s theater, The Springfield Playhouse, presents “Frosty the Snowman” December 1, 2, 8, 9 and 12. Tickets are $5 and popcorn is included. [[In-content Ad]]