'Sip, Snack and Shop' your way down Chestnut on Dec. 2

AThe commercial section of Chestnut and surrounding streets will be participating in the first ever "Sip, Snack and Shop on Chestnut" event on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 6–9 p.m. Event sponsors – the Marina Merchants Association and the San Francisco Bay Guardian – are urging locals to start your holiday shopping this season in your own neighborhood. The event hopes to pump up patronage of local businesses on the Chestnut Street merchant corridor.

Businesses of all types are coming together for this "shop local" celebration. Participating restaurants, bars and boutiques will be offering discounts of at least 15 percent to ticket holders. The event will host live entertainment and shops will be offering wine tasting, specialty cocktails, appetizers, and raffles.

Upon arrival, attendees can sign in at one of three check-in locations. They will receive a wine glass and a map and guide to the event. All participating businesses will be open late so that guests can meander along Chestnut Street sipping and snacking, all the while getting a head start on holiday shopping at a substantial discount.
The Sip, Snack and Shop event is for adults 21 and over. To make up for leaving the kids behind, take them to the second annual "Chestnuts on Chestnut" event the following evening, Friday, Dec. 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. Last year's event was a hit, complete with carolers and hot chestnuts.

Tickets for Sip, Snack, and Shop on Chestnut are $30 and available at www.sipsnackshop.eventbrite.com. You will receive $10 off if you enter the discount code marinatimes (one word) and buy your tickets by Nov. 10. Tickets will also be available the day of the event at the check-in points – visit www.themarinasf.com for these locations.

Whether you hate holiday shopping or love it, this is an easy way to get it done, get into spirit, and do some good for the local "mom and pop" economy.