Downtown Junkie

Totally cute T-shirt and logo of Cigar Frogs

Me, Owner Joe Dunham, and my friend Shelly

Me and John James

Saturday night, I attended Cigar Frogs pre-opening event.  I invited my friend Shelly, because my husband was at an Indian Princess recruiting event.  I wasn’t sure what the atmosphere was going to be like, and so was a little nervous entering by myself since Shelly wasn’t there yet.

I walked in and was graciously greeted by one of the hosts at the door.  Immediately, I saw beautiful gifts for the cigar aficionado, a freezer display with upscale chocolates, and T-shirts (shown above) with a great Cigar Frogs logo character.  Already, I felt at ease.  My next two steps in, and there sitting at one of the first couches was City Councilman, John James.  We greeted and he immediately introduced me to the two gentleman he was sitting with.  Both were smoking their cigars, chatting, and seemed to be really enjoying themselves.  The waitress took my order as I sat down, and my drinks were to me quickly.  I ordered their house Merlot, and found it very good.

The ambiance was really cool.  Its very lofty-chic, with a Key West decorating feel, and lots of eclectic artwork and furniture peices.  There was also live music playing in the background.  Loud enough you could enjoy it, but not so loud that you couldn’t carry on a conversation.

Next, we walked out back to their patio area.  Okay, this was my favorite part.  Lots of chairs, couches, and tables.  You could feel the breeze, and it helped if you don’t like too smokey of an environment.  Each table outside has a built-in gas fire pit.  Totally cool, and will be great for cooler evenings.

I really enjoyed my evening at Cigar Frogs, and believe it will be a great addition to downtown, especially for the 30+ crowd looking for something more sophisticated to do.

Last night, I had the privilege of attending the Ector County ISD Education Foundation’s Fundraiser in which the Steve Miller Band performed.  The company my husband works for was a sponsor, so we had great seats right smack in the middle on the second row.  The music was great… Steve Miller is truly a great musician.

From where I was, I couldn’t help but watch everyone around me enjoying the music, and basically getting down (Lorraine Perryman comes to mind especially).  I also thought of the popular Summer Lawn Concerts, and the ever-growing Rock the Desert. 

Seems that people will show up for more than just country music.  Looks like we’re all just wanting to hear good live music, and a variety is even better.

So, that brings me to Downtown.  I really hope that when Centennial Plaza is re-opened, we can start having more live music.  The plaza will accommodate everything from small bands in an intimate setting to large bands filling up the plaza (remember George Bush brought 30,000 when space was still tight). 

I know I’ll be there, and judging from the events I’ve been to, so will lots of others!

School’s right around the corner, and this weekend we had our traditional school shopping weekend.

As I was planning for this, I thought of where we could go.  We’ve gone to Lubbock in past years, and even Dallas and Houston.  Although, this year, I was committed to staying in Midland and seeing what the results would be.  First, I looked up coupons on the Internet for some of my daughter’s favorite stores.  Justice for Girls had a coupon good for 40% off your total purchase through 8/10, so that was a no-brainer.  Next, I noticed in the paper that Dillard’s was having an additional 40% off all reduced merchandise, and Kohl’s had 15% off total purchase, in addition to its current sales.  So, in addition to having a good selection of stores to start with, I also had some pretty good discount offers to increase my shopping dollars.

We hit the mall early, and I was really surprised at the choices that were available.  I don’t know how much more tweenies and teens need, but the mall has a great selection of stores now.  Aeropostale has now opened, Limited Too has completely converted to the more affordable Justice for Girls, Coach is open with a beautiful collection of purses and bags (no, this doesn’t apply to the desires of my nine year old), and with the existing Abercrombie, Hollister, American Eagle, and Buckle, there really is little left to have to go out of town for, especially if your destination is Lubbock.  Also, Ulta Beauty will be opening this Friday!

So, I challenge everyone getting ready for school… before you take those dollars out of town, try spending them in Midland.  You’ll find a great selection, and friendly service.

I am so very excited to welcome Stewart Doreen, managing editor of the MRT, to the Live Midland family!  I know that as a blogger on the website, he will offer exciting and thought provoking insight and questions into the downtown revitalization efforts. 

Thank you, Stewart.

Visit his blog, right next door, at “views from the 4th estate.”

http://livemidlandtexas.com/views_4th_estate/

I know everyone knows by now that I love the Downtown Farmers’ Market and everyone should check it out; it has grown so much since the beginning and we need to support our local Midland Farmers and Vendors!  I received this email from Farmer Matt below and it would be great if eveyrone could take a second and go vote to support our Local Farmers’ Market!

“I want to let y’all know about a farmers’ market promotional contest.  It requires your participation in the form of a vote for your favorite market, which quite obviously, is the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.  By accumulating votes MDFM has a chance to win some much needed cash, which is needed for our operating costs.  The following link will take you there:  http://www.care2.com/farmersmarket/.  Enter our state, TX, and slide down to Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market, click, enter a little info. and cast your vote.  Thanks for your support.” - Farmer Matt

Well we happened to visit Ali Bubba’s last Thursday night; you know the bar in the Hilton on the 3rd floor.  We had the best time relaxing on the patio with great music and some wonderful food!!  I didn’t know they offered this every Thursday night; check it out!!

Ali Bubba’s - Thursday Night Party

Dinner & Music from 6:00 - 9:00 PM

You can choose what you would like to eat and Jerry cooks it right in front of you on the grill; choose between Steak (Ribeye or New York Strip), Tuna or Salmon.  Soooo tasty!! :)  Price runs you between $11.95 and $19.95 depending on what you choose, but it’s worthit!

Then while you are dining and looking over our wonderful downtown skyline you can enjoy the smooth sounds of Ruben Z and/or Bo Zurtuche!!  I took a few pictures while we were there; it was on my iPhone so don’t judge! :)  Let me know if you try it out and if you like it as much as we did!  Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Well the Martini Glass Grill now has officially opened with their liquor license, and I attended the ribbon cutting on Friday to see what they were all about!  I took a few pictures of the awesome bar and see below for the specials they are running right now!  Check ‘em out and let me know what you think….

Wednesday - Way Back Wednesday’s…. Playing 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, Disco, Top 40, and Dance Music

Thursday - Ladies Nite… Playing Salsa, Reggaeton, Merengue, & Latin Dance Music

**11pm - Close $3 Margarita’s & Tequila Sunrises

Friday - Free 4 All Friday’s… Playing Disco, Dance, Top 40, R&B, Techno, 70’s, 80’s, & 90’s Music

**11pm - Close $3 Martini Mama’s

Saturday - Slammin’ Saturday’s… Mixn da best in Hip Hop, R&B, Tejano, Top 40, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, Reggaeton, & Country Music

**11pm - Close $3 Kamikaze’s & Cosmo’s & $4 Vegas Bombs

HAPPY HOUR - WEDNESAY THRU SATURDAY 4pm - 9pm

**$2 Well, Wine & Longnecks (domestic) & $3 Imports

Hello!  Just got back in town and wanted to get some updating done.

My daughter and I spent last week in South Padre Island, starting it off Memorial Day Weekend.  It was a blessing to have that time with her, and the island was truly a pleasure. 

After I got back, I immediately re-packed my bags, and was off to Dallas for business.  We stayed at the Fairmont in Downtown Dallas and spent our evenings and spare time in West End and Uptown.  I must say, Uptown Dallas was REALLY cool.  This is the kind of place that I would like to see incorporated into our downtown.  There were plenty of restaurants and bars, most of which had outdoor seating, large and small retail business, and lots of residential.  I’ll post more on it later, but just wanted to give everyone a “good to see you again!”

Kathleen Thurber’s article today in the MRT shows that two of the three lofts Of Lofts on Main are now sold.  The question remains if this will start the trend of downtown living.  In the article, Mayor Wes Perry is quoted as saying that downtown has the potential for about 300 downtown residences.  To read more, see today’s article:

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/05/22/news/top_stories/doc4a161db2869fb176831304.txt

On another note, I always try to share the emails from Farmer Matt about this weekends Downtown Farmers’ Market.  Starting this weekend, they will have live music, courtesy of Manda Hill, local recording artist. 

Here’s the rest of what he has to say:

Farmer Matt here, You there,

Y’all good? Good. I apologize for the delay in getting this out. I would like to thank those that braved the rains and wind last Saturday. I don’t think I would know what to do if the weather on Saturdays in Spring weren’t somewhat inclement here in West Texas.

This weekend will be an exciting event at the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market. We will be introducing live music from local recording artist Manda Hill. You can listen to her music and get a brief bio at

http://www.promisingprojects.com/mandahill.html

We also will be starting a recycling program at the market. Every saturday you can bring your #1 and #2 plastics, aluminum cans, and newsprint paper, and we will gladly recycle these materials for you. Hopefully this will make it easier for you to help take care of our mother. Doreen Richardson with Keep Midland Beautiful has been a tremendous help in this effort.

Along with Manda and recycling, we will have an assundry of local growers, artisans, and producers showcasing unique and eclectic wares.

Please share the wealth and forward this along. Savor the Local Flavor.

The Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market starts every Saturday at 9a.m. and ends at 1p.m. at 501 W Texas Ave., under the green. Remember that this is a rain and/or shine event.

Thanks

Farmer Matt

And from me to you, Have a Wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

This is my first year (or decade, as it may be), to be involved with the Midland Vision project.  Every ten 10 years, the community comes together to create a strategic vision for the next 10 years for Midland.  For the history and project successes of the Midland Vision project, go to http://www.midlandvision2020.com/.  My involvement is Co-Chair of the Quality of Place Task Force, which I proudly share with Jim Nelson.

This morning, after three months of individual task force meetings, all of the task force chairmen and Executive Committee came together to discuss where are groups were headed.  Even though I had read in the MRT about the individual task force commitments to downtown improvement, I was still so surprised to hear that this was still the forefront topic of most.  The Arts committee had wonderfully exciting and creative ideas for more art and culture infusion in the downtown, and the Facilities and Housing committee definitely had downtown on their radar.

As for the Quality of Place committee, we are very enthusiastic about our recommendations for the downtown revitalization.  Sundance Square in Fort Worth is a model downtown that we are looking at very carefully.

If you have any recommendations or comments you would like to add, please use the forum section of the Vision 2020 website.  We are looking for community involvement.