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!”

I’m not a big fan of just outright complaining, but I’m going to do it.  DOWNTOWN MIDLAND NEEDS MORE AVAILABLE PARKING. 

Today, I met a friend for lunch at Cancun Grill.  I was about 5 minutes late for lunch because I couldn’t find a parking space.  Now I should have walked from my building, but I like to wear very high heels, so I drove instead.  I parked in a spot that probably wasn’t the best choice, and was lucky coming out of lunch that my car didn’t have a ticket or worse, had been towed.  My friend, on the other hand, was about 15 minutes late, due to lack of parking.  Nothing was available. 

The owner, Joe Torres, was afraid I had been stood up for my lunch appointment, but when I told him about the parking issue, he suggested behind the library.  I might as well walk from my building.

The point is, I want to see Downtown restaurants and retail not only survive, but THRIVE downtown.  But is it possible if it is so inconvenient to just be able to park?  We need a solution.

The Young Professionals of Midland (YPM) is hosting their 2nd Annual Membership Bash sponsored by Key Energy Services.  All young professionals in Midland are invited to come out and get to know more about the group.  Last year, several hundred came out to enjoy the evening, and a great time was had by all!

For those that are members of YPM, this morning we were treated to a great roundtable discussion and breakfast with Mayor Wes Perry.  The event was sponsored by the Midland Chamber of Commerce, and gave YPM members an informal opportunity to discuss their questions and ideas with the Mayor regarding events transpiring in Midland today and in the projected future.  Thank you so much to Mayor Perry for making this such a truly delightful and insightful discussion.

    

Also, as most people know, one of my favorite happenings in Downtown Midland is the Downtown Farmers’ Market.  While it was supposed to start beginning of April, Farmer Matt has apparently gotten anxious and decided to start two weeks early. So, this Saturday, March 21st, the Downtown Farmers’ Market will open, from 9am to 1pm, at 501 W Texas Avenue under that green awnings.  Here’s a brief description of what will be out there:

·         Enjoy fair-trade organic coffee from Big Bend Coffee, tea and hot chocolate all in Support of the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.

·         TBA farms with loaclly and sustainably raised tomato plants, greens, herbs, and quite possibly much more.

·         Regional photography from Briley Mitchell with DustDevilDiver Photography.

·         Miss Bunny’s Bake Sale baked goods.

·         Soyescents handmade soy candles.

·         Bridges of Hope will have handmade African arts and crafts in support of mission work in Africa.

·         Hand-knitted wearable art from MAK’s.

Have a great weekend!