ISHPEMING — “Small Business Shopper Sam” has made quite the impact on the community so far. Who would have ever thought that a 33-year-old woman carrying around a doll could bring so much joy and excitement.

Sam, the doll, and I took to the streets on the 16th to check out “Ladies Night Out” in the City of Ishpeming. This event was organized by the Ishpeming Community Events organization. The streets were lined with many women excited to begin their holiday shopping and just enjoy the night out.

We began the day at Da Yooper’s Tourist Trap, which has always been a favorite place of mine to visit since I was a young kid. “Small Business Shopper Sam” and I browsed the fun and unique gifts that the shop has to offer. I personally am still in love with the assortment of Cribbage Boards that I could add to my collection. The board made out of a deer antler is high on my wish list.

Sam and I pressed on and throughout the afternoon we visited The Bell Auxiliary Gift Shop, All Seasons Floral and Gifts, Main Street Antique Mall, Susie-Q’s, White Bear Maple Products and Gifts, Mama Mia’s, and Inspired Art and Gift’s. The fun really started when we joined up with some of our friends. Taylor and Sam bonded from the moment they met. They even enjoyed a jog down the street when Taylor forgot her Ladies Night Out punch card in the vehicle. Sam did lose her brown shoe though.

When we got home Sam and I discussed our favorite stops of the night. I personally loved playing the game at Carpet One Specialists and dinner full of laughs at Congress Pizza. Sam enjoyed the Ish Creamery’s dairy free ice cream, Doozers’ delicious cookies, and the exciting welcomes she got from Rare Earth Goods, The Women’s Center and Makers Marketplace. We both decided that Wilderness and their glorious variety of socks and Yeti products were sure to get us in trouble throughout this coming year. Our only regret is that we ran out of time and missed the free chair massages at Turino Chiropractic. We heard they were amazing though.

“Small Business Shopper Sam” and I are on a mission to visit as many of our small businesses as we can. We want to invite you to do the same. Don’t forget to take part in Small Business Saturday, today!

Do your part in supporting our community, Shop local.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Samantha LaJeunesse is the Marketing & Events Coordinator at the GINCC. She currently resides in Ishpeming with her boyfriend, Curt, and their fur babies. She loves golfing, crafting, and creating new recipes in her kitchen.