While Hunters Take to the Woods, Others Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Even though I live in the city, I’m still a townie at heart in that I, along with a lot of other women, am looking forward to opening weekend of the gun-deer hunting season.

Things might not be as, ahem, exciting as seeing this show in Baraboo but there’s plenty to do in downtown Waukesha to enjoy a girls’ day, or night, out.

The big news is that, starting this weekend, Waukesha is getting ready for Christmas. To kick off the season in style, join a crowd at the Rotunda, 235 W. Broadway, Friday from 6 to 6:30 p.m. to light up the Christmas tree. Music will be provided by the Salvation Army Brass Ensemble with caroling led by the Waukesha Choral Union.

And what better way to open the spirit of giving than with the charitable donations? Donations of non-perishable food for the food pantry or cash donations will be accepted to start off the Salvation Army's 2011 Red Kettle campaign.

Once your civic duty and charity work is done, visit one the downtown bars or restaurants for a bite to eat and listen to some music. My two favorites include , 7 p.m. at the Steaming Cup, and , at Bosco’s Social Club at 9 p.m. Other downtown locations are also providing music, as part of Friday Night Fever: Mike & Kathy from G-Man Music will perform at 6:30 p.m. at , Phil Norby at 8 p.m. at , and the Dave Miller Band at 8 p.m. at .

Don’t stay-up too late on Friday, though, because things really pick up on Saturday for us hunting widows and friends.

As the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping season, this weekend offers a number of opportunities to experience the Christmas spirit and to browse and pick out special gifts in downtown Waukesha.

First on the list is a charitable, family event run by a friend of mine, Melissa Bissing, and Little Warriors, a new organization she started in honor of her son . Kids of all ages (along with their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles) are invited to join the group to make ornaments and birthday cards for the 1,300 low-income seniors and disabled adults served by Interfaith of Waukesha County. The free event will be Saturday morning at Summit View Elementary School and requires pre-registration. If interested, please see this link for more information. 

Next on the to-do list is food, drink, shopping and fun at a holiday shopping open house from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at , on the M2 side. There will be Scentsy products and also vendors from Thirty One, NYR Organics, Modern Woodmen, Tastefully Simple, Pure Romance, Lia Sophia. The event also has free drawings for gifts, including an iPod.

While downtown, don’t forget to browse some of the women-friendly shops. I saw some nice wool gloves at (hint, hint) and cute vest sweaters at the new Three Sisters shop. Don’t forget – St. Nick’s is just around the corner (another hint). I’m also intrigued by the pottery, art and home decorations available in downtown Waukesha. always has something neat, as does ,  and .

Well, Saturday is shaping up to be a long day but is offering extended hours, drinks and hors d'oeuvres  to take the edge off. All this shopping is hard work and sometimes you just need to kick back. Call ahead to book because space is limited.

Finish your shopping on Sunday but don’t forget to stop for sustenance, and possibly a Bloody Mary. has a make-your-own Bloody Mary bar for those who are persnickety about their drinks.

By Sunday, you might be missing a little romance. This weekend also marks the opening of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. Book tickets at now to see how Bella and Edward fare. (Hope that isn't a spoiler for anyone.)

The end cap of a perfect weekend is the at 4 p.m. Sunday on Main Street. This year there will be three marching bands and over 100 floats and other parade groups, including a roller derby. will also hold a on the day of the event. 

One last tip: don’t worry about keeping the house clean this weekend. You’ll be too busy.