Merchants in Tryon are welcoming shoppers this holiday season as we extend the local love from Nov. 1 through Dec. 30. Many shops along Trade Street are extending hours to 7 p.m. on Fridays to accommodate guests and visitors. Through Dec. 30, shoppers can take their passports all over Tryon and get a stamp or sticker with purchase. The shoppers with the most stamps will receive prizes donated from participating businesses, including gift certificates, gifts and more.

The kickoff of the passport program coincides with the grand opening celebration on Friday, Nov. 4. Visit new downtown businesses, celebrating their grand openings all day with champagne toasts, wine samples, snacks and specials! There will be activities at new businesses all day.

Tabula Rasa Boutique at 90 Pacolet Street (across from the Post Office) will have a day full of activities, starting at 10 a.m. for a ribbon cutting and music all day, snacks and treats and ending the day with Swamp Rabbit Railroad playing at 5:30 p.m.

Hoop’s Antiques and Vintage Collectibles, veteran-owned antique store located in the Shops of Tryon, will be open all day with a champagne toast and ribbon cutting at 6 p.m. While in the Shops of Tryon, check out Birdie’s Boutique, designer clothing at affordable prices, and Vines of Tryon for gifts, clothing, jewelry and more. Vines of Tryon has been in operation for 22 years and is celebrating the grand opening under their new name.

A pop-up holiday shop, Trunk Show on Trade, fills up the upper floor of Shops of Tryon, featuring gifts and home goods from Michaelian Homes in Hendersonville. The Shops of Tryon will be filled with music, wine samples from Parker-Binns and locally made treats and snacks.

The Book Shelf has moved a few doors down to 86 N. Trade Street (the former location of The Nest). Stop by to check out the new yarn selections and knitting nook, as well as expanded used books. Cookies and cider will be available to sip and browse.

Four Winds Florist has moved to 16 Maple Street and has a great new selection of local art and gifts. Stop in to browse their new location!

Celebrating the completion of the Missildines Project is the grand opening of the new businesses at the corner of Trade Street and Oak Street. Visit the new and expanded Nest Artisan Market at the Historic Missildines Building, 13 S. Trade Street. With furniture, home goods and new products, in addition to local art, The Nest is a fabulous market in a beautiful building. Next door is Black Coffee, serving up lunch and coffee tastings all day.

Grab dinner and then head to Tryon Fine Arts Center for an evening concert. TFAC is pleased to announce the return of Jackie Marston and the Dale Burke Quartet on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. on the Veh Stage. You’re in for an incredible evening of jazz standards and original surprises. Tickets are available now. Purchase online or contact the box office at 828-859-8322.

Passports will be available at local businesses the first week of November. New this year, you can get a “stamp” for attending events! A calendar of arts and downtown events is included in the passport.

On average, 48 percent of dollars spent at locally owned businesses will get recirculated in the local economy. This program encourages locals and visitors alike to support our homegrown businesses and nonprofits during the holidays and year-round.

Passports should be turned in to participating businesses or to TDDA at 112 N. Trade Street by Jan. 2, and everyone who participates will receive additional discounts for 2016. This project was created in partnership with the Tryon Downtown Development Association, Town of Tryon, and the Tryon Travel & Tourism Board. For more information, please visit www.downtowntryon.org and www.exploretryon.com.