Author: Jared Indahl

Dinner Date Spots Downtown

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Plan a fancy night out with a lift from downtown’s ambiance.

Crawford’s

 

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You can’t miss with this vibe. Don’t miss the signature Epiphany cocktail with taste-altering buzz button.

DaDa Gastropub

 

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The best place for artsy, eclectic dining. Start with a craft cocktail, order dinner, and enjoy the art filled space.

Harvester Kitchen

Enjoy innovative American cooking with thoughtful food and warm hospitality. Try the tasting menu for a mind-blowing dinner.

Maribella

Authentic Italian food and wine in a gorgeous setting.  

Minervas

 

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Minervas is a beloved downtown dining staple for good reason. Order classic favorites like steak, seafood, and pasta, or try something new from the ever-changing menu.

Ode to Food & Drinks

Ode describes its food as ‘sophisticated, but refreshingly simple’, making it ideal for relaxed, special dinners.

Parker’s Bistro

 

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This cozy, upscale spot focuses on chef-driven, locally sourced food.

R Wine Bar

 

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Delicious Italian fare and welcoming staff make R Wine Bar a beloved date night spot.

Roots of Brasil

Share authentic cuisine in an amazing atmosphere.

Ring in 2024 in Downtown Sioux Falls

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Bye 2023! Welcome the new year with celebrations happening downtown.

  • Noon Year’s Eve at the Washington Pavilion
    12pm || Let your kids join in the New Year’s fun with a balloon drop! Count down to Noon Year’s Eve with Radley Rex as hundreds of balloons fall to the ground in the Kirby Science Discovery Center.
  • NYE 2024 at PAve
    11am-2am || Invite your friends to celebrate with a DJ beginning at 10pm, champagne specials, and free photobooth.
  • New Year’s Eve at Blarney Stone
    4pm || Get ready to kick off the New Year with a bang at Blarney Stone Pub’s New Year’s Eve Party! We’ve got everything you need with Dinner Specials, Free Champagne at Midnight, and Giveaways! 🎉🥂
  • SDUIH 2nd Annual New Year’s Eve Sobriety Wacipi (Pow Wow)
    5pm-12:30am || It will be a fun-filled night full or prizes, food, specials, and community! Enjoy healthy support and community with this sober celebration!
  • Hello Hi-Fidelity presents: NYE with Abbi Day
    9pm || Hello Hi-Fidelity is excited to bring back DJ Abbi Day just in time for New Years Eve! Get your dancing shoes out and get ready to party the night away! ✨🪩✨

Summer 2023 Crazy Days Coloring Pages

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Downtown Summer Crazy Days: One weekend, one-time deals in many shops.
Bringing all the sales together in one weekend makes downtown deal hunting a delight!

We’re excited to continue our collaboration as a Community Partner with Jefferson High School’s Project Based Learning Academy. Students created business-themed coloring pages to tie in with Summer Crazy Days. The project is led by Ms. Holli Gregg, Jefferson PBL’s amazing Graphics teacher.
Scroll through the students’ work and download all 30 Summer 2023 Crazy Days Coloring Pages when you click here.
We’re so proud of you, students! Thanks for your great work!

10th Annual Downtown Riverfest Musical Lineup Announced

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Downtown Riverfest, presented by Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc (DTSF) and The Bancorp, is celebrating its 10th year with a lineup of homegrown, regional musical legends, headlined by KORY and the FIREFLIES, with performances by Spooncat! and Rich Show & the Airports.

The schedule is as follows:

  • 5:30-7:00pm – Rich Show & the Airports
  • 7:30-9:00pm – Spooncat!
  • 9:30-11:00pm – KORY and the FIREFLIES

The 10th Annual Downtown Riverfest presented by The Bancorp takes place Saturday, August 19 from 4:00-11:00pm at Fawick Park. This annual event celebrates the Big Sioux River with live music, food trucks, a marketplace, kids activities, adult beverages, and a pop-up skate park. 

“For the 10th anniversary of Riverfest, we have a line up featuring some of the most popular bands and musicians from Sioux Falls to grace stages throughout the region and beyond for the last few decades. It’s going to be amazing!”  – Joe Batcheller, DTSF President

About the Performers:

Rich Show & the Airports is a newer ensemble from local musical legend, singer-songwriter and artist, Rich Show. Show is known for his eclectic mix of punk, country, pop, and electronic music rooted in Sioux Falls, SD. His expressive songwriting has made Show a fixture in the South Dakota music scene, including his work with regional sensations No Direction, Flag with Hank, and Violet. Show is a 2020-21 inductee in the SD Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Spooncat! was formed in 1996 in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, the brainchild of brothers Jeremy, Jason, and Jonathon Hegg, and lifelong friend Christopher Smith. Widely acclaimed for their original horn-driven songs, the band played throughout the Midwest for years, with performances stretching from Utah to Arkansas. Spooncat! has recorded five albums of original music. Now, more than twenty years after their first gig, Spooncat! maintains an active performance schedule featuring all nine of the original band members.

Kory and the Fireflies create “pop rock with punch” and the band has a special gift for connecting with their audience. The group is a 2023 Inductee into SD Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The group has charted three singles in National Radio Publications and shared the stage with over 70 National Acts, including touring with Goo Goo Dolls, they’ve supported Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Journey, Def Leppard and many, many more. The band has appeared twice at Farm Aid with Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews and achieved Airplay in all 50 states with singles, “Sometimes”, “Pop Fly” and “Everyone”. Kory and the Fireflies create positive rock and roll and bring that same energy to their live shows.

DTSF appreciates community support and the 10th Annual Riverfest from our early sponsors who help make this event possible: The Bancorp, First Interstate Bank, Avera, and Sanford Health.

Volunteer at the 10th Annual Downtown Riverfest

The 10th Annual Riverfest is still in need of volunteers for multiple event duties. Volunteers will receive a customized t-shirt and free adult beverage after their shift. Find volunteer sign up information under the “Riverfest” section at: dtsf.com/volunteer-with-us

DTSF is Rolling Out the Welcome Wagon!

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. is striving to create the most hospitable downtown in the country. That’s why we’ve launched the new and improved Downtown Ambassador Program.

 

What is the Downtown Ambassador Program?

Thus far, the program has been a one-person operation led by DTSF’s Public Space Manger, Martin Dill. It’s been a pilot project intended to enhance the hospitality and safety of downtown by greeting visitors and assisting those in need. Since its launch in 2021, it’s proven to be a valued service, so much so that downtown property owners are investing more into the business improvement district to expand the program.

 

So what can people expect from the expanded program?

Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. will have a greater, more noticeable presence, keeping downtown clean and engaging people. Core services include public outreach, business check-ins, reporting suspicious activity, assisting law enforcement, cleaning sidewalks, and graffiti removal. It also means that DTSF ambassadors will be able to assist with code enforcement by having people walk their bikes and scooters on the sidewalks. It means employees working late can request an escort to their car if they’re alone and would feel more comfortable walking with an ambassador. 

 

Why does this matter?

There are some basic conditions needed to regularly attract people somewhere to become a vibrant, thriving place. It must be clean and safe. The Downtown Ambassador Program will enhance both the cleanliness and safety of downtown, which is important as both downtown and Sioux Falls continue to grow. With well managed cleaning and safety programs, our beautification and hospitality services will have an even greater impact for everyone—visitors, residents, businesses, and more. 

 

How is DTSF able to expand the Downtown Ambassador Program?

Last year, DTSF conducted a six-month long outreach campaign with property owners whose assessments for the business improvement district were capped. There were a few issues and opportunities to address, and most agreed it was time to lift the cap to pay for the services needed to keep downtown as the thriving place we all know and love. Since then, DTSF has partnered with an organization called Block By Block, which is the industry expert regarding urban place management. Block By Block is DTSF’s service provider, which allows for a streamlined approach to scaling up our services.

 

How will the Downtown Ambassador Program impact the community?

Bottom line, it means downtown will be a friendlier, more welcoming place, and an even better place to do business. As our community grows, DTSF is proactively addressing the issues and opportunities before us. An urban environment can sometimes be intimidating or chaotic. Not Downtown Sioux Falls, though. We’ve got an extraordinary community, and downtown provides the kind of showcase for who Sioux Falls is. I get calls and emails from people from other cities that often marvel at what we have going on here. DTSF and our ambassadors are here to ensure that continues by making Downtown Sioux Falls the most inviting place in the country.

 

Thanks for being part of downtown’s future!

 

Sincerely –

Joe Batcheller

 

Ideas for Mother’s Day in Downtown Sioux Falls

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a few sweet ideas from downtown Sioux Falls!

Thurs, May 11 // Mother-Daughter Succulent Workshop at Simply Perfect.

Sat, May 13 // Mother’s Day Market at Severance Brewing:

A sweet little market for all of the Mommas out there!
Build your own flower bouquet with Spring Creek Flowers
Permanent Jewelry by Lola Belle
Photo Booth & prints with Kelcey Schroder Photography
Prints + gifts from our new neighbors at Rose & Eugene presents
Sign up & win a custom herb planter garden by Flatten Woodworking Co.
Charcuterie snacks by Overboard Charcuterie!

 

Sun, May 14 // Mother’s Day Brunch at Holiday Inn City Centre

 

Sun, May 14 // Mother’s Day Family Dinner at Harvester Kitchen

Your Lucky Day: Downtown St. Patrick’s Day Events

Posted on by Jared Indahl

It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day, and downtown is buzzing!
Want to join in the fun? Here are a few ways to sprinkle a wee bit of Irish into your plans. You’ll find events all weekend–there’s no excuse not to celebrate, just like there’s no excuse to skip wearing green!

1. Painting of the Shamrock

March 18 | 11am | In front of Mrs.. Murphy’s Irish Gifts, 219 S. Phillips Ave
Where else will you get the opportunity to see the street shut down in order to have town dignitaries paint a shamrock?

2. St. Patrick’s Day Parade

March 18 | 2pm | Route runs from 13th and Phillips to 5th and Phillips
Pinch me! The St Patrick’s Day Parade is here and it’s almost too good to be true!

3. Taste of Ireland Cooking Class

March 15 | 6-8pm | Plum’s Cooking Co.
Prep for St. Patrick’s Day with Chef Michael Charpentier as he demonstrates a traditional Irish menu you can make at home!
Featuring a hearty array of Irish classics:
Colcannon with Bacon
Irish Soda Bread with Currants and Caraway
Guinness Stew
Bread Pudding with Whiskey Cream

4. St. Patrick’s Celebration of Traditional Irish Music

March 17 | 5-7:30pm | Old Courthouse Museum
Free admission! Enjoy three performance groups, and don’t forget cash for the concessions.

5. St Patty’s Music and More at Monks Ale House

March 17 | 8-11pm | Monks Ale House
Startz and Endz St. Paddy’s Day Celebration: American Country rock trio with good tunes and good vibes.

March 18 | All Day | Monks Ale House
Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration at Monks Ale House

6. St Patrick’s Day at Glacial Lakes

March 17-18 | Glacial Lakes Distillery
Special cocktails and beer all weekend long! Wear your green and head downtown for a great time. Doors open early on Saturday at 10 am so you can start your day with an Irish Coffee!

7. St. Pat’s Events at Severance Brewing

March 17-18 | While supplies last
Half Price Green Beers. Courtesy of 334-Rent by Lloyd Companies.

March 18 | 9-10am
Bendy Beer with Wildflower Yoga-St. Pat’s Style

March 18 | 7-9pm
Live Music by Noah Schmitt

Irish T-Shirts
Limited quantity for sale now!

8. St. Patrick’s Day Green Pancake Feed by Frontier Bank

March 18 | 10 am-12:30pm | Frontier Bank
Frontier Bank will be serving pancakes and sausage on March 18th on the patio out front of the building on the corner of 9th & Phillips. Woodgrain Brewing Co will also be open serving beermosas and other drinks.

9. St. Patrick’s Day at Woodgrain

March 18 | 10 am-close | Woodgrain Brewing Co.
Get your Irish on!

The party starts at 10 am with beermosas, a perfect pairing with the free green pancakes and sausage from Frontier Bank across the lobby.
11:00am: Smoked Culture food truck serving outside on 9th St.
11:30am: Celtic Steps South Dakota
Noon: Sweet Spun Apothecary serving mini-donuts and cotton candy in the lobby.
12:30pm: Taverns and Tots serving in the hallway
Weather permitting, we’ll have a tap box set up outside for your drinking pleasure.
The 2pm parade goes right by Woodgrain’s front door so get there early to get the best view!

10. Remedy St. Patrick’s Day Party

March 18 | 9:30am-11:45pm | Remedy Brewing Co.
Kegs & green eggs along with a performance by Celtic Steps South Dakota at 10am
Green Beer will be available for a limited time!
Mash Madness beer and Irish Red Ale on tap.

11. St. Patty’s Saturday: Free After-Parade Party at ICON/DaDa

March 18 | 9pm-midnight | DaDa Gastropub/ICON
Saturday after-parade party. Features Frozen Dead Band playing the iconic ’72 Veneta Oregon Grateful Dead “Sunshine Daydream” sets.

12. St. Patrick’s Day Bash at Holiday Inn City Centre

March 18 | 1pm-11pm| Holiday Inn City Centre
Celtic Dancers at 4 pm
Dustin Evans & The Good Times Band: 7pm – 11pm
Food and drink specials all day!

Summit League Fan Central

Posted on by Jared Indahl

The Summit League tournament is in town, and downtown is ready to celebrate!
Find special deals for fans, post-game hangout spots, and more.

Post Game Spots

Don’t miss the Mash Madness craft beer competition while you’re celebrating at the participating breweries!

Grab a brew and some grub to refuel!

Special Deals for Fans

Get exclusives when you stop in to select stores, just for being a fan!

  • Spice and Tea Exchange: Receive a 15% discount on your purchase when you show your Summit League ticket stub
  • Sticks and Steel: Stop in and enter drawing for a $50 giftcard
  • Chelsea’s Boutique: Buy one get one 30% off storewide
  • Simply Perfect: Stop into Simply Perfect and enter to win a $50 gift card!
  • Primp Boutique: March 4th – In-store offer of additional 10% off everything in store all day! Or show your ticket and you’ll receive 20% off your full-price purchase!

 

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Downtown Sioux Falls

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Whether you’re a lover or a fighter, Valentines Day is a sweet, sweet time to take extra care. Get some ideas to celebrate, from couple’s classes to friendship celebrations.

Feb 4 | Must Love Dogs – Pet Photo Fundraiser at WoodGrain: Valentine Pet photos of you and your pet, including Glamour Shots of your pet will be included with this years pet photo fundraiser! $35 for a gallery of photos where you can order prints, cards, or download image to share on social media.

Feb 7 | Plum’s Cooking Class: Romantic Dinner

Feb 7 | Valentine’s Day BYOB Charcuterie Class at Glacial Lakes Distillery. Create your own charcuterie board with Landi of Cultivated in Love.

Feb 10 | FCBC (pre) V-Day Dance Party w/ DJ Abbi Day: Have a dance party! A free dance party! Bring your date(s), lover(s), friend(s), yourself. Whether you dig the holiday or are purely anti-valentine, there’ll be something here for you late into this night! Dj Abbi Day will be back and providing the tunes.

Feb 10-12 | Harvester Kitchen by Bryan: Feast of the Valentine’s: Discover the Feast of the Valentines at Harvester Kitchen with your favorite someone by your side. Show affection and appreciation for those you love! Harvester Kitchen’s innovative Culinary Team has created an inspired 5-course menu for you to experience together on your preferred date and time: February 10th, 11th, & 12th.

Feb 11 | Valentine Bash at El Riad Shrine: Join us for our 25th Anniversary Valentine Bash featuring the Johnny Holm Band! $20 per person. Doors open at 7 p.m., Johnny starts at 8:30 p.m.

Feb 11-12 | Galentine’s Boutique Crawl: Join downtown boutiques for their first ever weekend long downtown boutique crawl – Galentines Day style! Mark your calendars and invite your gal pals for a weekend of fun! Discounts, deals, drinks, and a special schedule of events coming soon!
Visit each boutique, get your postcard stamped, and be entered to a win a grand prize valued at over $500!

Feb 13 | Plum’s Cooking Class: Galentine’s Day

Feb 14 | Galentine’s Painting Class at the Jones 421 Marketplace: Come out and celebrate Valentines or Galentine’s Day with your friends and paint a beautiful flower piece to take home with you at the end of the night! Tuesday, 5:30 – 7:30pm $49
Receive a token for a free drink at The Source, to enjoy during your painting class, and a small snack from one of our restaurants.The ticket price includes the use of all necessary paint supplies and aprons, instruction by a professional and friendly local artist, and a 9×12 gallery wrapped canvas!

Winter 2023 Crazy Days Coloring Pages

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Downtown Winter Crazy Days: One weekend, one-time deals in many shops.
Bringing all the sales together in one weekend makes downtown deal hunting a delight!

We’re excited to continue our collaboration as a Community Partner with Jefferson High School’s Project Based Learning Academy. Students created business-themed coloring pages to tie in with Winter Crazy Days. The project is led by Ms. Holli Gregg, Jefferson PBL’s amazing Graphics teacher.
Scroll through the students’ work and download all 30 coloring pages when you click here.
We’re so proud of you, students! Thanks for your great work!

Guide to the 10th Annual Downtown Burger Battle

Posted on by Jared Indahl

32 Burgers. It’s a lot. Where do you start? Never fear! We’ve sorted through all the 2023 contenders to help you decide what to check out first!

Hot take: You don’t need a plan to enjoy the Downtown Burger Battle presented by First Western Bank & Trust.

  • You can avoid the over-the-top burgers
  • You can eat only the over-the-top burgers
  • You don’t need to try them all
  • You can try them all
  • It’s a great time to try a brand new restaurant
  • It’s a great time to visit your fave restaurant

But if you want to plan, here are some categories for sorting the options. Want more than a taste? View full burger descriptions and see photos in the master list.

Sweet & Savory

You say you like the balance, but maybe you actually like chaos. You already know if it’s a huge yes or hard pass on these ones.

  • Blarney Stone: The PB & JB (Peanut Butter & Jelly Burger)
  • Crawford’s: Truffle Jam Burger
  • JL Beers: The S’More Burger
  • Phillips Avenue Diner: Peanut Butter & Spicy Jelly Burger

Meaty

Okay, yes, burgers are all meaty. But what if you’re the type yelling “More! MORE!” as someone heaps meat on meat? These burgers have the beef and then some, from bacon to crispy chicken skin.

  • Covert/Windy City Bites: The Son of Zeus
  • Bread & Circus: Chicken Bacon Ranch Burger
  • Chef Lance: The Big Bison Burger
  • Falls Landing: The Mario Burger (prosciutto)

Some Heat

Hot take: Spicy is in. In your mouth, when you try these.

  • Holiday Inn City Centre: The Chipotle Bacon Burger
  • MacKenzie River: The Hatch Queso Burger
  • PAve: The Kunco
  • Fernson/Wagoo Burger: The Big Zing

Foods As Other Foods

You know, for when you want a burger but also spaghetti. Or carnitas. Or meatloaf. Peak burger building creativity.

  • Crave: El Padrino – Carnitas Torta Burger (carnitas)
  • Ode to Food and Drinks: Hoppy Loafing Around (meatloaf)
  • Papa Woody’s: The Italian Stallion (spaghetti)
  • Pizza Cheeks: Pizza Cheeks Burger (pizza)
  • TommyJack’s: Philly Burger (philly cheese sandwich)
  • Sunny’s Pizzeria: The Frenchie Burger (french onion dip)
  • Remedy: The Rimedio (italian beef)

Elevated Classics

Sometimes you want a really great classic burger. These hew to the classic flavor profile, but watch out! There are plenty of delightful additions kicking it up a notch!

  • La Luna Café: La Luna Steak Burger
  • Leonardo’s Café: The Triple B (Big Basic Burger)
  • Minervas: The Local Steak House
  • The Treasury: The Smash & Grab
  • Wileys: West Coast Smasher

Cheesy

Some of us just want so much cheese. You know who you are.

  • 5 Guys: The Wonder Burger (grilled cheese sandwich buns)
  • Boki European Street Food: Cheese Curds Burger (the name says it all)
  • Falls Overlook Cafe: The BCB (colby jack and cheese curds)

Fresh Takes

Organizing burgers is an art, not a science. These ones defy tidy categorization. Try ’em and decide if they need a narrower category.

  • DaDa Gastropub: The Italian
  • Glacial Lakes/FadeAways: The Captain
  • M.B. Haskett
  • Monks: The Griddy (MN inspired, wild rice & mushroom)
  • Swamp Daddy’s: Magnolia Burger (sausage infused patty with okra & more)

Ring in 2023 in Downtown Sioux Falls

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Bye 2022! Welcome the new year with celebrations happening downtown.

  • Noon Year’s Eve at the Washington Pavilion
    12pm || Let your kids join in the New Year’s fun with a balloon drop! Count down to Noon Year’s Eve with Radley Rex as hundreds of balloons fall to the ground in the Kirby Science Discovery Center.
  • New Year’s Eve Dinner Party at Harvester Kitchen by Bryan
    Ring in the New Year at Harvester Kitchen! Chef Bryan and the HK Team invite you to ring in the New Year in style with our second annual New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Party. Upon arrival, enjoy sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres followed by a sumptuous 6-course dining experience. Enjoy live music during the reception and a DJ for after-dinner dancing. Plus, a party favor to take home to enjoy the next day.
    And, of course, ring in the new year at midnight with a sparkling wine toast and a table of sweets.
  • New Year’s Eve Party at Glacial Lakes Distillery
    5pm-1am || Celebrate new beginnings and enjoy special drinks all night long. Featuring Champagne Shimmer Bombs and other great drinks to help you count down to 2023!
  • SDUIH Inaugural New Year’s Eve Sobriety Wacipi (Pow Wow)
    6pm-12:30am || Enjoy healthy support and community with this sober celebration!
  • NYE ’23 at Wileys
    7pm-2am || Get out your feathers and flappers, Wileys is bringing back the Roaring 20s – Great Gatsby style!
  • NYE 2023 at PAve
    9pm-12am || Invite your friends to celebrate with DJ Absolute, champagne specials, and free photobooth.
  • FCBC NYE PARTY w/ DJ ABBI DAY
    8pm-2am || Open mic jam session from 8pm til 9.30 so bring your gear, then DJ Abbie Day will be taking over and ringing through to 2023!

    Drinks specials and a complimentary glass of bubbly at the countdown!
  • New Years Eve Party at Remedy Brewing
    5pm- || Throw on your best 80s gear and show it off! 80s for 80 at 8: 80 cent pints of Dakota Classic at 8pm until keg is gone.
    80s inspired food specials, a new funky fresh beer just for the night. Free champagne toast at midnight! Music by Complete Weddings and Events DJ.

Breezy Holiday Shopping with Maren Jensen

Posted on by Jared Indahl

“I love shopping downtown because I am passionate about supporting local businesses.” As a marketing strategist and brand builder, Maren Jensen is no stranger to championing great businesses. She’s also got great taste and shares her top picks through her Midwest in Style blog and Instagram account. Here, she takes you on a guided trip to some of her favorite downtown spots to snag great gifts. On this year’s shopping list: the tricky trifecta of men, kids, and teachers. Follow along for some great ideas!

1. Duluth Trading Company

Maren’s first stop is Duluth Trading Company. The store is jam-packed with classic, hard-wearing pieces for men and women. Choosing from all the options might be the hardest part of finding a gift for men here! Clothing is the star at Duluth, but they’ve also got an array of beautiful games, perfect for kids.

2. Child’s Play Toys

With games on the brain, it’s time for the next stop: Child’s Play Toys, where the perfect puzzle catches Maren’s eye right away. “Our family always puts together at least one puzzle throughout the month of December!”

Child’s Play has plenty of gift inspiration in their playful displays of toys and books. It’s easy to soak in the atmosphere and feel a childlike wonder as you check out the shop. Hot tip: gift wrapping is complementary at Child’s Play, making it even easier to gift this year.

3. JH & Sons

It’s time to shift from kids’ gifts to mens’ gifts with a stop at JH & Sons. “The men on on my list are tough to shop for, but stores like JH & Sons are always full of items I’m excited to put under the tree!” says Maren. The shop is warm and luxe, full of handsome clothing and shoes in beautiful materials.

4. Great Outdoor Store

Them next location is full of great gifts, and a reminder to treat yourself! “The Great Outdoor Store is always a dangerous stop for me…in the best of ways! They carry some of my favorite brands and I never struggle to find a new sweater or coat that belongs in my closet.”

If you’ve got an adventurer on your list, don’t miss The Great Outdoor Store’s great range of outdoor gear and clothing. Have giftees that lean more indoorsy than outdoorsy? You’ll find plenty of cozy items to help them through winter at home!

5. Jones 421 Marketplace

It’s time to close out the shopping trip at Jones 421 Marketplace. This marketplace is full of personality and the coziest shops, perfect for winter shopping. It’s a great place to find teacher gifts that are a step above the classic mug and card. “I was blown away by the locally-made pieces I found at all of the shops in the Jones building,” Maren shares. Shops include Sharing the Dream/605 Florista, Henna Harvest, and Interiors, Etc.

6. Sharing the Dream/605 Florista

Searching for meaningful teacher gifts? At Sharing the Dream, find handmade scarves, jewelry, and homegoods, all created by artisans in Guatemala. Thanks to a collaboration between Sharing the Dream and 605 Florista, you’ll also find beautiful potted plants and cut flowers to gift.

7. Henna Harvest

Henna Harvest is best known for their henna body art. You’ll also find sweet gifts, from crystal terrariums to hand-poured candles, all with a hint of magic.

8. Interiors, Etc.

Hosting for the holidays? You’ll want to include  the gorgeous decor from Interiors, Etc. They’ve got pillows, throws, wall decor, and items for perfect tablescapes.

Ready for your own delightful holiday shopping trip? Find shop recommendations with DTSF’s Shopping Itineraries.
Want more holiday inspiration? Follow Ceca Cooper’s delightful shopping trip and Maddie Peschong’s Simple Holiday shopping.

10 Ways to Feel Like You’re in a Downtown Christmas Movie

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Want a main-character moment this holiday season? Consider DTSF your director. For best results, schedule on a day with a light dusting of snow falling.

1. Grab coffee at a local spot, snag a window seat.
Watch passersby from your insulated perch.

Location scouting: Coffea, The Source, CH Patisserie, M.B. Haskett, The Breaks, La Luna Cafe.

 

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2. Stroll with an armful of shopping bags and a blissed-out expression.
Wear a great coat and bold accessories.

Location scouting: literally anywhere along Phillips Ave. For a new-ish spot, try the Jones 421 building.
Wardrobe department: Scarves at Mrs. Murphy’s Irish Gifts are the softest and warmest. 

 

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3. Bump into your hometown crush while buying Christmas tree ornaments.

Location scouting: Zandbroz Variety, Sticks and Steel, Terra Shepherd, Sharing the Dream. (Crush appearance not guaranteed.)

4. Get together with old friends for dinner and drinks.
Pick a spot with moody lighting and great decor. Reminisce and laugh a lot.

Location scouting: R Wine Bar, Carpenter Bar, The Treasury, Highball, Crawford’s, Dada Gastropub, Parker’s Bistro.

5. Show up at an event full of local art and charm.
Buy a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special and get a warm feeling inside for being such a local supporter.

Location scouting: Art Collective, Rehfeld’s Holiday Open House.

 

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6. Dash from your car to the glittery lights of the State Theater.
Inside, get the biggest popcorn, a drink (adult or otherwise) and settle in to watch a classic holiday film. Bonus points if you wear one of those thick turtleneck sweaters that always show up in Christmas movies.

Location scouting: The State Theater

 

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A post shared by CH Patisserie™ (@chpatisserie)

7. Announce to family or friends that you’re starting a new holiday tradition.
Unveil a delicious treat to share. Bask in your genius.

Treat scouting: CH Patisserie, The Cookie Jar Eatery, Intoxibakes, The Spice and Tea Exchange, Queen City Bakery.

8. Stroll through the charming holiday plaza decked out in lights, larger-than-life candy canes, and hand painted deer.
Find yourself feeling like magic is real. Snap a photo and text it to someone you love. Caption with something witty.

Location scouting: MarketBeat Holiday Plaza

 

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A post shared by Fernson Brewing Company (@fernson)

9. Skip out on stuffy plans and grab a drink at a charming brewery.
Wear something comfy but effortlessly cute.

Location scouting: Fernson Downtown, Severance Brewing, Woodgrain Brewing, Covert Artisan Ales.

10. Find a stunning outfit for that holiday party you’ve got to make an appearance at.
Start actually looking forward to the event because you get to show off a little.

Location scouting: Veza, JH & Sons, Terra Shepherd, Juliana’s Boutique, Chelsea’s, MK Threads.

Simple Holiday Shopping with Maddie Peschong

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Business coach and brand photographer Maddie Peschong is great at noticing things to celebrate, from client work to favorite downtown shops! Here, she shares her holiday shopping experience, including go-to shops, her love for local, and the one gift she’s eyeing for herself.

Maddie’s first stop is Chelsea’s Boutique. “I shop downtown because I feel like I’m shopping with friends.” Getting outfitted for holiday parties or finding great stocking stuffers is more than checking off a chore on the list. “The people who work at and own downtown stores are the heartbeat of Sioux Falls, and it doesn’t take long to feel like they’re your pals. Downtown has small town vibes–when you walk into a store that you’ve been in before, chances are, they’ll remember you and be excited to chat. I love that!”

Next stop: Terra Shepherd Boutique & Apothecary. When asked to share her to-gift list, Maddie’s enthusiasm shines through: “Oh my gosh–any and everything from Terra Shepherd. Not only is the mission of the shop an incredible one to support, the curation is next level! I get happy every time I set foot in there. I’m eyeing a super cute cheeseboard and charcuterie coffee table book. It would be adorable in a kitchen, but would also make an awesome gift. Maybe both!”

A quick step away, Child’s Play Toys is bursting with toys, games, and a whole roomful of books. “Downtown can really be a one-stop shop. I love that I can shop for my kids, my husband, my parents, my sister…and myself! There are so many stores and truly something for everyone. And when you need a jolt of caffeine or something to eat if you’ve been out shopping for a while, downtown makes that easy, too.”

The trip wraps up at Mint + Basil, where it’s easy to lose track of time among incredibly curated displays. “I love the home goods at Mint + Basil! They have so many things that would be great stocking stuffers, or a cute hostess gift for holiday parties.”

Ready for your own delightful holiday shopping trip? Find shop recommendations with DTSF’s Shopping Itineraries.
Want more holiday inspiration? Follow Ceca Cooper’s delightful shopping trip.

Delightful Holiday Shopping with Ceca Cooper

Posted on by Jared Indahl

“I love the uniqueness of the shops!” As an Associate Professor of Art at the University of Sioux Falls, Ceca Cooper has an eye for the artful, the beautiful, and the unique. Here, she shares her downtown favorites, including must-browse shops and delightful gifts for her whole list.

She starts with an essential trip to Mrs. Murphy’s Irish Gifts—“All our family’s favorite!” – to size up new woolen goods and and Irish crystal. “We had to put in another order for sweaters during the summer, they’re selling so fast!” says Dick Murphy, proprietor. If you have a hint of Irish heritage, you’ll find plenty to celebrate it in the shop’s offerings. No Irish blood? You may find yourself with a twinge of longing (and a gorgeous tartan scarf to console you).

Next stop: Zandbroz Variety, where it’s easy to get lost in the book stacks or quirky displays. Ceca has her eye on a few titles for her adult children (and herself!) “But I’d better finish the ones I’m reading first.”

It’s time to head over to 8th & Railroad Center, where the holiday spirit shows up in full force. Ceca is happy to share her favorite part of shopping downtown. “The community spirit and atmosphere is always good, and having so many great eateries makes shopping much more fun.” Inspired by one of those great meals downtown? The natural next step is a visit to Plum’s Cooking Co, which contains all the tools to prepare a masterful spread in your own kitchen.

Strolling the 8th & Railroad boardwalk, Ceca stops at Simply Perfect, waxing rhapsodic about the gorgeous clothing she’s found there. Also catching her eye—gorgeous throws that would be equally at home as a gift under the tree or as part of the décor on a cozy Christmas morning.

Ceca rounds out this holiday shopping adventure at Sticks & Steel, where she finds plenty of  great gifts and recommends beeswax candles as a perfect hostess gift: “A friend gave me some of these and they lasted FOREVER!”

With adult children and her spouse on the gifting list, she’s found the perfect mix of gifts. “I found gifts for almost all of my family in downtown stores. Socks and book at Zandbroz, outerwear at Great Outdoor Store [not pictured, but well worth a visit!], beautiful Irish crystal at Mrs. Murphy’s Irish Gifts, and jewelry at Sticks and Steel!”

Ready for your own delightful holiday shopping trip? Find shop recommendations with DTSF’s Shopping Itineraries.

 

Holiday Shopping Itineraries

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Ready for a truly delightful holiday shopping experience? We’ve gathered a list of shops to help you breeze through your to-gift list. Suggestions are listed to give you a great starting point, but you’re sure to find gifts for folks outside these categories in many shops!

For fashion lovers:
 Find great clothing and lovely accessories at any of downtown’s lovely boutiques.

For outdoorsy types:
Know someone who’s always headed outside? Gift them hardy, well-made gear to make their adventures that much better!

For kids:
Find a playful array of toys and books for the kids in your life. Not sure what to choose? Ask the staff for their expert recommendations.

For homebodies:
Gift the tools to make a space special with decor and special kitchen goods.

For coworkers:
From decor items and creative paper goods to handcrafted soap and sweet treats, downtown is full of great small-scale gifts for the office gift exchange!

For folks who have everything:
Need a gift for the hard-to-shop-for crowd? Gift them an experience from a downtown favorite!

4 Ways to Celebrate Mom with Downtown Sioux Falls

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Finding a way to celebrate the mom(s) in your life can feel tricky. We’ve gathered 4 lovely ideas for celebrating your mom, grandma, partner, or mother figure in your life.

1. Share a meal

Tasty food and time together? It’s a go-to for a reason!
Gather your clan and enjoy a meal:

2. Send a Bouquet

Brighten her day with a beautiful arrangement:

  • 605 Florista
  • Bella Rosa
  • Or, gift a live plant from Deku Tree!

3. Gift an Experience

Share time at an activity or event, such as:

4. Write a Note

Jot down the things you appreciate about her! We’ve rounded up a few card options available downtown to suit your style:

 

DTSF’s 2021 Wins

Posted on by Jared Indahl

Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. makes downtown a place to be proud of. It’s a hotbed of economic growth and the cultural core of the region. DTSF staff works every day to support this mission. We’re fortunate to have people from local government, business, and the nonprofit sectors working with us to make downtown welcoming and active. Here, we share 10 highlights from our organization in 2021, including staff-implemented projects and community partnerships:

 

DTSF Staff Burger Battle

1. International Downtown Association’s Award for Excellence for Burger Battle.

Seeing our beloved Sioux Falls event get international recognition is thrilling! We’ve always known that Burger Battle is special, and this recognition is amazing testament to DTSF’s work and all the restauranteurs, employees, and burger-eaters who join the party!

ArtBox Sioux Falls.   

2. ArtBox

This street-brightening project is a collaboration between DTSF, the City of Sioux Falls, and the Sioux Falls Arts Council, wrapping 26 utility boxes with local art. The art submission process was thoughtful and inclusive, making it simple to submit for non-English speakers, those impacted by homelessness, youth and adults alike. The result is a beautiful picture of Sioux Falls’ diversity and talent.

3. MarketBeat Holiday Plaza created

This holly-jolly plaza welcomes families to downtown with larger-than-life candy canes and gifts, Santa’s mailbox, snowman photo op, and 5 deer painted by local artists. Spearheaded by former Events & Promotions Manager, Sarah Anderson, it’s made possible with support from MarketBeat, a local company leading the charge on creative community-enriching partnerships.

4. Downtown Pork Showdown established

The inaugural Downtown Pork Showdown brings friendly competition to restaurants in the month of September. This fun event creates economic growth and a whole array of delicious pork dishes! Smithfield Foods partnered with DTSF to celebrate the culinary scene.

Martin Ambassador services

5. Downtown Ambassador Program launched

In 2021, we welcomed, Martin Dill, our first Downtown Ambassador. Martin’s presence and care enhances hospitality and safety downtown.

6. $3.65M in economic impacted generated from DTSF events and promotions

The numbers speak for themselves! The Sioux Falls community supports its own, and they proved it in their involvement with DTSF events and promotions, from Art & Wine Walk to Riverfest.

7. Holiday Shopping Campaign helped drive record sales in the fourth quarter

We were lucky to have locals Ceca Cooper and Maddie Peschong share their downtown favorites in our holiday ad campaign. Their shopping journeys helped others plan their own delight-filled holiday shopping experience.

8. Eight miles of holiday lights hung—enough to stretch from Downtown to Rowena, SD!

The biggest kudos go to dynamic DTSF duo Dave Oswald and Martin Dill for stringing those 8 miles of winter cheer in the winter cold! The lights bring welcome magic to dark chilly nights.

9. Riverfest and Mash Madness rebranded, and new street pole banners designed.

The rebrands show off beloved DTSF events in a fresh new light. The street pole banners act as DTSF’s welcome message to all new visitors. All pieces are thoughtfully designed by Tenley Schwartz, DTSF’s Marketing Manager.

10. 1,360 miles of sidewalks swept and over 12,000 pounds of litter cleared.

The sidewalks swept add up to the distance from Sioux Falls to NYC! Dave and Martin once again took on an huge task. Their sweeping and litter pickup make downtown cleaner every day.