Where Do You Shop Local?

You might be the type who finds sleeping on a freezing sidewalk for the best Black Friday deals exciting. Or perhaps you've already started working out your mouse-clicking finger for Cyber Monday. But if neither scenario appeals to you, there is an alternative — Shop Local Friday and Small Business Saturday.

Alexandria has orchestrated an event Friday, Nov. 25, encouraging shoppers to Shop Local by enlisting boutiques to offer deep discounts throughout the day. Additionally, the city all day Friday.

Small Business Saturday, conceived by American Express to help spotlight the efforts of local small businesses, comes at the beginning of the big holiday shopping sprint — this Saturday — and encourages shoppers not to bypass Main Street for the mega-mall.

Old Town Alexandria Patch would love to hear which small businesses you can't live without in Old Town. Tell us in the comments which independently owned business is a must for shoppers this Saturday and why. Your shout-out could help a sector of our economy that has created 65 percent of the net new jobs over the last 17 years.

So when you must get your nails done just right, need that perfect gift, discover that perfect bottle of wine or have a craving for an amazing sandwich, where do you go time and time again?