Kick off the holiday season with Second Friday event

This month's Second Friday offers a variety of ways to beat the cool air.

On Nov. 11, from 5-8 p.m., start with a Full Moon party at SouthEast Expeditions at the Wharf. Get howling with their free margaritas and new Florida Keys paddling slideshow, "Sunshine Billionaires." Next door at Mallards at the Wharf mention Second Friday and get a free appetizer with any two entrees.

Up on North Street, several eateries will warm you with food, spirits and music. North Street Market will offer a wine tasting from 4-6 p.m. with four personal selections, cheese and appetizers, all reasonably priced and great for the holiday. The Barracuda Pub will offer 10 percent off everything on the menu until 9 p.m. Janet's Café will offer light, fresh and healthy dinners. At the Blarney Stone Pub, the music group, Americana Lovebirds, will warm your heart and keep your toes tapping with the music of several generations.

Reflecting that Second Friday coincides with Veterans Day, the Inn & Garden Café will offer free desserts for military veterans with proof of service. They will also feature three appetizers for $10 or one for $4. Reservations are suggested, call 757-787-8850.

Second Friday is a great opportunity to get an early start on holiday shopping. At gardenART on King Street, come in to see the festive autumn and Christmas décor and great gift selection. Just down the road, the Richardson Gallery will present new paintings by Jack Richardson, John Nyberg, Daniel Lawrence and others. Light refreshments will be served. Nearby at its new location at 6 North Street, Purls Yarn Shop will offer the newest luxury yarns by Louisa Harding, Artyarns and Blue Heron.

The Historic Onancock School on College Avenue will offer something brand new for November's Second Friday -- a pottery exhibit and demonstration in the main room. At Art in Life Gallery (Room 109) start your shopping with fashion scarves, new jewelry and Doug Small oil paintings at special pricing for the holidays.

To see work from the Eastern Shore Art League take a quick detour to The Hermitage, out on North Street to see new work on display in the lobby. Refreshments will be served.

Back on Market Street, Dawn will be bright and inviting with all the colors of Fall in clothing, accessories and unique ingredients for home, bath and body and gifts (open until 7 p.m.). Next door, Great Space ETC will again hold its Second Friday "Surprise Sale." Stop in to see if what's on sale. The Red Queen Gallery will feature Carole Campbell woodcuts, Scot Dolby's wonderful paintings, and Vesna Zidovec's pottery.

At the Crockett Gallery, patrons can get 20 percent off Willie's prints and original paintings.