Shop the Island on South Padre Island

I am excited about having the opportunity to participate in the first Shop the Island being held on South Padre Island, TX. The Saturday event will showcase our local businesses and artists as they collaborate to give residents and visitors a unique chance to find that one of a kind Christmas gift for someone special.

Paragraphs is especially honored to have the internationally recognized master sand sculptor, Lucinda Wierenga, sharing our parking lot on Saturday where she will be doing some small sculptures and have copies of her book "Sandcastles Made Easy" available along with sand sculpting tools and gift certificates for lessons. Combine some or all of these to make a perfect gift for that hard to buy for beach lover on your list.

Also spending the day with us is Wade Dunkin, of WD Dunkin Photography. He is an outstanding artist and his photos of South Padre Island, the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre area are absolutely beautiful. He features sunsets, landscapes, and some awesome surfing shots. You can view his online gallery here.

Paragraphs, Lucinda and Wade are all members of Indiebound.org.

Please, stop by, say hello and spend some time with us tomorrow. I look forward to meeting my new neighbors and I think you will find something of interest to make it worth your while. Paragraphs will have a small selection of titles and for that book lover on your list consider a gift certificate which can be redeemed when we formally open early next year. But most of all I just want to have the opportunity to take part in what I think is a great activity.

See you tomorrow. And remember when you shop locally you benefit your community in many ways. So do something good, support your friends and neighbors, and have fun.


1. You keep dollars in our economy

For every $100 you spend at one of our local businesses, $68 will stay in the community. What happens when you spend that same $100 at a national chain? Only $43 stays in the community.

2. You embrace what makes us unique

You wouldn’t want your house to look like everyone else’s in the U.S. So why would you want your community to look that way?

3. You nurture community

We know you, and you know us. Studies have shown that local businesses donate to community causes at more than twice the rate of chains.

4. You create more choice

We pick the books and gifts we sell based on what we know you like and want. Local businesses carry a wider array of unique products because we buy for our own individual market.

5. You invest in entrepreneurship

Creativity and entrepreneurship are what the American economy is founded upon. Nurturing local business ensures a strong community.

6.You make us a destination

The more interesting and unique we are as a community, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests. This benefits everyone!