Main Street Round-Up: Cupcake Wars Edition
By National Trust for Historic Preservation on December 5th, 2011Written by Erica Stewart
Time for an afternoon snack? (Photo: Flickr user freakgirl)
Breaking news! Flavor Cupcakery in the Maryland Main Street community of Bel-Air was crowned winner on a recent episode of the Food Network show, Cupcake Wars. The shop’s baker, Jason Hinsley was pitted against three other contestants and judged over three rounds. The final challenge was to bake and serve 1,000 cupcakes inspired by the New York City Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” As winners, Hinsley and the shop founder, Shelley Stannard, unveiled their superlative cupcakes (adorned with cutouts of a ballerina and a soldier) at a display at the Lincoln Center in New York City during the ballet’s opening night.
“Artsy-fartsy” and proud of it! Havre de Grace, Maryland, near the mouth of the Susquehanna River, is one of 10 semi-finalists for the 2012 Great American Main Street Awards, an annual competition that recognizes excellence in downtown revitalization. A Baltimore ABC news crew was on the scene to talk to key players behind the town’s renaissance and what it means to be nominated for this prestigious national award.
Need a little help getting in the holiday spirit? How about a little blast of cheer? We’ve got it. Check out this quick commercial spot from Baker City, Oregon—named by Rand McNally and USA Today as one of the six most beautiful small towns in the country.
In the vein of cool holiday promotions, see what Main Street Maine is up to. In their cleverly-named campaign, “Take ME Downtown for the Holidays,” you are invited to discover the true meaning of the holidays in Maine’s historic downtowns. Listen to their cool radio spot about how each Maine downtown is special for its unique historic buildings, independent businesses and family-friendly festivities. Where else could you find lobster trap Christmas trees and Santa arriving by lobster boat?
Have you noticed new businesses “popping up” around your neighborhood or favorite shopping destination? Yup, we have, too. It’s a trend. Pop-up stores occupy otherwise vacant storefronts as a way to both energize shopping districts and gives business owners a chance to test out their concept. Baltimore’s Highlandtown Main Street community is welcoming the first pop-up gallery this month.
Erica Stewart is the outreach coordinator for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Public Affairs department.
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