The second-to-last First Friday of the year

It's First Friday for November. Can you believe how fast this year has flown by?

I heard a radio spot the other day advertising First Friday in the District in Bearden, the fancy name given to the business district over there. According to the District's website, many businesses over there will offer special deals between 5 and 8 p.m. There aren't any details, but I'm willing to bet you could find some sales at Swagger, maybe the Runners' Market, clothing boutiques and a few art galleries. One of my favorite gift spots, the Southern Market, which features many handmade goods from local artists, is also a part of the District's association.

If you're not in the mood to brave the downtown crowds, this might be worth checking out. If you do, report back here!

Now on to the downtown First Friday goings on ...

-- Abode is celebrating it's birthday, and I'm hoping there will be cake! Rita's is celebrating its birthday too, and there may not be cake, but there will be $1 small cups of Italian ice and $1 small cones of frozen custard.

-- On the second floor of the Bijou through 7 p.m. will be a reception honoring young artists from local elementary schools, and their work will be on display. Familiarize yourself with these budding artists now, since you'll probably see them back in the FF lineup a few years from now.

-- Showing at the Birdhouse are Jessie Van der Laan & Robmat Butler.

-- Downtown wine + spirits = sale. Need I say more? Get $4 off a bottle of organic chardonnay and 10 percent off regularly price wine and beer.

-- Mast General Store is hosting hubcap artist Sarah Brobst, who turns used hubcaps into art.

Here's a complete listing of participating businesses and galleries. And a map too!