Smith Says

2017 Houston Holiday Markets

’tis the season to put your overwhelming number of tote bags to good use

Shop Houston holiday markets for well made goods, unique gifts, vintage pieces, jewelry, accessories, and more.

The ultimate list of holiday markets in Houston’s inner-loop, because we know you love more than cool affordable glasses.

Not only are these events full of local artist, makers, collectors, and creatives, but each one is hosted by a Houston small business or historic/cultural organization.

updated regularly through 12/23

Special Thanks

Special Thanks

to local beespectacled beekeeper and owner at Bee2Bee Honey, Nicole, for helping us compile this list.

Her local raw honey is available at the Houston Dairymaids and online (w/ free Montrose pickup).

Here are some examples of what you’ll find

Lux Cups

enamel pins and awesome goodies

El Coqui Cactus

surreal succulents and terrariums

What are your favorite local Houston shops?

keep in touch

Yes!

8 + 7 =


Where to Find Houston’s Biggest Selection of Glasses

Here’s the official word on the location and fate of Houston’s biggest selection of glasses, Smith’s Opticians, or as we sometimes call it, Philip Brown’s Optical Emporium.

If you popped in for a visit or drove by the shop in 2016 you may have noticed the giant FOR SALE sign on the building.

2016 was quite the roller coaster ride for us… Good thing we are a ‘glass half full’ kind of team!

JohnnyUpsidedown Astroworld Houston 90s nostalgi
RIP Astroworld (by JohnnyUpsidedown)

Wait! WHAT is Going on?

The short answer, a lot – including expanding our selection and launching this very website. Continue to get the general details and read the official story or skip to the outcome.

gif-patiently-waiting-moving-slow-sarcasm.gif


FOR SALE/MOVING?

One day, in 2015, a large board that read “FOR SALE” curiously appeared on the pole of the old neon sign at the corner of Austin and Wheeler.

Talk about an unnerving surprise! In Houston’s real estate market anything is possible and many of you didn’t realize this was a rental property. Moreover, Smith’s has been in Houston’s Third Ward for over 40 years and had never imagined calling another place home!

For awhile it was unclear if the building was actually for sale.

The uncertainty continued for quite some time, literally over the course of several months and into the summer of 2016.

In that time Philip worked diligently to explore the options. While we hoped to purchase the property there were a lot of barriers to realizing that dream and it seemed like just as many to moving.

Houstonia Loreta Kovacic Hidden Treasures in Houston - Smith's Opticians

THE OUTCOME…

Philip’s dedication brought an answer in July 2016.
We can now say, with relief, that the location we have all come to know and love will remain the home of Smith’s Opticians for the foreseeable future!
 

via GIPHY

“Wow!! so what’s next?”

There’s a lot of cleaning to do (we started upstairs)

More parking!
It has been years since the building got a fresh coat of paint.
Expanded floor space & selection – even more glasses!
Stay tuned for updates on our store hours and details about any other changes – like when we kick off renovations.


Think: “Bigger, Better, Only Looks Fancier!”

 We won’t can’t change too much, promise.


Wrapping things up…

Last but certainly not least! We wouldn’t be where we are without YOU! Seriously, we appreciate it!

To keep going strong, as a team, we need your help to spread the word…
tell everyone you know, shout it from the hills – well, we don’t have hills but – from the dives and patio bars to the Petroleum Club.


Read more about the launch of our LONG rumored website with online shopping.
gif-small-cute-dog-shopping.gif


Comming Soon…

Call for Models: add eyewear model to your resume
Why we don’t work on commission or play hard ball with the sales pitch


2016 Houston Holiday Markets

head over to the updated list for 2017

2017 Holiday Markets

Visit these inner-loop events for all of your holiday gifting needs. Not only are they full of local artist and makers but every event is hosted by a Houston small business or historic/cultural organization.

We’ll update when we hear of more.
please email us a link if we missed one!

Friday, December 16

Navidad on the Esplanade
details (16th & 17th)      official website
6 to 10 PM @ Navigation Esplanade
2800 Navigation Blvd, Houston, Texas 77003 [map]
Ornament decorating for kids of all ages.

Saturday, December 17

HMAAC’s 1st Santa’s Workshop Community Market
details (this is the 2nd of 2 dates)
10 AM to 4 PM @ Houston Museum of African American Culture
4807 Caroline St, Houston, Texas 77004 [map]
arts and crafts gift making station, family friendly, pics with Santa
WALKING distance from Smith’s
13 celsius’ 10th Annual Wine Sale & Customer Appreciation Event
details
12 to 4 PM @ 13 celsius
3000 Caroline St, Houston, Texas 77004 [map]
Featuring Amaya Roasting Company’s locally roasted coffee, Weights and Measures’ fresh-baked bread, local honey from Bee2Bee, and Houston Dairymaids with cheeses & advice for pairings.
Navidad on the Esplanade
details (this is the 2nd of 2 dates)      official website
3 to 10 PM @ Navigation Esplanade
2800 Navigation Blvd, Houston, Texas 77003 [map]
Ornament decorating for kids of all ages.

 

View in Google Maps

Houston Holiday Market List

Holiday Markets to Shop Small 2016

Visit these inner-loop events for all of your holiday gifting needs. Not only are they full of local artist and makers but every event is hosted by a Houston small business or historic/cultural organization.

We’ll update when we hear of more.
please email us a link if we missed one!

Friday, December 16

Navidad on the Esplanade
details (16th & 17th)      official website
6 to 10 PM @ Navigation Esplanade
2800 Navigation Blvd, Houston, Texas 77003 [map]          Ornament decorating for kids of all ages.

Saturday, December 17

HMAAC’s 1st Santa’s Workshop Community Market
details (this is the 2nd of 2 dates)
10 AM to 4 PM @ Houston Museum of African American Culture
4807 Caroline St, Houston, Texas 77004 [map]          arts and crafts gift making station, family friendly, pics with Santa
WALKING distance from Smith’s
13 celsius’ 10th Annual Wine Sale & Customer Appreciation Event
details
12 to 4 PM @ 13 celsius
3000 Caroline St, Houston, Texas 77004 [map]          Featuring Amaya Roasting Company’s locally roasted coffee, Weights and Measures’ fresh-baked bread, local honey from Bee2Bee, and Houston Dairymaids with cheeses & advice for pairings.
Navidad on the Esplanade
details (this is the 2nd of 2 dates)      official website
3 to 10 PM @ Navigation Esplanade
2800 Navigation Blvd, Houston, Texas 77003 [map]          Ornament decorating for kids of all ages.

View in Google Maps
Sat 12/3 Sunday 12/11 Saturday 12/10 Friday 10/9
Friday 10/16 Saturday 12/17
Smith’s Optician’s

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