Celebrating Community, One Bingo Square at a Time

November 20, 2025

Everyday errands just feel different on the Island—more like stopping in to see friends than checking off a list. And this month, we’re turning that easygoing spirit into a full-on adventure with our Shop Small Business Crawl Bingo on Saturday, November 29, from 11a-4p—a playful, community-driven day designed to bring visitors and neighbors together while highlighting the small businesses that give our Island its charm.

A Bingo Card Full of Local Love

Here’s how it works. Stop by any participating business to pick up your Bingo card. Each participating business has only 20 Bingo cards available. When they’re gone, they’re gone—so plan to swing by early for yours. On Saturday, the fun begins: wander the Island, visit local shops, and fill your card with stamps along the way—rediscovering familiar favorites and possibly trying a new spot you haven’t visited before.

Each stop will stamp your card, and there’s no purchase necessary to play. If you fill a row—horizontal, vertical, or diagonal—you’ll be entered to win prizes from the retailers. Fill the entire card, and you’ll earn a spot in the Grand Prize Drawing, where one lucky winner will receive a bundle of twelve $10 gift cards (one from each participating business) for a $120 Island shopping spree. Drop off your completed card at any participating retailer to be entered into the drawings.

This event is part scavenger hunt, part shopping day, part neighborhood stroll—and entirely Island fun.

Meet the Shops Behind the Fun

This year’s Shop Small Business Crawl Bingo features twelve incredible Island businesses—each one offering something unique, local, and full of personality. Think of it as a curated tour of the places that make our community special:

1. Texas Sealife Center—Offering tours to the public Wednesday-Saturday from 10a-3:30p and Sunday 12p-3:30p.

2. Nauti T's—Jellies, desserts, charcuterie & lunches to go

3. My Coastal Home—Stylish furniture & home décor

4. Island Wellness & Nutrition—LMNT smoothies, wellness, skincare & gifts

5. Beach’n Blooms—Fresh floral designs, gift baskets & more

6. Isle Mail & More—Mail services, printing, shipping & small gifts

7. Cabana Pantry—Specialty foods, cooking classes & private events

8. Evoke Studio & Gifts – Curated art, home accents, hat bar, unique gifts & special events

9. Island Family Eyecare—Optometry, glasses, contacts & sunglasses

10. Agave Beach Boutique—Clothing & permanent jewelry

11. Padre Island Cigar Co.—Premium cigars & accessories

12. Island Day Spa—Massage, skincare, makeup services, hand & foot treatments

Whether you’re stopping in for a sip, a snack, a sample, or a smile, each business is excited to meet you for the first time or welcome you back! And all of them have something special planned for the day.

Why Community Events Matter

Shopping small has always been close to my heart. Every local business has a story behind it—late-night planning sessions, early-morning deliveries, handmade displays, family support, and the courage to chase a dream. When you walk into a small shop, you’re not just stepping into a store—you’re stepping into someone’s purpose.

Events like this Bingo Crawl remind us that supporting local businesses doesn’t have to be complicated. It can look like grabbing lunch at your favorite café, popping into a boutique for a hostess gift, checking out a new bakery, or saying hello to a business owner you’ve known for years. Every stamp on your bingo card represents a real person who pours passion, time, and heart into what they do.

Prizes, Fun, and a Little Friendly Competition

Once you’ve filled your rows or your whole card, drop it off at any participating business. The prize drawings will be hosted live on Facebook by Cabana Pantry the following day at noon. If you're the Grand Prize winner, you'll pick up your prize there. All other prize winners may pick up their prize directly from the shop offering it and will be contacted by that business.

There’s something delightfully nostalgic about returning to a familiar game like Bingo and turning it into a community celebration. It brings out the playful side in all of us—no age limit, no pressure, just fun.

To me, the best part of events like this isn’t the prizes or even the shopping. It’s the moments in between—catching up with neighbors, meeting business owners, discovering a new favorite snack, or finding the perfect item you didn’t know you needed.

It’s a reminder that community isn’t just where we live. It’s something we build—one conversation, one smile, and one small act of support at a time.

If you hang around here long enough, you'll find there is never a shortage of things to do on the Island. Also happening on Saturday from 1p-4p is the last Padre Island Charity Poker Run of the year benefitting CASA of the Coastal Bend. Join the Black Sheep Bistro, Brewster Street Icehouse on the Island, The Anchor Beach Bar & Grill, the Angry Marlin and The Island Moon Newspaper in making this event a huge success. Bring a gift to be donated and take part in the post-Thanksgiving fun.

So, grab your Bingo card, gather your friends, and come spend the day exploring what makes our Island so special. Every stop, every stamp, and every little “hello” along the way is part of the story we’re writing together.

And if you spot a business on the list that you’ve never visited before, don’t wait for a Bingo card to go. Every one of these local shops would love to welcome you in—today, tomorrow, and anytime you're in the neighborhood. So, stop in and say hello. They’d love to meet you.

The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community. Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at contact@melissamitchellart.com.

And finally—Saturday, November 29th will be the official opening date of Evoke!

Here is a sneak peek with a few photos of the progress so far! I can hardly wait to welcome you into this new space! I am looking forward to seeing you all here soon!✨💜

Hat & Tiara Bar

Art & Gifts

Fine Art