Students will have the chance to win local discounts and explore small businesses of downtown Hillsdale in “The Insider’s Guide to Hillsdale” this Friday from 4-6 p.m., hosted by the Student Activities Board.
“This event is for college students to connect with businesses that they might have never heard of or walked into,” said Student Activities Assistant Director Riley Arlinghaus. “Some of the businesses in Hillsdale feel like things that aren’t for you as a student or aren’t things you need, so this is a cool way to get to know businesses without feeling obligated to buy something or feel like it has to pertain to you.”
The event was first held in 2019 to foster community between students and local businesses and help students get to know the town of Hillsdale.
Twelve businesses are participating in this year’s event, ranging from the Trevathan’s Sweep and Sew Shoppe, Birdie’s and Howell, Toasted Mud pottery shop, the Hillsdale Natural Grocery, and more. All locations are within walking distance of each other.
Arlinghaus said the event is a fun and memorable way to explore the businesses downtown.
“It’s like a scavenger hunt, but we didn’t want it to be something where people were in a rush, so there isn’t a race element but there are clues that lead you from one business to the next so you get to interact with the business and see what they offer,” Arlinghaus said.
Arlinghaus encouraged students to arrive early to enjoy the full experience.
“Some shops close at 5 p.m., so get there early to make it to each location,” she said.
Sophomore Gabby Lewis is one of the team leads for this event. She said she hopes students will take advantage of this opportunity to get to know Hillsdale.
“I’m super excited to see all the students interact with different boutiques and shops that they normally wouldn’t have a reason to go to,” she said. “There’s quite a few places that I’ve never been inside of and I can’t wait to see how they radiate small town charm.”
The event map will guide students to the various locations around town and require them to complete a short task and pick up a souvenir from each location.
“SAB will be covering the costs of certain treats and events during the scavenger hunt,” Lewis said. “Students can look forward to receiving a flower at Blossom Shop, $1 off at Jilly Beans, a piece of candy at Small Town Sweet Boutique, and 50% off a small clay figure to paint at Toasted Mud.”
Teams who complete the entire scavenger hunt will also receive a prize at the gazebo near City Hall.
“The hunt is all around town, so students will leave no stone unturned in terms of exploration,” Lewis said. “If students complete the hunt within the two hours, they’ll get to pick up a vintage-style Hillsdale poster and some last minute goodies!”
Arlinghaus and Lewis said they look forward to students having the chance to make new discoveries.
“Visiting and learning about these places will allow us to appreciate Hillsdale more,” Lewis said.
