This Saturday December 20th, the final Step Street Tour of 2025 invites the community to walk through history with an eye toward the future. The Holiday Edition tour, starting at 9:30am, promises a blend of seasonal cheer, local lore, and a curated look at the impactful changes shaping the western end of Main Street.
Facilitator Anna Monica Villa describes this last tour of the year as intentional. She believes that “where intention goes, energy flows”, which is why this tour is intentionally focused on the western end of Main Street, where something exciting is happening.
That excitement is a story of community led revival. The tour will highlight an area transitioning from shuttered buildings into a community hub. It is a hidden treasure where buildings are being creatively repurposed by community members to meet local needs. Participants will see first hand where the local artisans sell their work, where creatives like goldsmiths and cobblers craft in open workshops, and where historical structures are finding new life.
The holiday themed itinerary will guide guests through a series of significant locations. The journey begins at the beloved sandal maker Zora’s, in operation since 1962. Next, a newly renovated apartment building will offer participants a chance to hear the owner’s vision for the property and the towns future. The tour will then explore the historic Lange property, where derelict warehouses are being transformed; this site was once the bustling C&M Caron store and later the Magic Ice gallery.
The path continues to the beautiful event space and distillery at #13 Vimmelskaft Gade. A special stop will be the Enid M Baa Library, the former Lange family home, which now hosts the Made in the VI pop-up shop. There, Nadine Marchena Kean will share cherished local Christmas traditions with the group, followed by a brief shopping opportunity. The tour will also visit Berentzens Hus’ on Snegle Gade and conclude at The Creative Native, where Ama Denis presents powerful narratives through photography.
The experience, grounded in the tour’s theme of exploring seasons past while sharing dreams of the future, will last approximately two hours. It concludes with a festive guava berry tasting at Gladys Cafe. As a special thank you, each participant will receive a gift replica of the 1897 Map of Downtown. The first 20 attendees will also enjoy cookies provided by Mama Dukes.
The group will meet in the courtyard at Palm Passage and the tour will cost $35. For inquiries or to confirm last-minute participation, call 340-642-6756.
