Unlocking the Magic of Downtown Manchester: The 2023 Passport Program

s the holiday season approaches, the Greater Manchester Chamber is spearheading an initiative to invigorate the downtown shopping experience. The Downtown Manchester Passport Program is set to transform the way shoppers engage with local businesses, fostering a sense of community and offering enticing rewards for those who embark on this festive journey.

The premise is simple- Shoppers are encouraged to visit 10 out of 15 participating businesses, receiving a signature from an employee at each location. Once their passport is adorned with the necessary signatures of exploration, it can be returned to the Greater Manchester Chamber at 54 Hanover Street. And here’s the exciting part – all completed passports automatically enter participants into a raffle for a chance to win a $25 gift card. Passports can be picked up at any of the participating businesses.

Cole Riel, Director of Small Business and Community Development at the Greater Manchester Chamber, emphasizes the dual benefits of the program. “This initiative is not only a great way to increase foot traffic to businesses but also promotes the collective downtown shopping experience. It’s a win-win for both shoppers and businesses. I can confidently say, you can cross everyone off your holiday shopping list by visiting Downtown Manchester this holiday season. I’ve done it for the past few years and I encourage shoppers in our community to do so this year to support our local businesses.”

The participating businesses form a diverse array, reflecting the rich tapestry of offerings within Downtown Manchester. From unique gifts and home goods at Green Envy to the comforting ambience and delicious fare at Diz’s Cafe, the passport program invites patrons to explore the city’s vibrant landscape.

Here’s a glimpse into the businesses participating in the 2023 Downtown Manchester Passport Program:

1. AR Workshop Manchester
   • Location: 23 West Merrimack Street
   • Website: arworkshop.com/manchester
   • Description: AR Workshop® Manchester is a boutique DIY studio that offers hands-on classes for creating custom, charming home decor from raw materials. Join an instructor-led workshop where you can make custom wood plank signs, framed signs, canvas pillows, round signs, lazy susans, centerpiece boxes, canvas tote bags, and more! AR Workshop® will help you take your home decor to the next level and have fun while creating it!
2. Barre Life
   • Location: 944 Elm St
   • Website: barrelifenh.com
   • Description: Barre Life at its core is a fitness studio for making connections, improving one’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. They have a strong focus on being community-driven, inclusive, and offering a safe and non-judgmental environment. Barre Life offers barre, yoga, Pilates, and trampoline classes.
3. Beeze Tees
   • Location: 36 Hanover Dt
   • Website: beezetees.com
   • Description: Beeze Tees provides local retail and custom promotional items.
4. The Bookery
   • Location: 844 Elm Street
   • Website: Bookerymht.com
   • Description: Manchester’s only independent bookstore and cafe.
5. Diz’s Cafe – Downtown
   • Location: 860 Elm Street Manchester NH 03101
   • Website: dizscafe.com
   • Description: Serving residents, businesses, and visitors in Downtown Manchester, Diz’s Cafe offers comfort food and friendly service.
6. Firefly Bistro
   • Location: 22 Concord Street
   • Website: fireflynh.com
   • Description: Firefly Bistro & Bar is a casually upscale American bistro situated in the heart of Manchester’s downtown district. Firefly embraces the concept of comfort dining by offering inspired classic American fare in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
7. Granite State Escape
   • Location: 795 Elm Street, Lower Level
   • Website: escapenh.com
   • Description: NH’s Original Escape Room! They host guests through their custom-designed escape room games.
8. Green Envy
   • Location: 377 Elm Street
   • Website: GreenEnvyWellness.com
   • Description: Green Envy is an eclectic shop featuring local art, plants, candles, gifts, and much more!
9. Mosaic Art Collective
   • Location: 66 Hanover Street Suite 201
   • Website: mosaicartcollective.com
   • Description: Mosaic Art Collective is a non-profit community art gallery and collaborative studio space. They offer engaging monthly art shows by local artists, workshops for artists and art lovers alike, as well as music nights, improv performances, and more!
10. Opal + Ash
    • Location: 1361 Elm St Suite 102
    • Description: Holistic beauty rituals / holistic + medical esthetics.
11. See Saw Art
    • Location: 66 Hanover St, Suite 201, Manchester, NH
    • Website: seesaw.gallery
    • Description: See Saw Art is a 120 square foot exhibition space located within Mosaic Art Collective. See Saw Art features invitational and open call exhibitions on a monthly basis.
12. Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream
    • Location: 119 Hanover St., Manchester
    • Website: subzeroicecream.com
    • Description: Creating fresh, customized ice cream flash-frozen before your very eyes using liquid nitrogen! Featured on Shark Tank! They offer ice cream, yogurt, custard, lactose-free, vegan, Italian Ice, Acai bowls, Choc. dipped Bananas, Bubble Tea, Gift Cards, Pies, Cakes, delivery services, and more!
13. The Hop Knot
    • Location: 1000 Elm Street
    • Website: hopknotnh.com
    • Description: The Hop Knot is a pub that specializes in local, craft beer and gourmet pretzels.
14. Thirsty Moose Taphouse
    • Location: 795 Elm St, Manchester NH 03101
    • Website: thirstymoosetaphouse.com
    • Description: Taphouse with American pub-style food.
15. Xo Bistro
    • Location: 827 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101
    • Website: xobistronh.com
    • Description: “We proudly offer a delicious menu sourced from local farms and craft food makers with an international twist, artfully presented by our Chef and consistently delicious. We cater to vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-sensitive. If you call ahead, we will gladly customize a dish to suit your dietary needs. Come experience Manchester’s finest veteran and family-owned and operated gourmet restaurant!”

So, grab your passport, embrace the festive spirit, and unlock the magic of Downtown Manchester through this exciting and rewarding program. Your journey awaits, and the city is ready to welcome you with open arms and a myriad of delights. Happy exploring!