Hip holiday lineup in Kennett

Continuing to live up its selection by Budget Travel magazine as one of America's "hippest small towns," Kennett Square is featuring a variety of holiday activities.

Tomorrow, from 6 to 9 p.m., Ruthanne E. Ankney and Kevin O' Brien will stroll the borough's streets for First Friday, performing an eclectic collection of Scandinavian, Irish, Appalachian, English Country and traditional folk and holiday music. The Winter Farmers' Market will also return to 101 E. State St. from 2 to 5 p.m.

Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available on Sunday afternoons, Dec. 4, 11 and 18. The rides begin at the corner of State & Union Streets and are $5 per person, free for children under 5.

Art exhibits include local artist Nicole Campbell of Cole Campbell Gallery at the Frolic Boutique, art works representing impressions of the landscape by Carol Lesher at Lesher Paintings, an exhbit called "Drawn to Humor" by Bruce S. Garrabrandt at Artworks Fine Arts & Crafts Gallery, and original oils by Michele Byrne at Longwood Art Gallery.

Culinary offerings include the Liz Marden Bakery & Cafe, where the creators of the Gingerbread House display at Longwood Gardens are offering an array of gingerbread men and cakes, and the Kennett Square Inn, whose Friday menu will feature singer/songwriter Geri Smith performing original music beginning at 8 p.m. The new La Verona Restaurant will introduce a Lobster Tail Night and treat Friday diners to a strolling guitarist.

Most borough business are offering holiday treats. A vintage nativity scene graces the window of Bove Jewelers, and Flickerwood Wine Tasting Room will showcase Fusion Fire jewelry by Tracy during December. The furniture dealers from "Mission2Modern" will appear at Scout & Annie on Friday, and Karen O'Lone-Hahn will sell prints of her artwork and sign copies of her book about cows at Bedbugz. The list goes on. For a complete rundown of Kennett Square holiday happenings, visit www.HistoricKennettSquare.com.