The Old Port shops stay open late tonight for Merry Madness, the annual shopfest that pairs wining, a little dining and fashion. All personal favorites.

The Madness begins at 5 p.m. over at the Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront (65 Commercial, at the corner of Commercial St. and Franklin Art.). Compare lists with fellow shoppers as you mingle, munch on on hors d'oeuvres and purchase your collectible wine glass (that can be refilled as you shop from store to store). With free parking and door prizes, there's really no place else to be for happy hour. Oh, and free horse and wagon rides will take you through the Old Port so you don't even have to walk. Shopping purist that I am, I generally prefer to stroll, but I think there might be something to a horse-drawn lap for window shopping and strategic purposes. Plus, I love a good holiday-lights tour.

So, grab your list, put on those Bean Boots and meet me there. You may even get Seen!