Post holiday deals help speed up slow season

Savvy shoppers and travelers wait until after the holidays to spend.

They are getting more for their dollars now than before Christmas.

A sign reading 75 percent off is in the window of Big Dog in Santa Barbara.

Katie Jones went shopping right after Christmas and recommends reading the fine print on sale signs to get the best deals.

Sale prices may require more than one purchase or the purchase of holiday items to get the deepest discounts.

Visit Santa Barbara launched a number of campaigns to keep shops, hotels, bars and businesses busy until things regularly pick up.

About 20 local hotels in a variety of prices ranges are offering third night stays for free during a Revive and Thrive promotion.

Visit Santa Barbara is also giving guess medallions good for things to do. It is a part of a Miss Nothing campaign.

A cocktail contest also kicked off on Tuesday.

Bartenders are encouraged to create a 2017 cocktail using local ingredients.

Kevin Hebert, Harry’s general manager, said that could mean the use of Cutler’ spirits created in Santa Barbara.

The winner will be announced in a couple of weeks.

For more information go to; santabarbaraca.com/officialdrink or santabarbaraca.com/missnothing.