A selection of board games, all of which use timers.

Anyone else feeling a bit stressed right now getting ready for holiday celebrations? Yule, Christmas, Hannukah, New Year’s—I certainly want it to be a relaxing time, but somehow things have gotten away from me this year and time feels extremely tight. I burned my first batch of cookies, my husband’s main Christmas present is not yet done, and I forgot to send out the newsletter for Free Parking this week!

Breathe, Alice. And y’all, too. Breathe.

It’s so easy to fall into intense expectations about what is supposed to happen, whether that’s scripts we follow from our families growing up or longing for that Hallmark Christmas feel. But none of that is required. Be gentle with yourselves, friends. Allow for things not to go as expected and for time to simply be what it is. Consider how parts of your life are already spacious (one of my favorite words and feelings), already filled with possibility rather than breathlessness.

In honor of this breathless feeling we so often have this time of year, we’re highlighting the games above (and Galaxy Trucker below), all games that require a timer. Ironic? Maybe. But the feeling of relief and release after the timer goes off is so delightful. Take time to come by and play with us.

Alice C, board game librarian

Bartender Matt delighted to be holding the board game Galaxy Trucker

Play Galaxy Trucker: Build, Blast, Laugh

Galaxy Trucker is a chaotic, fast-paced game where you build a spaceship from random parts and then watch it get absolutely wrecked by meteors, aliens and other disasters. It’s part strategy and part hilarious chaos as you try to keep your ship together long enough to finish the mission. Gamers love Galaxy Trucker for its unique blend of creativity and unpredictability - it’s impossible to play without laughing as your carefully constructed masterpiece falls apart. Perfect for gamers who enjoy a little mayhem.

Therasa L, board game librarian

A bourbon-based cocktail called the Kentucky Avenue in a rocks class with the Monopoly property card Kentucky avenue and play money on a black table

Try the Kentucky Avenue

Reminiscent of a classic Old Fashioned, this bourbon forward cocktail adds peach simple syrup and molasses bitters for a smoky-sweet flavor. Good for sipping and a long chat.

Come in with friends (or join new friends on our Community Tabletop nights starting in January!) and have one while playing a round or two of Galaxy Trucker!

Last Minute Holiday Gifts!

We have a ton of great games you can pick up for friends and family or for your holiday celebrations! Big games like 7 Wonders and Pictures (both of which have won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres) and tiny box games like guest favorite A Gentle Rain and Bandido. You can also purchase Free Parking merch like t-shirts, hoodies, pint glasses, and ballcaps!