Your Local Black Friday Guide

With one American tradition under our belts this week, local stores prepare for the next national ritual: Black Friday shopping.

While there are no big chain stores in North Potomac or Darnestown, some local shops are offering special Black Friday discounts of their own.

Artisans in the Potomac Valley Shopping Center is offering a free Vera Bradley tote  when you spend over $100 on Vera Bradley products. They will also give a free purchase to the first 50 customers at the store on Friday. There are also a range of specials and discounts for their personalization and monogramming service.

Ben Armstrong, son of the owner, said it is usually a busy day for them.

"People are in the shopping mode and a lot of people have the day off," said Armstrong. They will have extra staff on hand to assist local shoppers.

Across to the other side of Darnestown Road, is also featuring a special sale on Friday.

"We have more discounts than usual," said owner Anna Khavtan. "We'll also have a private deal for our customers on Sunday."

If you're looking to get up early and cash in on the deep box store discounts, you have some local options, too.

In Gaithersburg, the Washingtonian Rio Center has several stores opening before dawn.

• Kohls opens at 3 a.m. and closes at midnight. 
• Target opens at 4 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. Check out this map to the store's sales.
• Dick's Sporting Goods opens at 5 a.m.

Also, there are several local choices for Best Buy. Visit their store on Shady Grove Road, on Frederick Road or Rockville Pike. Each store opens at 5 a.m. Check out their holiday guide for in store deals.

Are you planning to brave the stores on Friday? Send us your Black Friday experiences. Email jillian@patch.com.