Carol Fisher-Linn
Down to the wire shopping with less than a week to go…
With six days until Christmas Day, your chances of getting anything shipped on time from the big online sellers is quite slim. On top of that, it has been reported that porch thieves are now out in number.
Since much of that sounds like bad news, here is the good news. Shopping local is the most fun you can have while buying Christmas surprises for loved ones and friends. Let’s begin with Ellicottville … a locale that will give any Hallmark Christmas town competition. The shopping district is a wonderland, featuring gift ideas for anyone on your Christmas list. Caution – some smalltown shops close on Mondays. Be sure to pamper yourself with a delicious baked treat from Ellicottville Bake shop, then catch a photo at the Christmas Ski Tree before you launch. I suggest you take a quick tour and window shop at each store before you begin your shopping expedition to help you focus. At Daff Dry Goods you will find beloved brands such as Patagonia, Pendleton, Royal Robbins (and more). They also have a wonderful collection of home goods, shoes/boot, keepsakes, and jewelry. For authentic southwestern turquoise jewelry walk next door to Kazoo II. Can’t cover all the stores, but from A to Z, Ellicottville’s shops are filled with candles and books and unusual items. From Alexandra (gifts), Ava Grace (clothes and gift), and Anzivino’s (ice cream and clothes/gifts) to ski items at The Boardroom and City Garage specializing in unique clothing brands, functional footwear like Birkenstock, and ‘glamping’ equipment, you’ll easily cross gifts off your list. Visit GadoGado (clothes/gifts), GI Threads (clothes/gifts), Mud Sweat and Gears (ski/snowboard), and Nature’s Remedy which offers a natural market, natural healing products and access to a certified herbalist and/or wellness. Wild Roamer (hand printed apparel) will finish off our alphabet but remember that Alpacas of Ellicottville offers luxurious items for those you want to really pamper. Speaking of pampering, Ellicottville has a unique service called body sculpting and aesthetics at DiMarco Body Sculpting. Ellicottville has several massage therapists in the village and at Holiday Valley who would happily provide you with gift certificates. Speaking of spas, combine shopping with fun and spend some time at the Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino and pick up a gift for that special someone at The Spa at Seneca. A bottle of spirits is always appropriate and, of course, a sure delight is a gift certificate for a favorite brewpub/restaurant like EBC (sells brew to go/tee-shirts and, featuring for the holidays, Sugar Cookie Ale) or The Silver Fox Steakhouse, the only steakhouse in town serving the public for fifty years and has its very own parking lot out front. Life is full of holiday cheer in Ellicottville to fill your Christmas shopping list.
Chautauqua County offers ShopLocalCHQ Gift Cards between $5 and $500 which can be picked up at Jamestown Chamber office by Dec.20 for Christmas giving. Great idea! Shopping at Chautauqua Institution bookstore is always fun, but plan to get lunch elsewhere during the winter. In Bemus Point, another Hallmark Christmas village, you will find quirky, artsy shops like The Ugly Peacock, an artist run shop providing re-purposed & custom furniture pieces, unusual gifts, and decorating services for the home. Then there is Skillman’s, in business since 1908. They are ready to assist you with your clothing, artisan jewelry, gift, home accents and gourmet needs. In nearby Lakewood, walk into Pea Pod and Juniper (and plan to stay a while as your order flowers and browse through their extensive gift and home goods line – then hop over to Pea Pod and Juniper Too, featuring throw back toys, candy, games, puzzles, socks, candles, chocolates, Faire trade bags, and more! Haven’t been yet but I must get to Shabby Shrub, an eclectic mix of vintage wares, new home accessories, & specialty paints. *Rustic Farmhouse, Cottage, French Country, Industrial* Who wouldn’t want a candle named drunken pear cider? For the kids, what better thing to do than to send them to an Audubon Camp at the end of the year? AudubonCNC.org. Finally, wrap up your shopping in Bemus with a meal at 14 Main/The SeeZurh House, or Bemus Point Golf Club and Tap House. Here’s a toast to your local shopping success!