It’s early November, which means the holiday season is officially top of mind – do your “to do” lists seem to form overnight like mine do?!
Now that the Halloween decorations have been put away, it’s time to refocus on the holiday season. What brings you joy and gratitude during this special time of year? Family traditions, homecooked meals, social gatherings with friends, finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list? We have some ideas for the latter task – and we have suggestions that will respect your time and your budget.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it’s easy to see that our historic downtowns revel in traditional holiday experiences: adding festive lights to trees, decorating store fronts with colorful and heartwarming displays, piping holiday music into the streets, and offering free parking in metered spaces (my fave!).
Personally, I’m grateful for all of the downtown associations and merchants who make such an effort during the holidays; it makes shopping more accessible, enjoyable, and carefree.
There’s something else that you won’t get from a big box store or an online marketplace this holiday season – genuine and helpful customer service. All of our downtown shop owners are grateful for your business and they are experts at gift selection – even those “impossible to buy for” family members and friends.
While you’re shopping downtown, treat yourself to lunch out (with a decadent cocktail or dessert, of course) – each downtown offers unique dining options and some even offer seasonal menus. If you have kids in tow, surprise them with an indulgent sweet treat at a local candy store, ice cream shop, or bakery. There’s nothing quite like the intoxicating smell of Purity Candy or Gable House Bakery this time of year! Those are memories in the making, friends.
First up: Vintage, Retro and Antique Treasures
The SRV is filled with shops offering everything from rustic farmhouse decor to mid-century modern finds and one-of-a-kind collectibles. We could go on and on, and we will – but not until December. We’ll dedicate an entire blog post to our region’s treasures in this shopping category.
Shops that will be featured in December include: Street of Shops, Rollermills, The Shops on Old Trail, The Cottage on Pine, Silvermoon Antique Barn, Lewisburg Antique & Consignment, and Silvermoon Antique Mall to name a few. Stay tuned!
Rivertown Shopping Destinations
We already mentioned the great care that our downtowns take to make the holidays magical for everyone. Support local businesses when you can.
Soapbox moment: Money spent locally helps local businesses thrive, which supports and can even create more jobs for community residents. Did you know that a large portion of money spent at local businesses gets reinvested in the community? One study found that for every $100 spent at a local business, about $68 stays in the community, compared to just $13 spent at a national chain.
Back to the fun stuff – here are a few magical shops to check out this holiday season:
Purity Candy, downtown Lewisburg, has been making the highest quality chocolates and confections since 1907 – that’s 118 years and counting! Their chocolate-covered pretzels are a hit with pretty much everyone, but they also craft delicious truffles, brittles, barks, and molded chocolates in every shape imaginable. They also have wonderful “tiny box gifts” – perfect for co-workers, Secret Santa parties, and corporate thank you gestures.
Brushstrokes Gallery, Art Supplies, and Framing, downtown Lewisburg, offers gifts for the creative and artsy people on your list, from art supplies to framing services, plus unique items that anyone can enjoy in the cozy winter months: beautiful note cards, journals, puzzles, coloring books with professional colored pencils, to name a few. They have a wonderful kid’s section too, with creative and unusual toys, puzzles, crafting kits, and more. This place is truly a treasure – with unique finds in every nook and cranny! They are happy to offer gift certificates too, making this a perfect option for those difficult-to-buy-for pre-teens and teenagers.
In Vicksburg, Tack Room, Inc. offers several floors of horse-related items (aka tack) but also gifts galore: ladies casual clothing, western wear, and handbags, jewelry, men’s casual and western clothing, Ariat boots and shoes, Dansko professional and casual clogs, and a large selection of kids items, too. It’s a fun place to browse during the holidays, whether you're shopping for the equestrian in your life or just looking for something unique and high-quality. With friendly staff and a cozy local feel, it’s the perfect spot to find special gifts and stocking stuffers this season.
When you step into Pompeii Street Soap Company, in Mifflinburg, take a deep, cleansing breath. You’ll immediately feel at ease, thanks to the pleasant organic scents wafting through the air. Jessica and her team offer dozens of varieties of artisan-crafted soaps and lotions, liquid soaps, body butters, sugar scrubs, deodorants, plus aromatherapy oils and diffusers. Many of the soaps, lotions and lip balms are already packaged into beautiful-wrapped holiday gift sets, perfect for co-workers, bus drivers, teachers, friends, and family. They will also gift wrap any purchase (and yes, you can still take all of the credit!)
Gracie’s Florals & Gifts, Selinsgrove, offers professionally-designed and delivered floral arrangements for every occasion, plus lovely in-store displays of candles, and a Christmas shop featuring hundreds of items for your holiday home and tree. They also carry several collectible lines: Department 56, Snowbabies, and North Pole and Dickens Villages. It’s a charming spot to find meaningful gifts, holiday cheer, and a little inspiration for decking your halls.
Speaking of Christmas shops, have you visited Kohls Stony Hill Tree Farm and Christmas Shoppe in Milton? Imagine 100,000 ornaments in one place, plus 600 vintage Christmas tree stands, and you’ll get a glimpse of what Kohls has to offer. In fact, the tree stands collection is even recognized by Guinness Book of World Records! In addition to ornaments of every theme, the Shoppe also has lights, stockings, nutcrackers, magnets, tree skirts, table top figurines, sleigh bells, wall hangings, and on and on.
Ciao Bella Boutique, Selinsgrove, offers an ever-changing collection of chic everyday items and statement pieces for special occasions. Their collection is truly a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary styles. What I love about this boutique is that items are carefully and thoughtfully curated selected to be trendy, but timeless. They offer casual denim, sweaters, special occasion outfits, bejeweled denim, footwear, handbags, jewelry, ties, socks and candles to name a few items.
Another fave, The English Garden, Riverside, carries well-known and beloved brands such as Vera Bradley, Judy Blue Jeans, Jelly Cat, Brighton, Farmhouse Fresh, and Keds, but the brands are just the beginning. Visit The English Garden for inspiration and rejuvenation – their displays are carefully crafted and change seasonally, and clothing and accessories are selected to be trendy, but also timeless – all in inclusive sizing that is flattering for all shapes and sizes. Don’t forget to feel their “World’s Softest Socks”. Truly; they are a life changer. The English Garden also has an expansive kids section complete with stuffed animals, books, and toys.
That’s quite a list, and yet there are dozens and dozens more shops to explore in the region!
While you’re out and about, be sure to check out nearby coffee shops, restaurants, wineries, and breweries to fuel your holiday shopping adventures.
Don’t Forget Local Artisans & Makers
Did you read the November blog post about local artisans and makers? Check it out for a lineup of amazing handcrafted items in the SRV including Penn’s Creek Pottery, Cold Run Crafts Gifts & Home Store, Artists & Artisans, Artisan Corner and Colonial Candlecrafters.
Shop Small, Spread Joy
It’s true, holiday shopping can be a bit overwhelming, but we encourage you to slow down, focus on gratitude, and savor the joy of careful gift selection and gift giving.
When you can, shop local: every local purchase supports a neighbor and a dream of business ownership.
Start your holiday shopping adventure at VisitCentralPA.org/shopping or by contacting the SRV Visitors Bureau to chat with their friendly staff.
Happy holidays to you and yours!
