The convenience of online Christmas shopping is wearing thin for many of us. If you’ve been glued to your computer for far too many hours, then why not get out of the house and visit those quaint little shops found in the Lake Champlain Region? Not only will you discover unique gifts for the people on your list, but you’ll also find it an energizing way to get into the holiday spirit!
Here, in no particular order, are seven of the many wonderful local shops that are prepared to make your Christmas merry, your Hanukkah happy, and your Yule cool.
Tromblee’s Greenhouse and Gift Shop
Located at 2961 NYS Rte 9N in Crown Point, NY, Tromblee's is a fun little shop full of fun primitive decor, scented candles, and antiques. Just look for the giant rooster pulling the wagon. Sylvia Tromblee and Renee Scuderi will be glad to help you find the perfect something from among their offerings.
Rustic decor and homey antiques fill Tromblee’s recently expanded shop. One-of-a-kind Christmas decorations will brighten any spot you choose to display them.
From stationary to scented candles to fragrant soaps, there are fun things to be found at Tromblee’s.
Tromblee’s will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day and they offer cut tree and wreaths.
Mountain Weavers’ Fiber Arts Guild
Located at 4322 Main St, Port Henry, NY, the Mountain Weavers’ Fiber Arts Guild is my go-to place, not for gifts, per se, but for things to put gifts in. Even the lowliest gift is suddenly a swanky affair when it is presented in one of their handmade baskets!
These quality crafted items are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. They will hold just about anything you plan on putting under the tree or offering a hostess.
If you are like me, wine and spirits feature predominately in your seasonal giving. Mountain Weavers’ Guild has a special selection of baskets especially for wine and spirits bottles, beer bottles, and growlers. Imagine how impressive a magnum of champagne becomes once the bottles are nestled in a lovely woven basket carrier!
The Mountain Weavers’ Fiber Arts Guild shop has regular hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., right through the holiday season.
The Pink Pig
Located at 2750 Essex Rd, Essex, NY, the Pink Pig Boutique is a paradise of shabby chic furnishings, cottage antiques, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. Debbie Schrodt, the proprietress, finds the neatest things that you didn’t know you couldn’t live without until you see them in her shop.
Located just down from the Essex ferry, and right next door to the Pink Pig cafe, the shop is easily accessible and loaded with vintage finds and unusual fair trade items.
From bedding, to home furnishings, to a stunning rustic bar, you may find yourself going home with a few things for yourself!
Until Christmas, the Pink pig is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays (closed Wednesdays), and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. After Christmas the shop will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Decker’s Flats Greenhouse and Gift Shop
Located at 2923 Dugway Rd in Port Henry, Decker’s Flats Greenhouse and Gift Shop has the best balsam wreaths, made on the premises and a fine selection of christmas trees. The smell of fresh Balsam is the first thing to greet you when you enter the shop —and as soon as you smell it you know it’s christmas! Owner Jim Cunningham and wreath maker Sue McDonald are preparing the perfect wreaths for your home as well as for gifts. Plan to save room in the car for at least a couple.
Besides the trees and wreaths, Decker’s also has an assortment of fair trade items such as yummy chocolate, Haitian coffee, and other goodies to stuff your stockings.
Stop in and see their selection of items with a world beat. Whether it is the jewelry or the teacups, everything has an exotic style that is sure to please the people on your list.
Decker’s Flats Greenhouse and Gift Shop is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
Sugar and Spice Country Shoppe
Located at 98 Montcalm Street, in Ticonderoga, NY, the Sugar & Spice Country Shoppe is a fun mix of rustic decor, antiques… and rescue kitties! The owner, Robin McGrath, has an eye for country charm and eclectic items. Her displays might even cause the worst Scrooge to hum along to the Christmas music.
The Shoppe is celebrating its tenth anniversary! Come in and see the wonderful rustic and shabby chic treasures waiting for you.
Tempting candies make for gifts that the giver will have to resist until they reach their destination.
The Sugar & Spice Country Shoppe is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursdays when they are open until 8 p.m.
Bessboro Shop
Located at 6472 Main Street, Westport NY, the Bessboro Shop combines the practicality of a gift shop with the charm of a country store. Owner Julie Ann Sherman has just about every item you could possibly need from men's and women’s clothing to dishes and glassware, to puzzles and stuffed animals. She’ll even gift wrap them for you.
A group of cuddly critters waiting to be the new best friend of someone on your list.
The Bessboro Shop will be open for your holiday shopping needs Monday through Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Close that laptop! Turn off that smart phone! Get out into the real wonderful world! Beautiful drives, crisp air, and quaint shops await! A day trip along the scenic Adirondack Coast is a gift in itself, and the unusual presents you pick up along the way for others are just icing on the cake.
I’m just sorry I had to stop my list at 7 of our local shops. I encourage readers to list their favorite Lake Champlain Region shops in the comments section to let others know what treasures are out there!