As we all know, holiday shopping can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy for relative or friend. This year, take a break from the holiday crowds and discover what your local Main Street or downtown retailers have to offer. Here’s a sampling of gifts and where to shop. You never know what you may find: gourmet foods, West Virginia-made and one-of-kind gifts, apparel, jewelry and much more.
Seeing what West Virginia’s Main Streets and downtowns have to offer is truly an experience. You’ll find gifts that are perfect for every member of the family. So get out the wish list and start your holiday shopping today!
Main Street shopping
Charleston includes a creative variety of boutiques and specialty gift shops where you can find one-of-a-kind and exclusive ideas for every member of your family. Shoppers can find almost anything such as souvenirs, personalized greeting cards or stationary, West Virginia-made products, outdoor gear and apparel or uniquely-designed specialty items.
Visit the Bridge Road Shops for some creative and distinctive gift ideas. Shops such as The Art Store, Cornucopia, Eggplant, Geraniums and Petit Jewelry Designs specialize in selected items for home decorating, accessories, jewelry, clothing and much more.
Experience the classic urban charm of Downtown Charleston this holiday season at local stores that include Koenig Art Emporium, The Purple Moon and Taylor Books. Stray Dog Antiques has a wide selection of old-fashioned and hard-to-find items that will have you browsing for hours. Grab a bite to eat at scrumptious food emporiums such as the Chesapeake Bagel Co., the Blossom Deli, First Watch, Capitol Roasters and Cilantro’s. And while you’re there, don’t forget to pick up a little something for the stockings - gift certificates!
While in Charleston, don’t forget to visit the historical East End. Home to the popular Capitol Market, holiday shoppers can find a variety of gifts at Holl’s Chocolates, The Wine and Cheese Shop and Frog Creek Books. Warm up with some hot chocolate from Perkin’ Up Coffee Shop located in the YWCA’s Past & Present clothing store.
Fairmont Main Street is home to a unique mix of merchants and shopping venues. Experience true West Virginia hospitality as you stroll through shops offering distinctive items like handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, pottery, soaps and candles, antiques and everything in between. Be pleasantly surprised while shopping at places such as Craft Connection Gift Shop, Duck Soup Books and Toys, Empire Fur, Vittoria & Banks and Carlo Fine Jewelry.
Make new friends in Mannington as you stroll the streets in search of that perfect holiday gift. Businesses such as Country Prim & Folksy, Backwoods Flowers N More, Blue Beagle Antiques and The Tack Boutique will greet you with holiday spirit and help you browse their creative selections.
Ripley is full of small town charm and is home to unique and creative shopping opportunities. Visit local businesses such as His & Her Day Spa, Agape Fine Jewelry and Athletic Outfitters to name a few. If you’re in town Dec. 6, take the kids to the Alpine Theater to sit on Santa’s lap. He’ll tell you where all the best deals are.
St. Albans offers many different shopping experiences in the downtown Historic District. By the River Creations has a wide selection of bath and body products that are perfect for the ladies in your life. Have a musician who is longing for a new instrument? Visit Fret & Fiddle and have the friendly staff help you find what you’re looking for.
The Farmers’ Market at Inwood showcases the finest foods and beverages from West Virginia producers. Choose a gift basket filled with a combination of products perfect for family members, friends or coworkers. To learn more, call 304-229-5011.
Finding the perfect gift
Still not sure what gifts to give this year? To help you in your quest for the ideal gift, the West Virginia Division of Tourism has put together a list of West Virginia-made gift ideas. These seldom-thought-of gifts are a great surprise for anyone who enjoys the culture, food and tradition of the Mountain State.
West Virginia State Park gift cards are perfect for weekend retreats or vacations. Cards can be redeemed for lodging, gift-shop purchases, cabin rentals and camping, dining and golf greens fees. Available in amounts of $5 or more and have no expiration date. To learn more or to order, visit www.wvstateparks.com.
Know someone who loves to vacation in West Virginia? Expatriates and residents alike will love a West Virginia vacation getaway! West Virginia resorts, bed and breakfasts and hotels offer tailored packages to meet every budget and lifestyle. From whitewater rafting and adventure packages to spa weekends, the only limit is your imagination. Call 1-800-CALL WVA or visit www.wvtourism.com for ideas and vacation packages.
For the chocolate lovers, why not a box of gourmet chocolates from Holl’s Swiss Chocolatier or DeFluri’s Fine Chocolates? Both offer fresh handmade truffles and other delectable treats that come beautifully wrapped and ready-to-ship. Contact Holl’s at www.holls.com or 1-800-842-4512; and DeFluri’s at www.defluris.com, 304-264-3698.
The Mountain State’s artisans are internationally renowned for fine hand-blown glass. Pick the perfect piece from several West Virginia companies, including Blenko Glass, Fenton Art Glass and Masterpiece Crystal, or choose a homemade Christmas ornament or vase from a West Virginia artist. Items can be found at shops in every corner of the state. Call 1-800-CALL WVA or visit www.wvtourism.com for more information.
Need something for the green thumb in the family? Give them a gift that will last with a West Virginia-grown plant. Sunshine Farms and Gardens in Renick has one of the most extensive plant collections in North America. With more than 10,000 varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect bloom. Call 304-497-2208 or visit www.sunfarm.com for more information.
Give your friends and family a chance to connect with the Mountain State with a West Virginia book or musical choice. Local authors and musicians tell the tale and sing the song of West Virginia’s history and tradition through pictures, words, dancing and tunes that will suit any reader’s or listener’s taste. Visit www.wvbookco.com or www.taylorbooks.com to learn more.
Everybody loves fresh-baked goods, especially at Christmas. Choose homemade breads, pastries and desserts from bakeries such as The Crazy Baker in Renick, Jeff’s Breads located in Lewisburg or Charleston Bread, LLC in Charleston. These tasteful and tempting gifts might not last long so make sure you buy enough for the whole family. To learn more visit www.thecrazybaker.com, 1-866-440-4797; Jeff’s Bread 304-497-2768; or Charleston Bread, LLC 304-720-3022.
For all those West Virginia University and Marshall University fans in the family, surprise them with their most wanted piece of apparel, knick-knack or other game favorite this holiday season. Stores across the state carry hit collegiate items such as hats, shirts, jackets and collectables, including WVU and Marshall University Christmas ornaments, figurines, books and much more.
Looking for something hot and spicy this Christmas season? Look no farther than Blue Smoke Salsa. Nestled in the small town of Ansted, these award-winning specialty salsas, sauces and pepper jellies can be stuffed into stockings or come beautifully assembled as gift baskets. To place your holiday order, visit www.bluesmokesalsa.com or call 1-888-Salsa-WV.
Visit West Virginia Mountain Products Inc. in Harrison County for a West Virginia-made gift. This arts and crafts co-op has pottery, quilts, baskets, wooden products, furniture, toys and games, paintings and much, much more! For more information, call 1-800-524-4043.
While shopping this holiday season, keep in mind that your purchases of locally grown products help the state’s agritourism. Agritourism in West Virginia is a great way to rediscover West Virginia’s roots and lifestyles, and helps keep the state’s farmlands in production. By touring our wineries, taking part in our fairs and festivals, or buying local fruits and vegetables, you are helping grow our agricultural demand, as well as boosting the tourism industry. To learn more about agritourism, visit www.visitwvfarms.com.