Try local merchants

With the Christmas season upon us, I’d like to encourage everyone to patronize your local Lenoir merchants. While some of the items on your shopping list may not be found in Lenoir, many local merchants have a nice variety of items that can be purchased for your friends and loved ones. Buying from locally-owned businesses supports the local economy by keeping our money here where we live. It also helps the environment by decreasing the amount of gas you use traveling to your shopping destinations. If you’re wondering where to shop, there are a number of businesses in downtown Lenoir that will not only satisfy your shopping needs, but will appreciate your business. And, you can park your car in one location and walk to each of these businesses.

Venti’s Casa is our local bookstore, which carries all of the best-sellers and a great selection of children’s books. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, they can order it. And check out the items at the Caldwell Heritage Museum. They have a number of books that focus on local history, as well as other items of local historical interest. While you’re there, browse through the museum. It’s fascinating.

If you’re looking for more gifts for the history enthusiast or collector, check out the antiques at F.Futs or Harman’s Antiques & Handmade Furniture. For vintage music, browse through the bins at Marvin’s One-Stop. SheSha’s, Abigail’s Pink-a-Bootique, The Orchid Patch and Hogwaller Marketplace all have items that you won’t find at most other stores in town, including the large chain stores, such as unique handbags, housewares, musical instruments, handmade products, soaps, candles, jewelry, furniture, toys and the list goes on. Rococo Rionel has lots of gifts for the home at very reasonable prices. For the cycling enthusiast, Luna Cycles has the nicest bikes around, so you don’t have to drive to Boone or Hickory to find one. And why spend money driving to Hickory to get Build-a-Bear when you can do it right here in Lenoir at Allie’s Animal Workshoppe? It’s the same thing as Build-a-Bear and is about half the price! Check out Chloe’s Closet while you’re there, too. Ace Hardware is a treasure trove of fun things for the kids (little and big), with toys for the little kids and tools for the big kids. They also have some nice Christmas decorations. American Trade & Loan has just about everything - electronics, guns, jewelry, tools, musical instruments, you name it. I can’t think of much that they don’t have. Lenoir Service League has used items for you to buy, or you can donate some yourself. Anything Office has just that. And they’ll match competitors’ prices. For the art lover, there’s the Caldwell Arts Council and Frye Art Studio. If you’re knitting a Christmas gift, or know someone who knits, check out Chix with Stix. Sew Help Me is across the street, and they have a variety of homespun items. They also do alterations. And be sure to check out A Place to Quilt and Mary’s Quilting Patch, Inc. for some other homemade items. You might learn something, too, at these last few because they also have knitting, sewing and quilting groups. Mine by Design offers classes, such as pottery and scrapbooking. Stop in and see what they have to offer. Sign up the family for a professional portrait at Studio 102. It’s some of the best professional portrait photography in the area. If you’re looking for a new look for the holidays, go to Michaela’s for hair braids and wigs. After a day of hard shopping, treat yourself to some pampering at West Avenue Salon and Pampered by the Foot. The former will do a great job on your hair, while the latter offers foot reflexology. Be sure to call ahead for an appointment. Gentlemen, treat yourself to a haircut at Central Barber Shop, if you aren’t interested in shopping.

After you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, stop in at one of the local restaurants, like Sister Futs, Piccolo’s, Java Joe’s/The Bistro, Our Place, Buzzard’s or Uptown Café & Bakery. The latter establishment also whips up some fantastic pastries, cakes, etc ... . Mi Casa Tienda Mexicana also has delicious cakes, as well as grocery items to spice up your holiday meal.

While shopping at the larger chains may not be entirely unavoidable, it isn’t entirely necessary, either. By shopping downtown, you get the personal attention of the local proprietors and you don’t have to deal with large crowds.

I urge everyone to give our local merchants a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Kim Greene McClure

Lenoir