Are you still getting your Christmas shopping done?? Are you looking for some Local Vendors that you could support instead of your Big Box Stores?? Then, this post is for you! And also for anyone already done their Christmas shopping but still looking for areas to visit where they can 'Shop Local'.
I'll go over a few areas for you- and name a couple of my favourite stops...
James Street North Shopping
First of all, you can go James Str's Facebook Group and check out all they have to offer. Or you could check out an Art Crawl - the second Friday of every month all of the galleries and shops on James St N stay open late and you can wander through. It's always interesting and fun.
My suggestion, if you want to head there on a weekend, is to stop in at Mulberry Street Coffeehouse and grab a delicious cup of coffee and/or a snack to take along with you while you shop. If you are looking for gifts for others, I suggest Humblepie, Hawk & Sparrow, Relish, White Elephant, or Mixed Media for some truly unique gifts and/or stocking stuffers for those you love.
Concession Street Shopping
Concession Street is an adorable little neighbourhood along Hamilton's escarpment. This Saturday (Dec 15th) there will be fun for families because they will be having Breakfast with Santa, local carol-ers carolling, and carriage rides. Concession Street has many fabulous locally-owned shops, but the one that I frequent the most (being a hairstylist, obviously) is the Mountain Beauty Supply. It is a great little shop and is open to the public. Right now they have various Christmas packages with shampoos, conditioners or nail supplies that are sure to please the women on your list.
Ottawa Street N Shopping
Before you head down to Ottawa Street for the day, check out all the information that you would need at Shop Ottawa Street. They have an alphabetized business directory on there as well. I suggest stopping in at Cannon Coffee Co. for a cup of joe and a bite to eat before you start your day of shopping. They girls that own this shop are beyond fabulous. Definitely check out the Allsorts Gallery - a local artists co-op selling local, handmade, unique artistic gifts. Also, be sure to check out Granny's Attic for some amazing vintage treasures. You will definitely need the day to travel up and down the street checking out all the antique and vintage stores that Ottawa Street N has to offer.
Locke Street Shopping
I'm sure everyone that lives in Hamilton has been shopping on Locke Street before. I won't spend much time here. But, in case you've been living under a rock, and have never ventured to Locke Street before, here is a list of what this vibrant area has to offer. Definitely go into Ten Thousand Villages for beautiful fairly-traded gifts from around the world. For big appetites, eat at Chuck's Burger Bar and check out Locke Street Antiques for all things vintage.
Westdale Village Shopping
Like the Locke Street area, I'm sure that most of you living in Hamilton have been shopping in Westdale Village. It truly is like being in an adorable little village inside of a big city. For an alphabetized list of shops and services in Westdale, click here.
This Friday, Wesdale is having it's 2012 Winter Wander:
If you do head down to Westdale Village, make sure to pop into Global Village Market for some organic/ fair-trade coffee and also some fairly-traded gifts as well. And grab some dinner at The Bean Bar- you won't be disappointed.
Well- there you are, friends. My extensive list of local vendors to check out for not only your Christmas shopping, but throughout the year as well.
Enjoy supporting local!!
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