A Local Christmas

It's "Black Friday" today and I can't help cringing at that term paired with holiday shopping. What happened to the season of jolliness and goodwill? Instead "Retail" has turned the holiday shopping into a "black" event of frenzied greed. This holiday season, I am ignoring the big box stores and choosing instead a unique local experience, right here on Mainstreet Viroqua. As I contemplate the selection of local shops, I begin my journey right here at Gary's Rock Shop with one of a kind gifts from Mother Nature and local artisans. Great gift items include bookends, boxes, jewelry, as well as stones and mineral specimens from around the world. The abundance of local artist work here reminds me I must also add Viva Gallery and Tulips to my shopping list. What better way to support "local" than buying directly from the scores of talented artists in this region. Another great shop to add "color" to my shopping experience is Driftless Fair Trader....this feel-good-about-shopping-store lets you support artisans from all over the world, ensuring fair wages, and taking home quality goods at reasonable prices! Next on the list is Ewetopia and Quilt Basket n' Creations for beautiful handspun yarns and a great selection of fabrics and sewing notions. Next, I'll check out the variety of Mainstreet Market vendors and stop in Bramble Booksellers for the bookworm on Santa's gift-giving list. And I can't forget about Parrish Music, Bluedog Cycles, and the Flower Basket...what a satisfying shopping experience of familiar, friendly faces, warm conversation, and unique gift ideas! Yes, this year I'm shopping local!