With the holiday season upon us, are you left wondering where to get started or how to finish your shopping list? Don’t stress. You can get everyone crossed off your list with a shopping weekend in Martinsville–Henry County. And with the money you’ll save by shopping locally, you can pick up a little something for yourself.
Let’s start with whom are you shopping for?
For the book lover on your list, visit Books and Crannies for a large selection of fiction and nonfiction novels, including a wide range of children’s books. If you have a particular book in mind, that isn’t in stock, they will happily order a copy for you. Plus, the staff can offer recommendations for the next title for your bookworm. Experience the top-notch customer service that only a small town independent bookstore can offer. You can also shop a selection of used books.
What about the kids on your list? When it comes to kids, we can all agree on one thing; They. Love. Dinosaurs. Right? So, stomp your way over to the Virginia Museum of Natural History and browse their gift shop for your dino-lover. You’ll find a variety of kid-approved items such as dinosaur toys, books, shirts and more. Or consider purchasing a family membership to the museum to spread the joys of gifting throughout the year. Remember, VMNH members get free admission to all festivals held during the year.
For the art enthusiast on your list, Studio 107 and Piedmont Artsboth offer unique pieces made by local and regional artists. Odds are you can find the perfect item from the vast collections of paintings, sketches, wood-turned pens, jewelry, and other mediums. Or, if you have a budding artist on your list, consider purchasing personal drawing, painting, or wood-turning lessons at the studio. Or for the crafty DIYer, considerJanice Cain Stationery & Giftsfor items such as adult paint-by-number kits.
Then there are the wine and craft beer lovers to consider, and that’s easy because Martinsville-Henry County is home to Hamlet Vineyards and Mountain Valley Brewing. Grab a bottle (or two) of one of the award-winning wines of Hamlet Vineyardsby either attending a tasting on a Sunday afternoon or by stopping by their gourmet to-go shop; Hamlet Kitchen. Your recipient won’t be disappointed. Hamlet Vineyard’s 2016 Eltham was included as 1 of 12 wines in the 2019 Governor’s Cup Case, and their 2016 Petit Verdot took home a silver medal. For the craft beer lover, fill a growler with one ofMountain Valley Brewing’sfinest brews made from hops grown on site.
The Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center & Museummay have options for the history lover on your list – especially if they are interested in regional history. The museum’s gift shopfeatures items such ashand drawn sketches of historic sights and buildings in MHC, books on local history written by local authors, ornaments, and more. You can also purchase books on local history at the MHC Visitor Center and the Bassett Historical Center.
And for the fashionistasyou’re shopping for, might we suggestPieces and Sparkle Me Prettyboutiques; both of which offer trendy and classic pieces for everyday and for special occasions. And for the fashionable men on your list, Draper & Ferrell Clothiers and Carter’s Fine Clothing have lots of options to compliment his style.
If you have a jewelry lover on your list,head over toThe Jewelers Edgewhereyou can select from hundreds of unique pieces including estate and heirloom pieces. Keep in mind, for your next special occasion, that the talented jewelers can also help you design and create a custom piece.
Finally, for the Virginia lover on your list, stop by the Martinsville-Henry County Visitor Center to check out our selection of Virginia is For Lovers merchandise, including shirts and hats in a variety of categories such as Virginia is For Outdoor Lovers, Virginia is For Music Lovers, Virginia is For Racing Lovers, and others. We also have Martinsville-Henry County t-shirts available for those who love, or miss, their hometown.
Now, we hope that you’re ready to shop ‘til you drop, but if you need more shopping inspiration, check us out online at www.VisitMartinsville.com/shop.