I am always ridiculously excited to visit local shops. It’s not just the special finds you can’t get anywhere else—it’s the feeling of walking into a place owned by local families. And trust me, there are some real gems right here in our own hometown.

My editor, Judi Cooper, and I have put together a delicious list of our favorite local spots for holiday gift shopping. So look out, Amazon—here are just a few places we absolutely love:

In Orange… The Country Gathering and Grelen Downtown both offer unique, interesting gifts. And don’t stop there—Downtown Orange is full of other fun places to explore. One more worth mentioning is Spelled Ink, which seems to have an endless lineup of community activity every single week—from crafts and art to author meetups, book clubs, and a ton of other interesting happenings. I would argue this might be the community center of the Orange-universe.

Off to Locust Grove… We have Artful Stitches and Get Stitched, a needlepoint and quilt shop right off Constitution Highway. Yes, they’re hobby stores for folks who love this kind of crafting, but they’re incredibly unique places to have right here in our backyard. And of course, Deep Roots Home & Garden Center is always worth a visit. They have tons of unique items for both inside and outside the home.

Head to Gordonsville… You’re in for a treat with several adorable shops on Main Street like Raindrops in Virginia and Posh. And then there’s Weaver Street Shops with antique quilts, vintage feedsacks, artisan and Native American jewelry, handmade local and fair-trade gifts, apothecary items, and more.

Venturing beyond Orange… At Lake Anna, Home Point offers unique furniture pieces and décor, all hand-selected by a professional designer. In the town of Louisa, The Avenue Arthouse is a truly special place that “houses” (no pun intended) dozens of artists’ original works. And don’t forget Smokey Ridge Rock Shop at Zion Crossroads—a laid-back, welcoming shop featuring crystals, rocks, gemstones, incense, jewelry, pins, and a wonderful staff.

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

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