Another Victorian Christmas has spread its joyous blanket over the old town. Businesses are dressed for the occasion, while merchants and restaurateurs are eager to welcome us inside to highlight their food and finery. Shopping in cozy Jacksonville is as much a part of tradition as decorating the tree. Giving brings joy, so let’s start with the kids.
Each year, Brodie Dental hosts their annual Angel Tree toy drive for the Salvation Army. It’s easy and fun to participate. Just choose a tag from the tree in their lobby, purchase a gift, and return it unwrapped to the dental office or Salvation Army. Last year the Salvation Army served 2,400 kiddos in Jackson County alone. I spoke with Kyleen Brodie, Dr. Scott Brodie’s wife. “This is our sixth year. We chose this charity once we had kids and saw how much the holidays mean to children, and just the magic of it. We like the Salvation Army because it’s local—local people purchasing for families in Jackson County. And it’s a personalized gift—they really do make sure that no kid goes without.”
The Brodies believe in supporting their community. Kyleen shared a few of her and Scott’s favorites. “Happy Alpaca is a fun toy store for our boys and Miners’ Bazaar for kids’ craft time or for a date night with wine. Rebel Heart is a great bookstore, and we like lunch at C. Street Bistro.”
Though we know the season isn’t all about the presents, (okay, maybe the kids think so), selecting just the right gift is a fun and gratifying way to show love for one another. It’s also the perfect way to show love for our local merchants and neighbors.
One online source, metrofamilymagazine.com, states that for every $100 spent at a local business, $73 remain in the local economy, benefitting the whole neighborhood. Fortunately for Jacksonville shoppers, there’s a wide selection of interesting stores, restaurants, and lodging, each with something unique to offer.
Establishing a personal connection with store owners is a major benefit of shopping local. They know about their town and their products, while learning about the things you love. When was the last time you found a salesperson in a big box store?
I spoke with a few Jacksonville shop owners to learn what special things they had in store for us this year and discover some of their favorite spots in town.
Two shop owners who could use extra love this season are Trotting Fox Boutique and Country Quilts, who were displaced by the tragic Las Palmas fire. Helena Lopez and Debbie Carruthers are temporary shop buddies in the Old City Hall building at Main and Oregon. As of February first, Helena will be moving Trotting Fox to the Dan McGeorge Gallery on 3rd St. Their goods have been freshened-up and both women are offering huge discounts with their “Smoking Hot Sale.” Helena is offering 40% off smoke-affected clothing and 25% off items not affected. Debbie of Country Quilts has discounted her beautiful quilts and fabric by an astounding 50%. A couple of Helena’s favorite places for gift ideas are: Artist and Gardener, just across from South Stage Cellars, selling cards, paintings, pillows, scarves, and a fine array of chic items for your home; and one store that’s new to me—Oregon Cowgirl, located in the former L&K Antiques building next to Gary West Meats. Laura offers fun western and Native gifts, hats, belts, and home décor.
Jolene from Christian Discount Books stopped into the Visitor Center and told me she loves the food at Back Porch Bar & Grill, poking through Pickety Place Antiques and Collectibles, and perusing Calathea Home & Gift. I was excited to learn from her that Good Bean Coffee has the best Cobb salad. Who knew?
Welcome, Emma Root, new owner of Willowcreek Gifts, who will experience her first Christmas season since taking over from Jo Parker. Emma says she’s ready to go with plans to dress the store for its holiday best. As for new items, “We have some puzzles for kids and some new self-care with lotions and such.” Emma likes Las Palmas Mexican food and shopping at Blue Door Garden Store for interesting garden and home decor.
Brian the trolley driver and local resident had his favorites—mostly involving food and drink. “I like the pubs around here. I like going to South Stage Cellars. I like their environment and the fact that they have live music. My favorite winery is probably DANCIN, and I also like Rellik out there as well. I like the Violets & Cream ice cream parlor, too. The Pot Rack’s a fun store.”
If you’re aiming to please the women in your life, you can’t miss with Jacksonville Company and La Boheme. Lorraine at Jacksonville Company has a new line of Uno de 50 fine jewelry in time for classy gifting, and stylish Hammitt leather handbags. Lorraine enjoys dining in Jacksonville. “My favorite restaurant is Gogi’s, and I like to eat at the Bella (Bella Union).” Sandy at La Boheme says, “We are a Liverpool-Los Angeles, denim and casual clothing store, with a lot of new merchandise, including sweaters, scarves—a full cozy lineup for Christmas.”
As for the men, Carefree Buffalo carries an impressive selection of stone inlay knives from Santa Fe Stoneworks and is a premier dealer for stunningly handsome William Henry pocketknives, jewelry, and gifts. Check out their men’s and women’s leather goods.
Don’t forget a stop at Pony Espresso Cafe on your way home for a hot coffee or tea and maybe a muffin or scone as reward for a shopping day well spent. While you’re there pick up some gift cards for stocking stuffers.
Generic gift certificates—good all over town—are always available at the Visitor Center, open 10-3, Tuesday through Sunday, located in the historical train depot next to the Post Office.
I hope to see you around town with your arms full of packages and your faces full of smiles. Merry Christmas, and may this New Year be the best yet!
Featured image photo by Ginna BB Gordon.