10 Fantastic Shop Small & Shop Local Places in Aroostook County
If you’re looking for suggestions for shopping small & shopping local this holiday season, I’ve got you covered.
#1 Art By Filomena
Wearable Art & More!
At Art By Filomena, you’ll find beautiful paintings and unique art products featuring Filomena’s paintings. I especially love the beanies, masks, and yoga mats! Filomena also offers painting lessons. What a fabulous gift idea for the aspiring artist in your life! Follow her on Instagram and Facebook for events and more!
That’s me in my Madwaska Lake Mask from Art By Filomena!
#2 Your Neighboorhood Bookstore!
Stop by Neighborhood Books in Presque Isle (find them on Facebook) or Bogan Books in Fort Kent (here’s a link to their Facebook page).
Or look for an independently owned bookstore near you!
Not only can you find books for every interest at a bookstore, there are usually some fabulous journals, bookmarks and other reading & writing trinkets. I have so much love for bookstores – but they are dangerous to my wallet! The investment is always worth it in the end though.
#3 Monica’s Scandinavian Imports
Monica’s Scandinavian Imports has a special place in my heart. Growing up in New Sweden and Stockholm, especially dancing around the maypole in traditional Swedish dress as a girl & marching with St. Lucia has given me a fondness for all things Scandinavian. Monica’s has a great variety of gift ideas to choose from: sweaters, jewelry, kitchen supplies, and so much more. Follow them on Facebook for more information.
If Scandinavian isn’t your thing, or you don’t live in Aroostook County, find a small specialty shop near you. Look for a shop that looks like a house with an open sign in the window. You know, the kind of cozy specialty shop that makes finding the perfect gift a a holiday experience of it’s own.
#4 MaineMadeGnomes
You can find adorable gnomes made right her in Aroostook County at County Roots in Presque Isle & in Caribou at Wreaths by Natalie, as well as online. Follow Maine Made Gnomes on Facebook to see the newest creations. You don’t want to miss any of these cute bearded gnomes made right here in Aroostook County. Each gnome has a unique personality! You can find a gnome for each season and more.
#5 Andrea Peterson Art
Andrea is an amazing painter. Her paintings never fail to transport me to some serene space or make me feel something powerful and often beyond words. I love her work so much that I have three pieces in my home! You may have seen her artwork on display recently in the Akeley Gallery at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle. Check out Andrea Peterson Art on Facebook to see more.
Contact Andrea to arrange a truly special one-of-a-kind purchase.
But you can’t have that one, that one’s mine. Isn’t it lovely?
#6 Great North Woods Teas
Great North Woods Teas are all handmade, using organic or wild gathered ingredients. They are always made in small batches for freshness. There are 53 varieties on the website & they’ll ship across the country. Great North Woods Teas are for sale locally at Confectionately Yours in Presque Isle, One of a Kind in Fort Fairfield, Annie’s Bake Shoppe in Ashland, The County Co-op and Farm Store in Houlton, & at Leafspring Family Farm in Belmont. All great local businesses to support! Spread the love!
#7 Bloom – A Division of County Ag & Turf Supply, Inc.
Stop by Bloom -A Division of County Ag & Turf Supply, Inc., located inside County Ag & Turf in Caribou for a selection of gift wines, local products, & home decor.
This one was suggested by a dear friend & I will be stopping by soon to see all they have to offer. It’s not just farm stuff at County Ag & Turf it seems! If you get there before I do – let me know what you think.
#8 Vitality+ House of Health
A gift card for a massage is sure to be a hit with someone on your gift list. Steph McKeen at Vitality+ House of Health is a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 20 years of experience. Pick up a gift card to treat someone special to a relaxing massage. Get yours from Steph or your favorite local Licensed Massage Therapist. Follow Steph on Facebook to find out about her yoga classes and wellness coaching. She’ll be announcing some exciting new offerings soon!
#9 Spend a morning or an afternoon at an Arts & Crafts Show. Or maybe two or three.
This time of year artists and craftspeople can be found in one town or another at an Arts & Crafts Show. Loads of artisans attend these events with a variety of unique and handcrafted items. It’s always a treat to speak with the craftspeople about their passion projects. You can find art pieces, ornaments, clothing, and more. Sometimes even furniture!
#10 Heather Mladek Photography LLC
Take your happy place with you wherever you go!
I’m thrilled to announce a new line of photo jewelry featuring Heather Mladek Photography! This necklace and the matching earrings feature I95 with Mount Katahdin in the distance. Shop the collection at www.heathermladek.com. These jewelry pieces are handmade in Honolulu by Foterra Jewelry. Contact me with any questions!
So maybe this last one is a little selfish, seeing as it’s my business & all. But I’m excited about this new offering & wanted to share it! So indulge me if you will.
I hope you found some good gift options here. I’m amazed at the talent and services offered by the lovely people around me. Let’s do our best to support those who put their heart and soul into their work!
Add to the list – what’s your favorite shop small or shop local business?
Love it!!
I am developing a therapeutic arts business. Can you review me after the first of the year?
Hi Cori, How’s your therapeutic arts business going? I would love to hear more. Are you ready for a review? Schedule a complimentary consult call to discuss your needs.