Support your fellow 1Berkshire members and get a jump-start on the gift giving season during #ShopLocal November! Whether you’re hunting for the perfect find at an upscale boutique, a one-stop shopping experience for your entire holiday gift list, or a little something to treat yo’self, Berkshire businesses can boast an impressive array of shopping selections!
Shop for Experiences
With online shopping putting every want and need at our fingertips, most people seem to have it all… but that doesn’t mean you can’t score the perfect gift! Shop for experiences and treat your loved ones (and yourself) to world-class attractions like Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, where you can escape for a yoga retreat or rejuvenate in their spa. Ski Butternut in Great Barrington offers tubing and skiing fun for snow lovers, and the recently-opened Tanglewood Learning Institute presents more than 40 performances and multidisciplinary events designed to engage interests in music, arts, and sciences.
Give the Gift of Glam
Why not give the gift of a decadent dinner at Blantyre, a luxurious Forbes five-star resort in Lenox? Or what about a day of wellness at Canyon Ranch, where you will be pampered and delighted by their lavish spa and fine dining offerings? If you’re looking for an item to wrap and present, pop into Annie Selke Shop for global-chic bedding and heirloom-quality linens, or into Jane Iredale Studio for limited holiday editions of plush makeup pallets and skin care.
For Art Lovers
Treat the art and culture lovers in your family to season tickets to Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield. Known for sending new musicals to Broadway and new plays to Netflix, ticket holders are sure to be entertained year-round. Shop for unusual, high-quality pieces at Berkshire County Antiques & Art Dealers Association, where you’ll find 32 dealers for antiques and art, including: fine china, precious metals, folk art, and other collectibles. For people who enjoy creating art, an evening at Berkshire Paint and Sip will make a picture-perfect gift – artists enjoy wine and snacks while painting, and each class includes materials and instruction.
Far-out Finds
If you’re looking for a distinctive gift to amaze, consider a fanciful piece from Hoffman Pottery in West Stockbridge, or upscale contemporary fashion from Casablanca in Lenox. For the foodie in your life, give a meal subscription to Braise Worthy, featuring a ready-to-eat, locally-sourced menu focused on slow-cooked dishes and rich flavors. Spirited Wines presents an overwhelming selection of wine, craft beer, liquors, cheeses, and gourmet foods, all perfect for a custom-created gift basket. Pick up all-natural, locally-made mustards, hot sauces, and spice rubs at Hoppy Valley in Pownal, VT to complete the gift.
The Berkshires are home to makers, artisans, and entrepreneurs whose wares and services can be found at farmers markets, boutiques, and downtown centers – all excellent choices for the season of giving. Find more inspiration on our Shopping section, and be sure to hunt for deals while supporting marketing efforts for the entire region at our Berkshires Holiday Auction, which kicks off on November 25. No matter where you search for holiday gifts this November, remember to support your fellow 1Berkshire members when you #ShopLocal and #ShopSmall.
Special thanks to Berkshire Bank for sponsoring #ShopLocal Month.
Photos: Kacey Hatch
