Downtown Perth
'Tis the Season: 5 Festive Small Town Shopping Escapes
Thinking about holiday shopping conjures images of small town streets crowded with boutique shops, window fronts sparkling with holiday lights, and with festive music tinkling in the air.
Sounds like shopping bliss, doesn’t it? Contrast this vision with the trauma-inducing big box store or three-story mall shopping filled with ALL THE PEOPLE trying to get just one last thing for that ONE PERSON THEY FORGOT on their list, while you sweat and shove and try to find the one washroom that has a line stretching around the corner.
Pro tip: If you have to choose one, pick door number one.
Do holiday shopping right this year and combine a festive getaway with the magic of small town holiday shopping.
Festive Bliss in Pembroke
Downtown Pembroke is filled with cute shops, cozy cafes, and great eateries, all in a one-kilometre stretch in one of Ontario’s prettiest small towns. The downtown is adjacent to the Ottawa River, with beautiful walking trails to stretch your legs and get a breath of fresh air after a day of holiday retail therapy.
Unique Gifts: Find the latest fashions and styles at West on Main or Dot. or cute home décor at Pick-it-Fence. Coffee lovers will love to brew a cup of local coffee from Madawaska Coffee Co. (they have some pretty cool swag, too). Shopping will seem just a little bit sweeter with a sweet pick-me-up from 7th Heaven Sweets (pro tip: their cupcakes make a great gift to bring to a holiday party).
Festive Getaway:
This is an easy one – the best place to stay and shop in Pembroke is hands down the beautiful historic Grey Gables Inn. Within walking distance of the downtown you can shop all day and then dine at the on-site restaurant when your shopping list is done. If you just can’t wait that long and need a mid-day pick-me-up, the Courtyard Bistro is the perfect choice.
Holiday Movie Set in Almonte
If you think the small town of Almonte looks like a holiday movie set, you would be right! This cute-as-a-button town has been featured in numerous Hallmark specials due to its unusually Christmas-y vibe. With tons of boutique shops decked out in lights and tinsel, you won’t miss out on the festive vibe here.
Unique Gifts: Head to Mill Street for maximum shopping opportunities! A few of our favourite shops are The Tin Barn Market for cozy and cute home décor finds, Grace and Sparrow for unique ladies clothing, and Threadwork for authentic Celtic wool sweaters (and more) that will look like they came straight from Ireland (which they may have).
Festive Getaway:
Spend the night at Riverside Inn, just a short walk from downtown Almonte. When you’re all shopped out, stop for a bite to eat and a hot toddy at The Sterling, right in the heart of the downtown.
With only a few minutes between Almonte and Carleton Place you can spend your days shopping and dining in both small towns. In Carleton Place, check out The Dress Shop, featuring handmade designer clothing and refuel with a bagel from The Little German Bakery.
Holiday Cheer in Perth
The historic downtown in Perth will make you feel like you’re wandering in a town of yesteryear. The shops here go above and beyond when it comes to twinkling lights and greenery, and holiday music tinkles through the air from outdoor speakers to complete the experience.
Unique Gifts: There are so many fabulous shops here! Head to Red Brick Emporium for fun and unique housewares, fine art, pottery, and textile at Riverguild, and soft and cozy clothing from Flint & Honey. The Perth Cheese Shop has unusual cheeses and goodies that make the perfect hostess gift for a holiday party. Swing past The Rideau Candy Shoppe to pick up hard-to-find candy for kids (and adults).
Festive Getaway:
The historic beauty of Nevis Estate will make your trip even more festive and magical, and they are only a short walk to the downtown core. When you’re all shopped out stop for a much needed glass of wine and cheese board from Billings & Co. or 1827 Wine & Cheese Lounge, both found on Gore Street right in the downtown.
Bells are Ringing in Bancroft
Located in the Mineral Capital of Ontario, Bancroft is set on rolling terrain with a picturesque iron-foot bridge thrown in to keep things interesting. The York River will be the centrepiece for a holiday stroll through the downtown.
Unique Gifts: The Old Tin Shed has fun giftware you won’t find anywhere else, or if you’re looking for great art, the Art Gallery of Bancroft highlights fabulous local artists, while The Muse Gallery & Café has the best of both worlds – great coffee and artisanal products from local artists and artisans. The Bancroft General Mercantile has the largest selection of retro candy in Ontario, in case you have a few people on your list who love candy (aka everyone).
Festive Getaway:
Why not combine a shopping escape with an all-inclusive health and wellness retreat? Book a retreat at Grail Springs Wellness Centre, just a few minutes drive from downtown Bancroft, and you can come and go as you like to pop into Bancroft to browse and explore the shops.
Deck the Towns in Haliburton Highlands
Why settle for one small town when you can do your holiday shopping in three? When you stay in one of the small towns in Haliburton Highlands, like Haliburton Village, Carnarvon, or Minden, there are endless gift buying opportunities to be had. From mittens to musical instruments, Haliburton Highlands has it all.
Unique Gifts: Head to HaliUkes in Abbey Gardens to find quality made ukuleles, guitalele, and other musical accessories. And yes, they are adjacent to Haliburton Highlands Brewing Co. so why not get some beer while you’re there, too? Visit Up River Trading Co. for – well, just about everything you could possibly be looking for in a gift! For antiques and collectibles, Castle Antiques & Café is well stocked in both. For someone who has everything already, consider a locally made preserve or artisan product from Abbey Gardens.
Festive Getaway:
If you love music, the cozy and fun Dominion Hotel & Pub offers you musical accompaniment to your overnight stay. A little further south, the Rockcliffe – Moore Falls would make a perfect home base for your shopping foray into the region.
