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Savvy Shoppers Stay Local


Downtown Carlisle has something for everyone this season

December 16, 2011

Holiday1
Lili's Place Country Market/Cafe (10 W. Pomfret) is one of numerous places in Carlisle where shoppers can find interesting gifts and delectable treats.

Still looking for that perfect, out-of-the-ordinary gift? Want to stay away from big-box stores and acres of parking lots? Hoping to support local artists, artisans and businesses? Look no further than downtown Carlisle.

In a culture awash in electronics, print and hands-on gifts reign supreme at Jeff Wood ’85’s Whistlestop Bookshop (129 W. High St.). Top sellers include Moleskine daily planners, locally made beeswax candles and honey, jigsaw puzzles and role-playing board games based on Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings and H.P. Lovecraft’s stories.

His take on the hottest titles this season?

  • Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
  • The History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor
  • The Greater Journey by David McCullough
  • Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James
  • Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
  • The French Cat by Rachel Hale.

Inveterate knitters will love the Yarn Garden (52 W. Pomfret), which is offering local potter Tom Oakes’ ceramic knitting bowls. Patterns, luxurious yarns, tools and accessories also are available.

Arts-and-crafts enthusiasts will want to visit Argosy (10 S. Hanover) and the Artist Market of Pomfret Street (16 W. Pomfret). The Cumberland County Historical Society’s History on High (33 W. High) also features the work of county artists, including paintings, fine jewelry, textiles, pottery, metalwork, wood carvings and clothing.

For the shabby-chic devotee, the new Urban Cottage, located in the same building as the Artist Market, offers vintage and antique home goods. Serious collectors should check out Antiques on Hanover (17 N. Hanover), which carries a large collection of 19th- and early-20th-century fine furniture, or Bedford Street Antiques (44 N. Bedford).

Marjorie’s Gems (21 W. Pomfret) sells vintage, antique and estate jewelry—from gently used finer pieces to bargain-bin specials. New jewelers Colucci & Company (117 N. Hanover) feature one-of-a-kind pieces from owner Melissa Colucci, as well as Marc Williams Goldsmith and Crosby & Taylor Pewter. For eclectic outfits and funky accessories, stop by The ClothesVine (134 W. High), run by mother-and-daughter team Naomi and Sally since 1998.

The savvy shopper also knows when to take a break—whether it’s coffee and dessert at Helena’s Chocolate Café & Creperie (46 W. High), light fare and smoothies at GAIA Fresh Food Café (57 W. Pomfret) or a hearty breakfast/lunch at Carlisle landmark Fay’s Country Kitchen (203 S. Hanover).

Finally, one can never go wrong with a gift that supports the arts, such as a membership to The Carlisle Theatre (40 W. High), which includes complimentary tickets to programs and events based on membership level. Be sure to tuck in a gift certificate to one of Carlisle’s many unique dining establishments, such as Moroccan restaurant Argana (26 N. Hanover), gastro-pub Café Bruges (16 N. Pitt), organic bistro The Green Room (36 W. High) or regional-Italian mainstay Trattoria Piatto (22 W. Pomfret).

Find out more about Carlisle’s downtown shopping district.