Want to support small business this holiday season? Check out these main streets in Bucks County
The holiday season is upon us, kicking off the biggest shopping weekend of the year.
And with that that, several towns throughout Bucks County are gearing up for Small Business Saturday, which takes place this year on Nov. 26, in the hopes of attracting customers into locally owned stores and restaurants.
“Main streets are the backbone of so many small towns,” said Bill Pezza, president of Raising the Bar, Bristol Borough’s economic development group.
“The small businesses in our town employ so many neighbors and high school kids. They are also the ones who donate to youth sports teams and local charities. Shopping small businesses is a good way to give back,” said Pezza, who also pointed out the importance of buying gift certificates to support local restaurants and personal care services, like hair and nail salons or message therapists.
And while the focus of Small Business Saturday is to urge shoppers to invest in their local communities, it comes with many perks for those who decide to shop small, as many local businesses mark the day with special offers, events and other fun extras to enhance the shopping experience for their customers.
“We might not be able to give as big of a discount as the big box stores, but we really try to do something special to spread that holiday cheer,” said Caitlin Hernandez, co-owner of Makers Off Main, a shop in Doylestown Borough that sells handcrafted items made by local vendors.
“At Makers, we have a Sip and Shop planned for Small Business Saturday, with mimosas and a small nook set up for kids to hang out in and do crafts while their grownups shop.”
Small Business Saturday has also become a day for local business owners to express an appreciation for their customers, Hernandez added.
“We recognize and see people are supporting us and we want to support them in return,” she said. “We know who you are, and we know what you like and what your kids like, and it helps us to be able to cater to you individually. We’re happy to do little things that you wouldn’t get from a Best Buy or a Macy’s.”
We’ve compiled a list of must-shop Main Streets across Bucks County to start off your holiday shopping season right:
Mill Street in Bristol Borough
Need a good jump start to get into the festive mood? Visit Mill Street in the historic district of Bristol Borough and browse specialty retail shops, antique stores and art outlets, all while enjoying the sights and sounds of their annual Christmas Parade starting at 1 p.m. The parade starts at Simon and Schuster on Farragut Ave (right near McKinley Street) and heads down Farragut/Pond Street, makes a left onto Mill Street where it ends at Radcliffe.
Want to give the gift of nostalgia? Pick up a rare throwback jersey at Bucks County Baseball Co. or an original NES Nintendo game console at Collector’s Corner. For the spiritually minded on your list, find just the right gift at Crafted Arts Boutique or Energy Ripple. Know someone who enjoys mixing their own handcrafted cocktails? Grab a bottle of Perfect Storm spiced rum at Hops & Hardware Distillery or Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey from Dad’s Hat Mill Street Tasting Room.
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Don’t forget about gift cards — sometimes the best present is an experience. Treat your loved one to a facial at Lilly’s Massage and Spa, buy them tickets to the Bristol Riverside Theater or a give them a night out at one of Bristol’s diverse mix of restaurants, including Jules@Market, Itri’s Wood Fired Pizza Bar, Loretta’s and Mill Street Cantina.
Also, keep an eye out for special discounts from the local stores, tasting rooms and restaurants participating in Bristol’s Sip and Shop from noon to 6 p.m.
And while you’re in town, take a load off or enjoy a quiet walk along the Delaware River at Bristol Waterfront Park, also home to The Harriet Tubman Memorial Statue.
Downtown Doylestown
While many of its fun and unique local shops can be found along State and Main streets, downtown Doylestown has many great hidden gems to explore on Oakland Avenue as well, and many of the side streets and alleyways in between.
There are endless gifts to choose from when you shop local in Doylestown — from premium cigars at Classic Cigar Parlor and scented bath bombs at The Soap Opera Company to rare vinyl’s at Siren Records and skate accessories at Nomad Supply Company. If you’re shopping for someone with a sweet tooth, have your pick from Evolution Candy or Raymer’s, or grab a gift card from Nina’s Waffles, Mom’s Cookie Bar or Le Macaron.
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For one-of-kind gifts for that person who has everything, Allora Gifts and Home Décor is filled with charming, quirky and sometimes snarky gifts, and The Monkey’s Uncle celebrates Philly sports pride with its retro-inspired apparel.
Need a midday respite from all that shopping? Catch a movie at The County Theater, visit the James A. Michener Art Museum or grab a hot latté from Native Café or Nonno’s Italian Coffee Parlor.
For a gift that celebrates local history, consider picking out a Mercer tile or ceramic ornament from The TileWorks of Bucks County, located just few blocks from the downtown area. In addition to their popular Mercer tiles, they sell pottery and other Mercer-inspired handcrafted gifts and accessories, which are 10% off throughout the weekend.
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Peddler’s Village in Lahaska
Stroll along winding brick paths and enjoy the holiday lights, as you search for the perfect gift in Peddler’s Village. With more than 60 specialty shops — including clothing boutiques, toy stores, candle sellers, bookstores, art galleries and candy shops— you’ll breeze through your holiday shopping list in no time.
For the foodies in your life, there are plenty of options ranging from the alligator jerky at Bucks County House of Jerky to the Atomic Blast hot sauce at Inferno. Got kids on your list or someone with a playful imagination? Check out the large selection of books, games and toys at Jazams and the Lahaska Bookshop. Or take fantasy wizardry and witchcraft to the next level at The Cloak and Wand, where you can explore magical items, like potion kits, spell books and enchanted plants.
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Be sure to take a quick break and visit the Gingerbread Competition Display to take in the artistry of more than 75 creative gingerbread entries across eight categories, ranging from traditional gingerbread houses to movie set reproductions.
And don’t forget to refuel at one of the village’s many eateries and tasting rooms, like the Cock ‘n Bull, Hart’s Tavern, Moku Bowls or Hewn Spirits.
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Historic Yardley
Explore historic downtown Yardley along Main Street and Afton Avenue, and it won’t take you long to understand the appeal of starting your holiday season in this small town that makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into a Hallmark movie.
No doubt Yardley has established itself as a popular dining destination, with its few small shops tucked neatly between its many eateries and historic Victorian homes. So, why not treat someone on your list a day out on the town with a combo of gift cards for eating, drinking and shopping at some of their much-loved spots? Then top it off with a small gift that celebrates the town, such as a Yardley ornament from One South Main.
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Browse the shelves of Commonplace Reader to find a great read for your favorite bibliophile or pick up some new bike accessories for the cyclist in your life with help from the knowledgeable staff at Firehouse Cycles.
To thank customers for shopping local, some of the stores have special incentives planned for Small Business Saturday. This includes Krysset Artisan Boutique with its swag bag giveaways, and Giselle Toys and Ballet Shoppe, who will be giving out canvas holiday bags with every purchase of $80 or more.
Downtown Perkasie
Enjoy the historic charm of Perkasie’s well-preserved, award-winning Victorian downtown, and take advantage of its growing shopping district. Lose yourself among the spires and walkways that the city has lovingly preserved while continuing to attract new businesses to its town center.
For a small town, Perkasie has plenty to offer for the whole family. Pick up a new outfit at hippie-inspired Threddie’s, or head over to Chimayo Gallery and Gift Shop to browse a unique selection of local art. Those looking to browse can take in the selection at the Treasure Trove, or pick up home décor while enjoying a sweet treat at Crafts on Fairhill, located inside Papa’s Cupcakes.
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If you’re looking for a bite to eat, Perkasie offers plenty of classic restaurants alongside up-and-coming eatieries. For traditional fare, head over to Rams Pint House, home to the first rooftop lounge in Upper Bucks, or drink in centuries of history along with your meal at the Horse Tavern, est. 1758. If you want a more contemporary spin on classic American food, reserve a table at the historic Washington Inn. The downtown also boasts two brand-new microbreweries: Van Lieu’s Brewing Company and Mystic Ways Brewing.
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Beginning Saturday Nov. 26, don’t forget to stop by the annual Winter Market and Farmers Market at the fire hall (100 N. 5th Street) every 2nd and 4th Saturday until May 13th. Vendors can be found on the town’s website, and include farmers, artists, and more.
The Riverfront in New Hope
Once an artist’s colony, the iconic Delaware River town of New Hope seems both cozy and exciting at the same time.
Shop New Hope’s thriving arts scene, boasting shops that run the gamut from local (Goose Creek Pottery, Red Tulip Gallery) to the international (African Masks Plus, Gallery Piquel), including the remarkable Topeo Gallery, which has been featured in Niche Magazine’s retailer hall of fame for American Crafts since 2005. If you have the time, take in a show at the historic Bucks County Playhouse right along the river.
While the arts have largely made New Hope famous, the town’s shopping district has diverse offerings, including soap boutique The Soap Opera, all-occasions gift shop Angel’s Cards & Gifts, and the sprawling People’s Center Antique Store across the bridge in Lambertville. Bibliophiles should not miss out on Farley’s Bookshop, which has been doing business on Main Street for over 50 years.
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Visitors can choose from over two dozen eateries in New Hope, including the venerable Bowman’s Tavern, featuring a rotating menu of locally sourced foods, craft cocktails, and live music every night. John and Peter’s on Main Street also offers live music seven days a week and claims to have “the best burger in town” to boot. Other standouts include the Logan Inn (one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the country, first serving travelers in 1727), Oldstone Steakhouse in a century-old church), and New Hope newcomer Nozomu Sushi Bar.
Downtown Newtown
Newtown’s historic Main Street is packed with enough unique businesses, taverns, and shops to fulfill your needs and wants. Experience the rustic charm of the village center and lose yourself in the small town charm.
Diners can connect with some of the earliest vestiges of Newtown’s past at its historic taverns, including Rocco’s at the Brick, which has housed a restaurant since 1763. Those with international tastes can choose from several offerings, including Guru’s Indian Cuisine, Oishi Japanese Thai and Korean, and Vecchia Osteria. After dinner, treat yourself to something sweet at Uncle Dave’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Shoppers are sure to find what they’re looking for in Newtown: State Street and the surrounding streets houses two dozen unique stores, including bakeries, gift shops, and apparel stores. One standout is the Newtown Hardware Store, a nostalgic mom-and-pop hardware store operating on South State Street since 1869. On the north side of town, the dedicated staff at Newtown Bookshop can help you find your next read, while Newtown Book and Music Exchange caters to book lovers as well as audiophiles. Take in a movie at the oldest continuously operating movie theater in the country, Newtown Theater, and 1830’s meeting house that has been showing films since 1906.
Just to the east of Newtown, Shady Brook Farms in Lower Makefield hosts plenty of holiday-themed events, as well as a deli counter, the Stone’s Throw Pub, and a year-round farmers' market. A few miles further from town, history buffs can follow in Washington’s footsteps at the site of his famous Delaware River crossing at Washington’s Crossing Historic Park.
Sellersville's Cultural District
If you haven’t been to Sellersville in a while, it is worth a trip back. Not only has the town itself been cultivating a steady revitalization, but on Small Business Saturday, you can relish in the festivities of Sellersville’s new and improved Winterfest on Main Street.
During Winterfest, which takes place from noon until 5 p.m., the cultural district will be transformed into a holiday wonderland. Visit with Santa while listening to the sounds of the Philadelphia Bronze Bell Choir at Walnut Street Mini Park. The Sellersville Museum will be hosting their annual Tree Forest, displaying themed trees decorated by local businesses and organization to benefit the Pennridge FISH food pantry.
Stop at one of the local stores and pick up your Sellersville Santa Passport for a chance to win prizes at participating businesses along Main Street. Many shops will be offering special sales, treats and giveaways throughout the day, including snacks and crafts at Shanteel Yoga Studio.
Wander your way into shops like The Next Chapter Bookstore where they sell new and gently used books for all ages, or The Pickers Junction, for antiques and curiosities dating as far back as the 1700s. Also, be sure to stop into Bebe & Pop’s Thriving Hive Café and Specialty Shoppe, the newest business to come to town with their soft opening that weekend.
Want to give your loved one a mini vacation? Then book them a night at the Washington House Hotel, paired with dinner at the Washington House Restaurant and a show next door at The Sellersville Theater, a live music and comedy menu featuring national and international performers.
Nearby:'It's a picker's dream:' Sellersville antique store to appear on HISTORY Channel's Pawn Stars
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: 8 Bucks County Main Street, districts to shop local this holiday season
