Bugle Call

Shop Small in the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area this Holiday Season

November 25, 2020

(Above image of lights in Frederick courtesy of Visit Frederick)

The holiday season looks very different this year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now more than ever is an important time to Shop Small. Patronize a favorite local business or perhaps discover a new one that can help you with the perfect gift for that someone special on your holiday shopping list. There are great shopping opportunities throughout the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area!

Small Business Saturday is celebrated every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving as a way to recognize the important role small businesses play in our communities. The Shop Small movement was created by American Express in the midst of the 2010 recession. It encourages people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. 

There’s nothing like buying a one-of-a kind handcrafted item made by a local artisan. Whether you’re looking for art, pottery, jewelry, textiles and more, you’re sure to find a special, unique gift. The 14th annual Carroll County Artists’ Studio Tour is held the first weekend in December, featuring seven art studios and two galleries. Frederick’s 35th annual Maryland Christmas Show brings together artisans and merchants in seven buildings at the Frederick County Fairgrounds during the last two weekends of November. The Delaplaine Arts Center is hosting a Virtual Holiday Artists Market from November 27-December 14. Other shops in the heritage area specializing in artisan-made gifts include Gifts Inn BoonsBoro, The Muse (pictured above, Courtesy of Visit Frederick) and the Washington County Arts Council Gallery Shop. 

Do you have someone on your shopping list who loves spending time in the outdoors? Park passes make wonderful gifts that can be used over and over throughout the year. The America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass is good for entry to all National Park units. The Maryland Passport is an annual pass good for entry to all Maryland state parks and facilities. Other gift options for those who love local public lands can be found online in the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Store. National Park Service bookstores are great places to shop for books and unique items pertaining to each specific park’s historical, cultural and natural features. Oftentimes you’ll find signed copies of newly released books and other specialty items that make for great gifts! You can shop online at  Eastern National and the Harpers Ferry Park Association.

There are plenty of gift options throughout the heritage area for the foodie on your holiday shopping list. You’ll find delicious bakeries, chocolatiers, coffee roasters, tea shops, creameries and countless dining establishments to choose from. There are also many breweries, distilleries and wineries to consider! Samplers and gift baskets are always a nice treat. Gift cards or certificates for tastings or meals are also options. Tourism pages for the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area are a great starting point if you’re in need of ideas: Carroll County, Frederick County and Washington County.

Finally, for the person on your shopping list who has everything, you can make a tax-deductible donation of any amount to the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area in their name. The Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area actively promotes the stewardship of our historic, cultural, and natural Civil War resources, encourages superior visitor experiences, and stimulates tourism, economic prosperity, and educational development, thereby improving the quality of life in our community for the benefit of both residents and visitors. You can donate online here or by mail to the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area at 22 S. Market St. Suite 215 Frederick, MD 21701.   

This holiday season, remember to Shop Small! Our local businesses can certainly use your support. Not only will it give you a good feeling about where you’re spending your money but you’re sure to find some really special gifts for your loved ones.

Contributing Author: Charissa Hipp

Charissa Hipp has a passion for connecting people to places through tourism marketing, storytelling, writing and hiking. A wife and mother of three, she is the Maryland Ambassador for Girls Who Hike and encourages people to connect with nature to experience its physical, mental and spiritual... Read More