Thanksgiving and Black Friday and Cyber Monday—oh, my! Each year, the fourth weekend in November kicks off the start of the holiday season, and here at Finger Lakes Visitors Connection, we want to be sure you’re ready. 

One day we love to celebrate is Small Business Saturday, a day for shopping local and celebrating the small brick-and-mortar businesses that are the backbone of their communities. Shop small this holiday season—and if you find yourself in Ontario County, we have you covered! I’ve rounded up some of my favorites, as well as Ontario County classics, that should be added to every shopping list this November 24.

Affordable Gifts With a Personal Touch

artizanns

Discover Artizanns, the largest gift gallery in the Finger Lakes, in beautiful downtown Naples, offering original artwork and distinctive gifts created by some of the region’s finest artisans. This one-stop shop offers paintings, handblown glass, jewelry, woodworks, pottery and more.

Give Your Day Some Pop

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You haven’t tried gourmet popcorn until you’ve visited Prima Pop with its endless flavor options. Small Business Saturday is day #1 for their peppermint popcorn—that’s kettle corn drizzled with peppermint chocolate with peppermint candy canes sprinkled on top. I know where I’ll be!

Grape Gifts Galore!

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Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery has gifts covered—grape pie, grape twists, jellies, jams, salad dressings and of course wine! The Brahm family quality begins with a sense of pride in what they do. All of their products are produced on-site and are made one batch at a time. Shop online for their latest selection. Did I also mention that everyone through their doors (over 21) gets a free wine tasting of six Arbor Hill wines?!

Brew Up a Good Time

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Once you’ve shopped until you’ve dropped at Arbor Hill, head next door to Brew and Brats! Like their wine counterpart, they will be offering free beer samples all day long. Just make sure you grab a brat to go with it.

Walking in a Winter Wander Land

Roots

If you want the quintessential small-town shopping experience, look no further than Naples. Head over to Roots Café for an outdoor Christmas market—the Winter Wander Land! From 11am-3pm, different vendors will be offering gifts and crafts for purchase. Don’t leave without stopping into Roots for lunch—it’s an Ontario County staple.

Step Back in Time

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Explore the Victorian architecture of Downtown Clifton Springs while you shop! While you’re shopping, enter at various Clifton Springs businesses to win $250 in Clifton Springs gift certificates, good at 20+ stores. Also happening on Small Business Saturday is the kick off to Warfield's Mystery Prize Envelope promotion. All envelopes are guaranteed winners! Half of those prize envelopes will be a prize redemption of at least $5.00 off,  with prizes ranging up to $100 Gift Certificate. All guests dining in or ordering to-go will receive a prize envelope. Guests are to return the envelope, un-opened, to Warfield’s Restaurant between January 2nd and March 2nd, 2018, to learn what they have won!  

Lake Town Living

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Historic downtown Canandaigua not only comes to life in the summer, but is a can’t-miss spot over the holidays. Spend your Small Business Saturday at F. Oliver’s for its unique oils and vinegars or True Lily for its one-of-a-kind boutique options. There’s so much to see and taste!

Hand-Grown, Hand-Picked

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Healthy for you, healthy for Mother Earth. Iroquois White Corn products are delicious and wholesome heirloom corn, with roots dating back 1,400 years! Iroquois White Corn products are available locally—call (585) 742-1361 for more details.

Alpaca Clothing and Gifts

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The only socks people won’t be upset getting for Christmas—and the softest stuffed animal ever made. Shop Lazy Acre Alpacas in Bloomfield online for their latest selection.

Premium Fruits and Juices

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Nothing says “I care about you and your health” more than a box of Red Jacket Orchards’ fresh fruit, juice or specialty items from the Finger Lakes. That’s according to the folks at Red Jacket Farm Store. Located in Geneva, NY, their home for more than 50 years, the Red Jacket Farm Store carries the finest curated selection of food and specialty items the Finger Lakes region has to offer. Stop in to learn more about them and shop the wonderful goods produced right here in the Finger Lakes. Or shop online for their latest selections.

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