Searching for unique holiday gifts this season? Explore the shopping options nestled right in The Lake Champlain Islands! This season, embrace the challenge of shopping locally and support the businesses in Grand Isle County. Discover a selection of island shops and skilled local artisans below.

1. Island Craft Shop

The oldest artisan cooperative in Grand Isle County, The Island Craft Shop boasts more than 21 artisans showcasing a diverse range of handmade treasures. Visit them every Saturday and Sunday in South Hero, Vermont until December 19 to explore their offerings. For further details, take a peek at their Facebook Page.

2. Bijoux Gervais

Bijoux Gervais crafts unique jewelry using silver, gold, brass, and copper. From beautiful handmade earrings to lovely pendant necklaces, these jewels will be the perfect token for someone on your list. Check out Bijoux Gervais on Facebook for holiday markets. You can also find their goods at Arbor Farm Market.  

2. Arbor Farm Market

Arbor Farm Market showcases an array of farm-fresh goods alongside various creations from Vermont artisans. Located in the South Hero Village you can drop by between Wednesdays and Sundays to peruse their collection, brimming with wonderful gifts like handcrafted jewelry and delightful pottery pieces. 

3. Dusty Pine Wood Design, Grand Isle

Dusty Pine Wood Design is a quality wood decor and furniture maker based in Grand Isle. They specialize in custom builds and gifts, focusing on utilizing reclaimed materials. They have an online store as well and attend many holiday pop ups. Shop

4. The Green Frog 

Located on Ferry Road in South Hero, Vermont, The Green Frog Gift Shop is a contemporary, rustic shop featuring lots of local products from Vermont and New England. For more info, take a peek at their Facebook Page.

5. Muriel's Sweaters 

Muriels, a Vermont-based garment company, specializes in crafting exquisite, long-lasting knitwear. With a commitment to sustainability and a dedication to promoting slow fashion, they source their fiber locally from Vermont farmers. Their cozy sweaters stand as an ideal choice for a thoughtful, sustainable gift that embodies the essence of Vermont's local craftsmanship. Shop

6. Hero's Welcome General Store, North Hero

When in doubt, head to Hero’s Welcome in the North Hero Village. This Vermont general store is an Island staple, packed with games, books, gag gifts, household items, clothing, and a wide selection of local goods! Shop

7. Viva Marketplace

Viva Marketplace in South Hero, Vermont will be reopening its doors and hosting two holiday markets with an array of unique gifts on the first and second Saturday of December. You can expect to find curated gifts, jewelry, clothing, and many other items made in Vermont. They will be open from 11 am to 5 pm in South Hero, Vermont. In person shopping only. For more details, check out Viva Marketplace on Facebook. 

8. Champlain Islands Indoor Farmers Market 

Indoor winter markets will continue the first three Saturdays of December from 10 am to 2 pm at the South Hero Congregational Church. Put together a local gift basket for your friends or family with items from vendors such Blue Heron Farm, Grand Isle Pasta, Snow Farm Vineyard. Learn more

9. Buy a Local Gift Card

This holiday season, opt for a local gift card and lend support to nearby businesses. You can purchase gift cards from restaurants like North Hero House Restaurant, Pan’s Pizza, or Kraemer and Kin, contributing to the local community while giving the gift of a delightful dining experience. 

From the timeless knitwear of Muriels to the eclectic treasures at Hero’s Welcome, you will be sure to find something for everyone on your list this holiday season. This guide highlights just some of the great small businesses that are here in The Lake Champlain Islands. What other small businesses do you like to support? Share your favorites in the comments below!

In our December issue of Island Insights, we have compiled a list of some of the great events happening here in Grand Isle County. 

Our 3rd Annual Holiday Hoopla is back! You’re invited to join us for a festive event to show our gratitude to our wonderful clients and supporters. We will have a wreath giveaway, polaroid pictures with Santa, and a hot cocoa & cookie bar by Let’s Pretend Catering. The celebration is on Saturday, December 2nd from 10 am to 1 pm. The wreaths are first come, first serve, so arrive early! Learn more about the event and don’t forget to RSVP. See you there!

 

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Festive Events Happening In The Champlain Islands

Step into the holiday season with these remarkable local events—an opportunity to celebrate and actively uplift our community. As we immerse ourselves in the festivities, let's rally behind our local businesses, farmers, and artisans. Embrace the ethos of shopping small and sustaining our community's economy by keeping our dollars close to home. Learn more about these joyful traditions in the Lake Champlain Islands of Vermont.

 

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Featured Listings

149 Williams Road, Colchester, VT 05446

List Price: $499,000

64 Jones Meadow Drive, Cambridge, VT 05444

List Price; $350,000

 

Subscribe to Island Insights, Coldwell Banker Islands Realty's monthly email newsletter, to see more hidden homes and learn about the Vermont real estate market.

 

 

This historic and charming lakefront camp is perched up on a bluff in South Hero, Vermont. The lodge and two cottages were built in the 1920s; they retain their original charm yet have been updated to last another 100+ years. Enjoy over 230 feet of beautiful lakefront, moorings, and two floe aluminum dock sections. This home is currently for sale. Learn More 

Step into the holiday season with these remarkable local events—an opportunity to celebrate and actively uplift our community. As we immerse ourselves in the festivities, let's rally behind our local businesses, farmers, and artisans. Embrace the ethos of shopping small and sustaining our community's economy by keeping our dollars close to home. Keep reading to learn more about these joyful traditions in the Lake Champlain Islands of Vermont.

Holiday Hoopla at Coldwell Banker Islands Realty 

Our office is hosting a festive celebration open to the community with a free wreath giveaway, Polaroid Pictures with Santa, and an incredible Cookie and Hot cocoa bar from Let’s Pretend catering. The event is at our Coldwell Banker Islands Realty office in South Hero on December 2nd from 10 am to 1 pm.   

Learn more

Holiday Markets at Viva Marketplace 

Viva Marketplace will be reopening its doors and hosting two holiday markets with an array of unique gifts on the Saturdays of the first and second week of December. These will run from 11 am to 5 pm in South Hero, Vermont. 

Learn More

Champlain Islands Christmas Parade

The annual Christmas parade will occur on December 2nd, starting at 5 pm in South Hero! It will kick off at the Community Health Center on U.S. 2, wind its way to South Street, and conclude at the Folsom School parking lot. Enjoy food trucks from El Gato Cantina and Pizza at the Folsom School lot after the parade. It's a free, fun-filled celebration for all! 

Learn More

Alburgh Fire Department's Craft Fair & Cupcake Walk

Mark your calendars for the annual Alburgh Volunteer Fire Department’s Craft Fair on December 2nd, from 10 am to 3 pm. They will have various vendors, food and drink, a Christmas raffle, and a pie and cupcake walk.  The event is located at the Alburgh Fire Department Hall. 

Learn More

Grand Isle Craft Fair 

The Grand Isle Craft Fair will return with over 35 local vendors this year at Grand Isle Elementary School. Stop by to shop from 9 am to 3 pm on December 2nd. There will also be a raffle table with local goods! 

Learn More

Tree Lighting at North Hero House

The North Hero House will light its Christmas tree on Sunday, December 3rd, from 5 to 5:30 pm. The event will have cookies and caroling, and they will light their 20-foot tree near their event barn. 

Learn More

Holiday Makers Market @ Kraemer and Kin 

Kraemer & Kin will be hosting multiple Maker's Markets throughout December. Saturdays from 3 pm to 8 pm and Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm at their tasting room at Alburgh Golf Links. There will be local makers, growers, and artisans. They will also have live music, food, and their local beers at every market gathering.

Learn More

Indoor Winter Farmers Market 

You can find the Champlain Islands Farmers Market at their indoor winter market location on the first three Saturdays of December from 10 am to 2 pm at the South Hero Congregational Church. They will have local food, fresh veggies, & handmade goods and more. 

Learn More

From enchanting local holiday markets to heartwarming gatherings, these festive happenings infuse the islands with a contagious sense of cheer and camaraderie. We hope this guide inspires you to join in on these joyful community events and embrace this season's magic in the Lake Champlain Islands.

As we head through November, it's time for a detailed exploration of the Grand Isle County real estate trends in our local community. We are experiencing a seasonal slow down which is expected for the Vermont real estate market. October has brought forth intriguing shifts in the market, and Coldwell Banker Islands Realty here to guide you through the key statistics, offering insights for both buyers and sellers.

Median Sales Price: Setting New Heights

October has unfurled a remarkable surge in the Median Sales Price, reaching $690,000. This not only signifies a substantial 70% increase from the previous month but also marks a staggering 77% uptick from October 2022. For sellers, this indicates a robust market, showcasing the potential for favorable returns on property investments. Buyers, it highlights the need for strategic considerations and, perhaps, a prompt response to secure desired properties in a competitive landscape.

Closed Sales: A Quiescent Phase

While Closed Sales have experienced a 33% decrease from the previous month and a 41% decline from October 2022, it's important to recognize that market fluctuations are inherent. Sellers may need to be patient, ensuring that their pricing strategies align with the current dynamics. Buyers, on the other hand, may find themselves in a market that allows for more thoughtful decision-making and negotiation.

List Price Received: Navigating the Negotiation Waters

At 98%, the List Price Received metric demonstrates a slight uptick of 0.8% from the previous month. Sellers, this emphasizes the importance of accurate pricing strategies to maximize returns. For buyers, it's a reminder to approach negotiations diligently, leveraging market conditions to secure favorable terms.

Active Inventory: A Closer Look at Market Dynamics

The Active Inventory, currently standing at 30, reflects a 3.2% decrease from the previous month but marks a notable 36% increase from October 2022. This metric plays a crucial role for both buyers and sellers. For sellers, understanding the inventory landscape aids in setting competitive prices. Buyers benefit by gauging the availability of options and potential negotiation power.

Months Supply of Inventory: Balancing Act

With a Months Supply of Inventory at 3, there's been a 45% increase from the previous month and a striking 131% surge from October 2022. Sellers, this may suggest a market that is becoming more balanced. Buyers, take note of the increased supply, offering you more choices and potentially influencing negotiations.

Seasonal Slowdown: Embracing Market Dynamics

In the midst of these compelling metrics, it's crucial to acknowledge the influence of the seasonal ebb and flow of the Vermont real estate landscape. As the leaves change color and the temperatures dip, the market is exhibiting a characteristic seasonal slowdown. This is a natural rhythm in real estate, where activities tend to moderate as we transition into the cooler months. Sellers, this could mean a period of patience and strategic planning. Buyers, on the other hand, may find this slowdown to be an opportune moment for thoughtful consideration and negotiations. As we navigate this seasonal shift, rest assured that these market dynamics are part of the broader tapestry, and CBIR Realtors are here to provide guidance tailored to the unique nuances of the Grand Isle County real estate market.

In conclusion, these metrics, combined with an understanding of the seasonal slowdown, paint a comprehensive picture of the Grand Isle County real estate market in October. For both buyers and sellers, staying informed about these trends and recognizing the seasonal patterns is paramount. As your dedicated real estate guide, our Realtors are here to help you navigate these waters, making informed decisions tailored to your unique needs.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you'd like a more personalized analysis. Until then, here's to a smooth transition through the seasonal currents in the Grand Isle County real estate market!