As we roll into the month of December the search for the perfect present begins...This holiday season we challenge you to shop local and support Grand Isle County businesses. We have you covered with gift inspiration and great shopping spots right here in the Champlain Islands! 

1. Doghouse Pottery 

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Doghouse Pottery has an array of beautiful mugs to mixing bowls and even growlers you will be sure to find a special pottery item for someone on your list! All of their products are 100% handmade in South Hero, Vermont. Their shop is currently closed to foot traffic so check out their website to browse!

Photo by Amanda via Doghouse Pottery

 

2. Champlain Islands Candy Lab

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Is it really the holidays if you aren’t indulging in sweet treats? The Champlain Islands Candy Lab in South Hero, Vermont has an assortment of to die for Vermont artisanal chocolates and baked goods. They also offer holiday gift boxes and custom gift boxes, perfect for the chocolate connoisseur in your life!

Photo via Champlain Islands Candy Lab

 

3. Kraemer & Kin

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To appease the Beer lovers on your list, head to Kraemer and Kin’s tasting room in North Hero and pick up a gift card or a four-pack of their tasty, beautifully packaged craft brews. We recommend pairing that with one of their merch items, try adding a couple of their pint glasses or a Botanical Ampersand Tee. 

Photo via Kraemer and Kin

 

4. Meadow Lane Macrame

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Meadow Lane Macrame is a Handmade Fiber Art shop out of South Hero that creates unique pieces from wall art to super fun earrings. These boho inspired designs are irresistible and their plant hangers are a great gift for those with a green thumb! You can browse their different macrame collections on their brand new website.

Photo by Christel Nase via Meadow Lane Macrame

 

5. Hero's Welcome General Store

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When in doubt, head to Hero’s Welcome in North Hero. This general store will have you covered with everything under the sun. Whether you’re looking for your niece, nephew, or co-worker, this general store is packed with games, books, gag gifts, household items, clothing, and a wide selection of local products! 

Photo via Hero's Welcome

 

6. Grand Isle Art Works

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Located on Route 2 in Grand Isle, Vermont, Grand Isle Art Works has a variety of fine arts and crafts ranging from glass, mixed media, clay, wood, photography and much more! While you're there, keep an eye out for Across the Grain Pottery and their raku fish sculptures. This South Hero pottery studio specializes in functional pottery and raku, they even offer classes as well! Surprise your crafty friend or family member with the gift of a private pottery lesson.

Photo via Grand Isle Art Works

 

7. Savage Gardens Bijoux Jewelry

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A local farmer, owner of Savage Gardens, and a jeweler?! Amanda Gervais does it all, including creating unique sterling silver pieces that are popular among many. Based out of North Hero, one of her most well-known pieces are her Lake Champlain pendants. To see more of Bijoux Jewelry’s designs visit her shop on etsy.

Photo by Amanda Gervais via Savage Gardens

 

That’s a wrap on our holiday gift guide folks! Now you can find something for everybody on your list this holiday season while supporting small businesses in the Champlain Islands. Don't see your favorite shop on our list? Please comment their name or website below!

 

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Conversations with CIDER

The town of South Hero has seen several developments in the last five years from the Community Health Center, Wally’s Place, Worthen Library, Champlain Islands Candy Lab, Viva Marketplace and more to come. The next big thing to come to South Hero will be an affordable senior housing facility. CIDER (Champlain Islands Developing Essential Resources) has partnered with Cathedral Square (a leading creator of affordable housing with services for older adults and people with special needs) to bring this multi million dollar project to the Champlain Islands.

Over the last 15 years CIDER and Cathedral Square have been working hard to come up with an affordable senior housing solution for the Grand Isle County community. Introducing Bayview Crossing. It will house 30 apartments for older adults, a variety of amenities and services for residents, and an office space for CIDER. It is planned to be a mixed-income community, with apartments at both market-rate and subsidized rents. 

After years of searching for a site, septic tests, and archaeological studies, they have settled on a site behind the Community Health Center and plan to break ground in late 2021. One of the main criteria for creating this development was to be close to services. This location is within walking distance to the Community Health Center, the Worthen Library and local eateries making it an ideal location. 

Grand Isle County is the oldest county in the state of Vermont and one of the only counties without any type of senior housing. This makes it difficult for residents who need care and most end up leaving the Champlain Islands to find services. Since the early 90’s there has been an expressed need for senior housing in our area.

 

Cathedral Square is a local nonprofit and they have 25 affordable housing communities in Vermont but none in an area quite like the Champlain Islands. Due to Grand Isle County’s unique demographic makeup, it is a great opportunity for Cathedral Square to bring affordable senior housing to this rural area. They are currently in the fundraising phase of the project. If you or someone you know is interested in more information about donating visit their website.

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Learn more about CIDER

The mission of CIDER is to help people with special needs continue to live independently at home. This non-profit is run by executive director, Robin Way, as well as their team of staff, board of directors, and their dedicated army volunteers (they have between 100-150 volunteers in a year!). 

Their services range from ride services, meal programs, community events and classes, wheelchair ramp construction, medical equipment and so much more. All of these resources are free and they depend on their members and fundraisers to continue to provide these services.

“We see more kindness and generosity in any given day. People stepping up to help out each other. Neighbors helping neighbors. That's what it takes.” 

- Robin Way, CIDER Executive Director

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In our December Issue...

Keep an eye out for a local gift guide that will help you get your holiday shopping done this season without having to leave the Champlain Islands!

 

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Coldwell Banker Islands Realty is launching Island Insights! Island Insights will serve as a monthly bulletin, we are aiming to help you to get to know the Lake Champlain Islands of Vermont through the eyes of its local real estate experts. We have our ear to the ground and are eager to share our knowledge with you!

About Island Insights

Our close-knit community is always evolving and our goal is to help you stay up to date and connected. With that said, we will be sharing articles with insider information on the latest activity in the Grand Isle County. These will be filled with community stories, small business spotlights, and be sure to keep an eye out for a featured Hidden Home!

On the first Wednesday of every month an issue will be sent out via email, posted on our website, as well as on our Facebook Page. Don't miss the first Island Insights bulletin and subscribe today!

We always welcome your feedback. If you have a suggestions or a story idea please let us know with a comment below. Also if you have a family member or friend who may benefit from the information in Island Insights - we encourage you to share! 

Sneak Peak of our November Issue...

Stay tuned for ‘Conversations with CIDER’ where we talk to Robin Way, CIDER Executive Director, about their plans for senior housing in South Hero, Vermont. This issue will be sent out on November 4, 2020! Make sure to subscribe!