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!

                

This holiday season, impress your guests with a charcuterie board! Carefully crafted and presented quite elegantly, a charcuterie board is essentially a fancy title for a meat and cheese board. Here are five easy steps to help you prepare the perfect appetizer!

1. Select Your Provisions.

Having a medley of diverse cured meats is the first step to create your cheese board. Aim for thinly sliced provisions such as prosciutto or peppered salami. Then try rolling the slices or layering them on your board. Typically these meats can be found at local food stores including Keeler Bay Variety, Healthy Living, and City Market. 

Photo Source: FN Sharp

2. Choose Your Cheese.

The next step is choosing your fromage. While it's hard to go wrong in this department, incorporating multiple contrasting textures will keep your board fun and interesting! Include artisanal cheeses like Isle La Motte’s Happy Bird Poultry Farm’s Smoked Seriously Sharp Cheddar slices and then mix in a softer cheese like Vermont Creamery’s  herb goat cheese. For one stop shopping, check out Arbor Farm Market or Cheese and Wine Traders for a wide selection of local Vermont products.

Photo source:  Happy Bird Poultry

3. Incorporate Fruit And Nuts.

Adding fruit to your board provides a pop of color and also creates a sweet mixture of flavors. Select fruit that goes with your cheeses of choice. Include an assortment of fresh and dried fruit then try to add a fruit spread or chutney! Test out My Kid's Kitchen's excellent selection of fruit preserves. Plus,  don’t forget to add a mix of nuts in there...Do we dare suggest candied walnuts?  

Photo source:  Arbor Farmstead

4. Add Crackers and Bread

When making your decision on what crackers to incorporate, think about the type of cheese and meats you’ve selected. Vermont’s Castleton’s Crackers complement nicely with harder cheeses while hand crafted bread such as a seeded baguette from Wally's Place would be ideal to pair with your spreads or dips. 

Photo source: Wally's Place

5. Assemble the Board

Firstly, we recommend using your largest cutting board or a sizable serving platter. Then, layer the cheese and meats on top of each other and sprinkle the fruit and nuts in where you see fit. Additionally, you can use a small bowl for creamy dip or olives. Include any necessary utensils such as cheese knives and garnish with an herb like rosemary or thyme for a pleasant aroma!

Photo source: A Dash of Megnut 

Now pour yourself a glass of wine, sit back, marvel at your board, and dive in! Whether you're gathering with family at the holidays or going to housewarming parties charcuterie boards will be sure to amaze your company and their taste buds!

Photo source: Edyta via Eating European