Gift Local 2022

Mount Joy Gift & Thrift

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Vendor Marketplaces:

The Ultimate In ShoppingLocal

BY CATHY MOLITORIS

I f you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind holiday gift, look no further than your local vendor marketplace. Spaces that showcase multiple artisans offer one-stop shopping with a personal touch, said Ian Gantz, who owns Artisan Mill Company in Lititz with his wife, Ashley. “These artists/makers and curators put their hearts and souls into everything they do and make,” he stated.

And shopping at an artisan market keeps your money in the community, said Marty Hulse, owner of Building Character in Lancaster, who added, “Shopping at a place like Building Character is the ultimate in shopping local, because you’re not just supporting one local business. You’re supporting over 70.” When you’re ready to head out for holiday shopping, check out these vendor marketplaces near you:

Artisan Mill Company

813 Rothsville Road, Lititz

Ian and Ashley Gantz didn’t let a pandemic stop them from pursuing their dreams. They opened Artisan Mill Company in November 2020. “We knew small businesses took a hard hit and wanted to help as many as possible,” Ashley said. “We started with 40 and are now up to 135.” The marketplace is housed in a water mill building that dates to 1818. The handicapped-accessible space provides elevator access to three floors of shopping. “It’s much bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside,” Ashley shared.

The marketplace sells a wide variety of products, including jewelry, art, home décor, candles, leather goods and wood items. “We also have an amazing nonprofit in our store, Hope.Inspire.Love,” Ashley said. “They help survivors of sex trafficking.”

Ian encourages anyone to come visit the business, even to just browse. “Even if you don’t come to shop but just want the experience, please come and check out the amazing things people make right here, locally,” he said.

For more information on Artisan Mill Company, visit www.artisanmillcompany. com or check out the business’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Building Character

342 N. Queen St., Lancaster

Marty Hulse considers Building Character to be sort of the godfather of vendor marketplaces in the county. “We opened in 2007, so for over 15 years, we’ve been curating our products and making the shopping experience the best it can be,” he said. “I like to think maybe we inspired some other places to open.”

Building Character features three warehouses full of more than 70 vendors, showcasing everything from vintage clothing to home décor. “We have everything from stocking stuffers that cost $2 up to handmade cutting boards that are $100 and up, although we don’t have a lot of items in the $100 price range,” Hulse stated. “There’s something for everyone’s budget.”

Hulse holds special events throughout the year at Building Character, including participating in First Friday. “When you want to find that unique item for the person that’s hard to find something for, this is a place that offers the variety and selection you want,” he said.

Housed in a space off Queen Street in Lancaster, the business can be a little tricky to find, Hulse said. “Just like the treasures you find at Building Character, finding Building Character is a treasure hunt in itself,” he noted with a laugh, adding that a limited number of parking spaces are available in a small lot by the store, and on-street parking is also available.

For more information on Building Character, visit https://buildingcharacter.biz or its Facebook or Instagram page.

Kindred Collections

452 Locust St., Columbia

The owners of Kindred Collections in Columbia held the grand opening of the business just days before the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. “We were creative and pulled through that,” said Karen Bulthaupt, who owns Kindred Collections with Julie Hess and Audrey Lape. “We currently have over 90 artists and craftspeople with a wide variety of things to choose from.”

Bulthaupt noted that the business not only supports local makers, but also puts a premium on customer service. “We love our customers,” she said. “We strive to provide a friendly and helpful shopping experience.”

Shoppers will find a little bit of everything at the marketplace. “We have several artists who repurpose vintage furniture pieces,” Bulthaupt stated. “Jewelry is also a favorite, and we have many different types. We have a couple of leather artists who make handbags, keychains, belts and, soon, ornaments. Several artists do various fiber arts. These range from handbags and bibs, scarves and blankets to beautifully felted wraps. We also have gifts that will suit the men in your life - metal sculptures and laser-cut saws and more.”

She underscored the importance of supporting the local economy by shopping locally. “The unique, often one-of a-kind gifts are crafted right here in PA,” she said. “A purchase at Kindred is not something someone will find at the mall or on Amazon.”

Along with featuring artisans, Kindred Collections hosts workshops taught by the artists and has an event space that can rented for business meetings or small parties and gatherings.

For more information on Kindred Collections, visit its Facebook or Instagram page or check out www.kindred collections.com.

Prussian Street Arcade

49 N. Main St., Manheim 2200 Embassy Drive, Lancaster

“Every time you purchase a fun find from Prussian Street, a vendor gets a notification that they’ve sold something, and they can do a little happy dance,” said Susan Ferrari, who owns the marketplace with her husband, Michael. “When you shop small, you’re making so many makers’ days.”

Prussian Street Arcade hosts about 200 vendors and micro-merchants, which sell a wide range of goods. “We have everything from home décor and furniture to new and vintage apparel, candles, oils, jewelry, leather goods, woodcraft and blown glass,” Susan stated.

The Manheim location opened in November 2019 and has been so well received, the Ferraris began searching for a second location in 2021. “In August of 2022, we were able to open our second location in West Lancaster at the Lime Spring Square shopping center,” Susan commented. “The support shown for small business by our customers is incredible, and we feel lucky to have such a loyal and kind group of shoppers.”

Shopping at a vendor marketplace like Prussian Street Arcade not only helps to keep local small businesses viable, but also provides an opportunity to showcase the skills of the vendors, she said, noting, “Prussian Street is an experience in the power of creativity and the joy of discovering the love of craft.”

For more information on Prussian Street Arcade, visit www.prussianstreet.com or check out its Facebook or Instagram page.

Trellis Marketplace

153 E. High St., Elizabethtown

Walk into Trellis Marketplace in Elizabethtown, and you’ll find unique artists, makers and collaborators, said owner Charley Sage Montgomery, noting, “We believe in providing a variety of items, including home decor, clothing, gifts and accessories, so there is a bit of something for everyone.”

Trellis Marketplace features about 30 vendor partners in a building that used to be a church. It opened in August 2017, and as owner, Montgomery is continuing the business her mom started. “I took over the business at 21, at such a young and admittedly naïve age … (after) my mom, Laura, lost her battle with breast cancer,” she shared. “Trellis Marketplace is the preservation of my and my mom’s dream for Elizabethtown.”

To mark its five-year anniversary, the business opened Groovy Bean Café, selling coffee and tea drinks as well as cupcakes, Danishes, quiche, croissants, muffins and more. Montgomery noted that the on-site café is a joint venture between herself and her partner, Kyle Florey. “Opening our new café has been no small undertaking for us this year,” Montgomery stated. “It has been tough and a lot of learning, but it has been such a joy to add this to our shopping experience.”

She emphasized that along with unique vendors, shoppers to Trellis Marketplace will find free onlocation parking and a focus on customer service, adding, “We want people to know we are more than happy to help them load up their cars with wonderful home furnishings.”

For more information on Trellis Marketplace, visit www.trellis-marketplace.com or look for the business on Instagram or Facebook.

GiveSpendMore Less

Holiday Special Package $20.00

Manicure • Pedicure • Cut & Style (savings of $8.00)

Manicure • Pedicure • Soothing Facial

Shampoo & Style (savings of $11.00)

Holiday Indulge Me Package $30.00

Stress Relief Package $35.00

Manicure • Pedicure • Massage - one hour

Deep Conditioning Treatment/Style (savings of $18.00)

Pamper Yourself Package $45.00

Spa Manicure • Spa Pedicure

• Specialty Facial with Eye Treatment

Scalp Treatment/Style (savings of $24.00)

Spa Manicure • Spa Pedicure

Specialty Facial with Eye & Lip Treatment

Massage - one hour (savings of $29.00)

All services performed by supervised students.

All nail and hair services are walk-in. All massage and facial services are by appointment only. You do not need to have all services completed the same day. Stretch out your package and make the most of this wonderful gift. Where Beauty & Wellness Meet

J.O.Y. BOOKSTORE

SPREAD THE WORD Support Local Through Online Reviews

Patronizing a business and thanking its staff on your way out can help business owners and their employees feel good about the work they're doing. Though such gestures will never go out of style, customers can do even more to help the small businesses in their communities.

When you find the perfect holiday gift at a locally owned store or experienced top-notch customer service at a small business, take a few minutes to leave an online review! Online reviews have become increasingly important for small businesses.

According to BrightLocal's Local Consumer Review Survey 2022, 78% of consumers use the internet more than once a week to learn about local businesses. What's more, the survey found that 99% of consumers have used the internet to find information about a local business in the last year.

The BrightLocal survey also found that written reviews describing a positive experience and reviews with a high star rating were the most significant review factors to make consumers feel confident about a local business.

Gift Baskets!

The value of positive reviews for local businesses in undeniable. Consumers who want to help the small businesses in their communities can consider these tips to ensure their reviews are the gifts that keep on giving for local businesses.

Go to the right place.

A review is only helpful if it's seen. The BrightLocal survey found that, in 2021, Google (81%), Yelp (53%) and Facebook (48%) were the three most utilized sites or apps to evaluate local businesses, suggesting that consumers can do the most good by leaving positive reviews on these sites.

Recognize that recency matters.

BrightLocal notes that the number of consumers willing to trust reviews left as long as year ago is on the rise. However, only 7% of consumers feel that recency of review does not affect their decision. Consumers who really to want to help a local business they've already reviewed can leave a new review if their previous one was posted more than a year ago.

Leave a review even if the business already has plenty.

The BrightLocal survey found that 39% of consumers indicated that they may be more likely to patronize a business that has more reviews posted. So even if a business already has lots of positive reviews, one more positive review can still prove beneficial.

Consumers can tailor their online reviews so they're as beneficial as possible for the local businesses that help their communities

Gifts

From The Kitchen

BY CATHY MOLITORIS

The perfect holiday gift may be in your kitchen. “People love receiving an edible gift,” said Nancy Skee, owner and innkeeper of Olde Square Inn Bed and Breakfast in Mount Joy. “Homemade treats? Yes, please! They’re thoughtful, delicious, and they don’t have to cost a lot. As a bonus, they can often be made ahead of time. It’s a nice way to show friends and neighbors that they’re in your heart during the holidays.”

Homemade gifts allow you to get creative and put your personal touch on a present, said Stacy Reed, senior Extension educator for Penn State Extension Lancaster County, and they’re perfect for a variety of recipients. “They are especially welcomed by working people who don’t have time to do the extras and by older folks who don’t have the energy to do special cooking,” Reed noted. Making a gift from your kitchen also reduces the likelihood that someone else will duplicate your present, noted Hannah Smith, chef and culinary director for Zest! Cooking School in Lititz. Above all, she emphasized, a homemade gift shows how much you care about the person receiving it, she said, adding, “Putting time into creating something unique that wasn’t just purchased in a store makes the recipient feel extra special. Food is love.”

When considering what food gifts to give this holiday season, follow these tips from the experts:

Think about your recipients and their preferences. “Keep in mind food allergies,” Smith said.

Keep it simple. “The gifts you make don’t have to be complicated,” advised Skee. “If you’re opting for something new, try to limit the amount of ingredients you’ll need to buy that you might never use again. I know I get aggravated when I find myself with pricey leftover seasonings or oils sitting on my kitchen shelf.”

Be aware of food safety. “When making dry mixes, remember to use fresh ingredients and make sure the container — whether it’s a jar, cup or bag — is clean prior to assembling the mix in it,” said Martha Zepp, home food preservation consultant for Penn State Extension Lancaster County. “Keep in mind there are risks involved in giving home-canned foods. Improperly canned foods may contain spoilage organisms that can make you and your gift recipient sick. The safest canned goods to give are high-acid foods and those made with high vinegar or sugar content.”

Label all your food gifts with ingredients and include any needed preparation or storage directions such as “refrigerate and use within three days,” said Reed. “Ideas and tips for use of the gift are also appreciated.”

Choose things that hold up well. “There may be some time between when you gift the item and when the recipient has the opportunity to enjoy it, or between when you make it and have the opportunity to give it,” Smith explained.

Consider a family gift. “For gifts for an entire family, create a meal-themed gift basket, such as pasta or tacos,” Zepp commented. “Include your favorite recipes and nonperishable ingredients and tell them on the recipe card what perishable ingredients need added to complete the meal.”

Select things that can be made in batches. “You might want to keep some for yourself,” said Smith.

Think outside the cookie jar. “Everyone makes cookies and enjoys them, too, but how about something more unique, like infused oils or honeys, homemade crackers, granola, sauces — sweet or savory — DIY spice blends or soup mix?” Smith recommended. Skee suggested ingredients in a jar, accompanied by instructions for baking later, and recalled one of her favorite homemade gifts she’s ever received, herb butter made by a neighbor. “He wrapped it in a twist of waxed paper and popped it in a little gift bag with a store-bought roll,” she said. Reed noted that jams, jellies, relishes and pickled products make great choices. “Peppers are plentiful in markets much of the fall and winter,” she said. “Use them in relishes or try pepper jelly. Using frozen corn allows you to make corn-pepper relish year-round. Apples are at peak quality in the fall and still a good buy throughout most of the winter. Try apple butter or pear apple jam. Oranges and other citrus are becoming readily available and make good marmalades.”

Not sure where to start with a homemade gift?

Herb Butter or Compound Butter

Recipe courtesy of Nancy Skee

Start with fresh, good quality butter, softened to room temperature. Margarine is not recommended. You can use fresh or dried herbs. Generally, 1 Tbsp. fresh herbs equals 1 tsp. dry.

If you’re unsure of flavors or amounts, start with less. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

For every half C. of butter, softened – one stick – just stir in the herbs until blended. Once mixed, shape into a log and refrigerate. Fresh butter can be frozen for up to four months. Use as a spread on bread or crackers, in mashed potatoes or to grill foods.

Check out these ideas:

Cowboy Cookie Mix

Ingredients

Try these combinations or create your own:

Basil Butter:

4 chopped fresh basil leaves or 1 tsp. dried

Italian Garlic Herb Butter

2 cloves garlic, minced or 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic powder

1/2 Tbsp. fresh minced rosemary or 3/4 tsp. dried

1/2 Tbsp. fresh minced thyme or 3/4 tsp. dried

1/2 Tbsp. fresh minced oregano or 3/4 tsp. dried

Sun-Dried Tomato Herb Butter

1 clove garlic minced or 1/4 tsp. granulated garlic powder

2 Tbsp. oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped

1 Tbsp. fresh minced basil or 1 tsp. dried

Parsley Butter

Use only fresh herbs for this.

1/4 C. loosely packed parsley leaves, chopped

A squeeze of lemon juice

Cinnamon Honey Butter

3 Tbsp. honey

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Ras El Hanout Spice Blend

Recipe courtesy of Hannah Smith

Ingredients

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground coriander seeds

1/2 tsp. cayenne

1/2 tsp. ground allspice

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

Recipe courtesy of Nancy Skee

1 1/3 C. quick oats

1/2 C. firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 C. broken pecans or walnuts

1 C. chocolate chips

1 1/3 C. flour that has been mixed with 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 tsp. baking soda and 1/4 tsp. salt

Assembly instructions

Use a wide-mouth quart jar for easy layering. Place each ingredient in the jar in layers in the order given – oats are on the bottom, then brown sugar, etc. Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient.

Instructions for gift tag

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

2. Empty jar ingredients into a large bowl.

3. Add 1 stick of melted butter, 1 slightly beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

4. Use a mixer or stir together until completely blended. This will be thick, so it’s OK to finish mixing it with your clean hands.

5. Place walnut-size pieces of dough 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet.

6. Bake 11 to 13 minutes until edges are lightly browned.

7. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet.

Apple Muffin Puffs Mix

Recipe adapted from “Pequea Valley AFS Cookbook,” courtesy of Stacy Reed and Martha Zepp

Ingredients for puffs

2 C. flour

4 tsp. baking powder

1/2 C. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg (see note)

Ingredients for topping

3 Tbsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg (see note)

Assembly instructions

Combine all ingredients and place in an airtight container or plastic freezer bag. Label “Apple Muffin Puffs Mix”

Mix topping ingredients and place in a small, airtight container or zip-close plastic bag. Label “Apple Muffin Puffs Topping.”

Note: Additional cinnamon may be substituted for the nutmeg.

Use mix within 4 weeks.

Give mix packages with one pint jar or can of applesauce.

Gift tag instructions

1 package Apple Muffin Puffs mix

1 1/2 C. applesauce

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/4 C. melted margarine, butter or vegetable oil

1 pack topping mix

Pour muffin mix into a large bowl. In another bowl, beat egg, stir in applesauce, then stir in melted margarine until well mixed. Pour all at once into muffin mix and stir just until moistened. Pour batter into greased or paper-lined muffin cups. Bake in preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Remove from muffin pans and dip in topping.

To make topping, pour topping mix in small bowl or custard cup. Melt 3 tablespoons butter or margarine and place in another small bowl or custard cup. Dip tops of hot baked muffins in melted butter and then in topping mix. Makes 12 muffins.

Bros & Brews Mens’ Night

Wednesday, December 21st 6-9pm Complimentary Gift Wrapping while you wait

Wine Gift Baskets available daily with locally made items

Midnight Madness Shopping Event Friday, December 23rd

Open 11 am - midnight including 22 BBQ arriving at 5pm

“Our Versionof a Room witha View”

To Shop Small This Christmas 5RE A SONS

The local area is home to myriad small businesses, from coffee shops and eateries to boutiques and specialty shops. This Christmas, when you ponder what to purchase for loved ones, consider patronizing local businesses! Not only will you likely find unique gifts for those on your list, but you will be supporting local entrepreneurs, which, in turn, can boost the local economy.

Here are five reasons to shop small this holiday season:

1 Autonomy and Diversity

The layout and offerings at national chains will be identical whether you live in the mountains or at the beach. Big box stores follow a consistent marketing strategy and look the same regardless of where they are located. That familiarity can come at the cost of variety. On the other hand, an independent business offers the products and services that are reflective of the customers and the community it serves.

2 Local Hiring Strategy

Certain big box retailers will hire local residents, but hiring policies may push for promoting from within the organization. This could mean relocating an employee rather than bringing in someone from the community who may be more in tune with local sensibilities. Small businesses may be more inclined to hire residents they know and keep hiring centralized to the local area - something that keeps more resources and money in the community.

3

Adaptability and Change

Local businesses can move more quickly to respond to economic factors that require change. Since they are focused more on the needs of their customers rather than stockholders, changes can be implemented rapidly without having to go through red tape, meetings, and updates to corporate policies. Changes also can be customized to the local community at large.

4 Investing in the Town

According to the financial resource Financial Slot, shopping at locally owned businesses keeps more money in the community. Local property taxes and other taxes paid by the businesses go right back into the community. This helps raise overall value for homeowners and can even reduce their taxes. The funding helps keep police, fire, and school departments functioning properly.

5 Turnover Is Greater

While no one wants to see a small business fail, that fate is sometimes unavoidable. However, that turnover helps teach communities what was done poorly and helps others learn from those mistakes. It also means fresh businesses will come in and replace the old, driving new growth, opportunity, and competition that keeps prices competitive.

Shopping small has an impact on small business owners, their employees, and the local economy. As an added benefit, shoppers will likely find memorable, unique gifts that their loved ones will treasure.

This year, give the Gift of memories with an experience the whole family will love! Day and overnight trips throughout the year available to exciting destinations like The Museum of the Bible, Great Smoky Mountains, Niagra Falls, Colorado and the West, Mackinac Island, The New England States and much more!

and Kristin Getty as they perform Sing - An Irish Christmas with a live 150 person choir and other special guests at The Anthem Theatre in Washington DC. This is a sold out show and our availability is limited. Call Fun Country Tours today to get seats for you and your loved ones. Give the gift of music this Christmas, a great present for everyone young and old.

Florida - Now Accepting Reser vations

January & February 2023

For small group Custom Trips to Sarasota/Pinecraft, Florida! Fun Day outings and Driver service included. Plus exclusive pricing and activities for newly married couples.

If you are a couple who just got married in 2022, a couple looking to celebrate a special anniversary or just a group of friends looking to have fun in the Florida Sun this winter, DON’T DELAY, CALL FUN COUNTRY TOURS TODAY! At 717-823-2086 Before this opportunity Melts Away!

PISTOL CLASSES

ZOOK’S HOMEMADE CHICKEN PIES,

Featuring one of life’s most savory and delicious comfort foods, join with those who have discovered the “fromscratch” meat pies that are made at Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies.

Surrounded by Amish farmlands in the heart of the PA Dutch countryside, this family owned and operated business uses special mouth-watering recipes that are making their beef, chicken, and sausage pies more famous with each passing year.

From the humble beginnings in their Amish farmhouse kitchen to a USDA inspected commercial enterprise, the quality and taste of their pies remains the same, even as the distribution has increased from one market stand to multiple stores and farm markets throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

You are always invited to stop by the Zook’s retail store to stock up on these quick and easy meals that are tasty and nutritious too! In addition to meat pies, Zook’s has a nice selection of specialty food items, including beef and chicken stock. For those who are traveling, packaging material is available for keeping your purchases cold for the ride home.

r 95 5 years s J.B. . Hostetter r & Sons s has s provided SERVICE E BEFORE E & AFTER R THE E SALE