 We
love to see that expression of surprise, to receive a compliment, and to
hear, "You shouldn't have," when we give the perfect holiday gift to a
friend or family member. What we don't love is fighting crowds at the
local mall, or driving 50 miles to shop, or paying shipping charges to
big online retailers. So don't hassle with holiday shopping when you can
find that perfect gift at a Southern Maryland specialty shop as close to
home as your own neighborhood. Here's a sampling:
Calvert County
Seascapes, 4105 7th St., North Beach. Nautically-inspired home and
seasonal décor, including fiber optic floral arrangements, wreathes,
winter branches, candles, and pinecones. Locally made jewelry, art, and
signed editions of books, plus hand-painted stemware, barware, and
eco-friendly gifts. 410-286-2755; www.seascapeshome.com.
Coffee, Tea & Whimsey, 4109 7th St., North Beach. An assortment of
gourmet foods, domestic and imported wines, coffees, and teas, including
flowering teas and clear glass tea pots and mugs. Personal accessories
include jewelry, scarves, and handbags. For a bit of whimsy: fairies,
dragons, and more. 410-286-0000;
www.coffeeteaandwhimsey.com.
Sisters' Corner, 8905 Chesapeake Ave., North Beach. These sisters enjoy
handcrafting aprons and making children's cloth books and themed
pillow-cases for the bedroom, as well as customizing dried wreathes and
floral arrangements. Find nautical and country home décor, art, jewelry,
and local souvenirs. 410-286-0074.
Shore Living, 8105 Southern Maryland Blvd., Dunkirk. From the elegant to
the whimsical, coastal style gifts and décor featuring local and
national artists, with a focus on products made in the USA. Find the
5-foot tall mermaid clocks! 443-964-8837;
www.shorelivinginc.com.
J. Pink and Company, 36 Dalrymple Rd., Sunderland. This upscale
stationery and gift boutique offers on-site personalized printing,
monogramming, and event planning services, plus designer gifts for
babies, 'tweens, and the home by Mud Pie, Charm It, Bella Bags,
Switchflops, Lilly Pulitzer, Vera Bradley, and more. 410-257-1770;
www.jpinkandcompany.com.
The Lemon Drop What Not Shop, 541 N. Solomons Island Rd., Prince
Frederick. Find the "fun, funky, sweet, quirky, trendy, sophisticated
and chic" in gifts, including Versace eye wear, Vera Bradley
accessories, and Troll and Chamilia beads, plus fun footwear, clothing,
and personal care items. Adult-themed items, too. 410-535-3376;
www.thelemondrop.com.
Educate and Celebrate, 122 W. Dares Beach Rd., Prince Frederick.
Educational toys and games for babies up to high school-aged children,
including Lamaze infant toys; products by Melissa and Doug, Thomas and
Friends, and Calico Critters; arts and crafts gifts, puzzles, books, and
more. 410-535-2771; www.learning-experts.com.
Hugs, 132 W. Dares Beach Rd., Prince Frederick. Country home and
seasonal décor and collectibles, including Willow Tree and Willi Raye
figurines, Byers Carolers, White House Christmas tree ornaments,
wreathes, jewelry, greeting cards, and holiday scented candles by Yankee
and Time & Again. 410-414-3133.
House of Frames and Aggro Joe's Skate Shop, 475 Main St., Prince
Frederick. Glass, pottery, metal works, sea glass, note cards, jewelry,
and books. Original art and prints by local artists and artisans, and
customized framing. National and Aggro Joe's brand skateboards,
t-shirts, and skateboard hardware and accessories. 410-257-1420;
www.aggrojoesskateshop.com.
Main Street Gallery, 486 Main St., Prince Frederick. A dazzling display
of handmade jewelry, pottery, blown glass, original works of art, and
one-of-a-kind gift items by artists from near and far, plus an extensive
collection of handmade terra cotta tiles and mosaics by well-known local
artist Parran Collery. 410-535-3334;
www.nancysmainstreetgallery.com.
CalvART Gallery, 110 Solomons Island Rd. Prince Frederick. From
traditional to modern art contributed by 25 local coop members,
including water-themed, outdoor, portrait, and still life mixed media
paintings; unusual metal and stone jewelry; carved wood sculptures;
water media collages; pottery; and photography. 410-535-9252;
www.calvartgallery.org.
Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park and Arts Center Gift Shop, 13480 Dowell
Rd., Dowell. Fine handmade art and fair trade items from near and far
including mixed metal and sterling jewelry, blown glass, wooden boxes,
handmade Christmas ornaments, and greeting cards. Nautical pottery by
Sarah Houde and sea glass jewelry by Liz Printz. 410-326-4640 ext. 16;
www.annmariegarden.org.
Calvert Marine Museum Gift Shop, 14200 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons.
Marine-inspired gifts from shark tooth necklaces and fossil collector's
kits to seafood cookbooks and sea glass jewelry. Kids' gifts include
model boat kits, stuffed marine animals, backpacks, and books.
410-326-2750; www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.
Clippers Canine Café, 14520 S. Solomons Island Rd., Solomons. Remember
your beloved dog or cat with all natural bakery treats and pet foods,
plus indoor and outdoor toys, collars and leashes, apparel, beds, bowls,
and pet books. 410-326-9294; www.clipperscaninecafe.com.
Harmon House Shops, 14538 S. Solomons Island Rd., Solomons. Two stores
under one roof. Grandmother's Store features nautical-themed
collectibles; Pigeon Hall pottery; and Blue Crab Bay dip, mixes, and
nuts. Inner Equinox features gifts and tools for the mind, body, and
spirit, including incense, candles, books, rocks, gemstones, and more.
410-326-6848; www.innereq.com.
Carmen's Gallery, 14550 S. Solomons Island Rd., Solomons. Exquisite
original art and handcrafted gifts from hand-painted porcelain works by
award-winning artist Ron Korczynski to ponchos and scarves by designer
Valerie Guignon. Chesapeake Bay-inspired photography, metal art,
jewelry, and gifts. Custom framing. 410-326-2549;
www.carmensgallery.com.
Charles County
Mattawoman Creek Art Center Gift Shop, Smallwood State Park.
Member-supported art gallery features works of 150 artists including
paintings, drawings, sculptures, metal work, photography, crochet
handbags and hats, scarves, unusual jewelry, Christmas ornaments,
frame-worthy greeting cards, handmade baskets, and 3-D gourd art.
301-743-5159; www.mattawomanart.org.
Embellishments a la Maison, 2788 Crain Hwy., Waldorf. Upscale personal
and home accessories, including handbags by Longchamp, Kate Spade, and
Brighton, and aromatic fragrances by Lampe Berger, Anthousa, and Seda
France. Cook like a gourmet with seasonings by Paula Dean, Barefoot
Contessa Pantry items, and Serendipity desserts. 301-932-7177;
www.emaison.net.
Gallery Jamel, 12102 Old Line Centre, Waldorf. Fine art gallery features
originals, prints, and limited editions of contemporary, impressionist,
sporting, and wildlife art by local and nationally known artists.
Museum-quality custom framing. 301-870-6570;
www.galleryjamel.com.
Waldorf Pottery, 4781 Crain Hwy., White Plains. Classic home décor and
outdoor statuary, plus handcrafted Christmas décor, including Old World
Christmas fine glass ornaments, dried wreathes, and dried and silk
arrangements. Gifts for the home include tables, lamps, wall art,
clocks, vases, and, of course, pottery. 301-934-1277;
www.waldorfpottery.net.
Joson Fine Jewelry & Home Boutique, 113 La Grange Ave., La Plata.
Distinctive gifts and fine jewelry, including handcrafted William Henry
pocket knives, David Wysor sterling and 18-carat gold jewelry, Sarah
Oliver purses, Zoobies plush animals with blanket inside, Vagabond House
pewter, and wood home décor. 301-934-7188;
www.josonjewelryhome.com.
St. Mary's County
Apple Basket Country Store, 27056 Mount Zion Church Rd., Mechanicsville.
Antique and vintage home décor and furniture. Personal gift items
including Troll and Camilla beads, Spartina 449 handbags, and Crabtree &
Evelyn body products. Gifts for the home include wall clocks, lamps,
Yankee candles, and gourmet kitchenware. 301-884-8118;
www.applebasketantiques.com.
My Dreams Country Store, 26530 Three Notch Rd., Mechanicsville. Great
selection of country and country themed
home decor and gifts. Check out the more than six rooms of furniture,
candles, framed prints, Christmas decorations, bedding, and more.
301-373-2006.
Traditions of Loveville, 28420 Point Lookout Rd., Loveville. An eclectic
mix of gifts and items for the home, including a large selection of
Brighton jewelry and Vera Bradley accessories, seasonal décor, Southern
Maryland- and Chesapeake Bay-inspired gift items, bath and body products
by Thymes Ltd., and Tea Forte infusion teas. 301-475-8280;
www.traditionsofloveville.com.
The Vintage Source, Old Compton Market, Compton. Open the third weekend
of every month; the second weekend in December and June. Fine and funky
home decor. A great place for unique furnishings, architectural pieces,
cabinets, beds, bookcases, tables, doors, windows, mirrors, and much
more. Wonderful selection of vintage jewelry, home accent pieces,
vintage kitchen tools, platters and plates, and depression glass.
240-925-1060; www.thevintagesource.net.
Lola Belle Co., 26288 Point Lookout Rd., Leonardtown. Fun and unique
home décor and collectibles, including scented candles and soaps by
Greenleaf and Thymes Ltd., glass Christmas tree ornaments, lamps, wall
art, and serving platters. Personal gifts, including jewelry, handbags
by Spartina 449, and accessories by Lilly Pulitzer. 301-997-1797;
www.lolabelleco.com.
Craft Guild Shop, 26005 Point Lookout Rd., Leonardtown. Traditional and
contemporary crafts by 40 local artisans and handcrafters, including
fiber arts, shawls, scarves, rugs, crochet baby items, jams and jellies,
teddy bears, quilts, soaps, wreathes, Christmas ornaments, hand-painted
mailboxes, and more. 301-997-1644;
www.craftsguildofstmarysshop.com.
The Right Mix at the Maryland Antiques Center, 26005 Point Lookout Rd.,
Leonardtown. The Right Mix is one of the many antique and gift areas
residing at the Maryland Antiques Center. They carry antiques for inside
and outside the home. Find a great inventory of chandeliers, mirrors,
cast iron urns, garden statuary, furniture, oil paintings, and much
more. While there, check out the other stores, which offer antiques,
original art, stationery, cards, and more. 480-365-8871;
www.marylandantiquescenter.com.
North End Gallery, 41652 Fenwick St., Leonardtown. Cooperative art
gallery featuring a diverse collection of original fine art, pottery,
jewelry, photography, and crafts at all price points. 301-475-3130;
www.northendgallery.org.
The Upper Notch, 25132 Three Notch Rd., Hollywood. Antique furniture,
glassware, and vintage jewelry, plus Blossom Bucket figurines and
blocks, Dragony and Dragonsite faeries and dragons, and Porcelain Garden
handcrafted nightlights. Find Thomas and Friends wooden trains, and Lego
and Gund products in the Kid's Corner. 301-373-3515;
www.uppernotch.com.
Pink Beach, 23415 Three Notch Rd., California. Coastal-inspired art,
gifts, and accessories, plus gourmet pepper jellies, jams, and honey by
Low Country; Blue Crab Bay products; Viva Beads handmade beaded jewelry;
thong sandals by Reef and Rainbow; Lilly Pulitzer and Vera Bradley
accessories; and Eartha handcrafted decorative tiles. 301-737-7765.
Sassafras Hill, 23415 Three Notch Rd., California. Holiday collectibles
and men's and women's gifts, including Fantanini Nativities; grilling
gear; aprons; Zippo lighters; Redskins t-shirts, sweatshirts, and
accessories; Miche handbags with interchangeable covers; fragranced
candles by Tyler; Gourmet Village seasoning mixes; soaps and lotions;
and jewelry boxes. 301-862-4020.
Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Gift Shop, 22156 Three Notch Rd.,
Lexington Park. Gifts for the aviation enthusiast: posters, postcards,
model airplane kits, books, CDs, military ball caps, backpacks,
t-shirts, and sweatshirts for adults and children. 301-863-8334.
Cecil's Country Store, 20853 Indian Bridge Rd., Great Mills. A joyous
mix of vintage and new furnishings for home and family; Department 56
Christmas collectibles; mercury glass ornaments; remote-controlled
candles; Pink Koala vintage baby bags, blankets, and bibs; crab pottery;
NAPA Firelights; and much more. 301-994-9622;
www.cecilscountrystore.com.
Cecil's Old Mill, 20854 Indian Bridge Rd., Great Mills. Craft co-op
featuring 20 local artisans and crafters. Pottery, ceramics, greeting
cards, crochet, embroidery, hand-thrown pottery, hats, scarves, and
mittens. Homemade jams, jellies, and baked goods. 301-994-1510.
The Shop at Farthing's Ordinary, 47414 Old Statehouse Rd., St Mary's
City. Open Wed.-Sun. until Dec. 19. Museum shop offers
historically-inspired gifts, books, house wares, souvenirs, and
reproduction pottery. 240-895-2088;
www.stmaryscity.org/shop.html. |
