As the holidays approach, the hunt begins for the perfect gifts for everyone, from friends, family, to the family pets. Some shoppers start early, others shop year-round to get the perfect gifts. While shoppers may differ in their shopping timelines, the goal remains the same, to find the perfect gift for your loved ones that will make them light up Christmas morning. A good way to do this is to shop Franklin County and give the gift of local, quality products not found anywhere else.
1. Ski, Snowboard & Tubing Tickets to Whitetail Resort!
Give the gift of adventure this Christmas with lift tickets to ski, snowboard or tube at Whitetail Resort! Located in Mercersburg, Whitetail Resort, has 25 different trails for skiers and snowboarders and many tracks for those wanting to go tubing for a high speed race! The resort recently expanded their dining options and also offers night skiing for those looking for something different. From on-site rentals, purchases, lockers and more, pick up tickets for a different, adventure-filled gift!
2. Catch a live musical or theatrical show at Totem Pole Playhouse, PA Opry and the Capitol Theatre!
There is nothing like live theater, music and performance. From the young to young at heart, seeing a performance is an experience that is priceless. PA Opry, held in the historic Star Theatre in Mercersburg, and called the Branson of the Northeast, has shows that take visitors on a journey with old favorites, sounds of the 50s, patriotic tunes, country, gospel and cowboy ballads. In downtown Chambersburg, feel the spirit of theater at the Capitol Theatre. Built in 1927, the theatre is the anchor of the downtown, housing the Chambersburg Ballet Theatre and Chambersburg Community Theatre and also brings a variety of national and international performances to the stage. For a unique experience, check out the Totem Pole Playhouse, a special spot hidden among the pine trees of Michaux State Forest. This theater offers intimate, live performances for smaller crowds. Why not give the gift of entertainment and a unique experience this Christmas?
3. Local Art and Classes from The Foundry
The Foundry, the local art collective in Chambersburg, is open to the public and selling beautiful works of art. Whether it is paintings, metalwork, sketches or other works of art, these unique works of art by the members of The Foundry make a one-of-a-kind gift that won’t be forgotten. The Foundry also recently released a coloring book made up of original works of art by its members called “Color Me Foundry.” Gift cards are available for purchase and also include classes that are taught at the collective that cover a wide range of artistic specialties!
4. Art and Glass Work from Garage Studios
In Downtown Chambersburg, this collaborative studio space features TJ Gallery Glass and a group of local and regional artists and friends. Called The Garage Studios as it emerged from the garage of the founders, the group moved into the downtown location as it expanded to include artwork and space for many different ideas. From jewelry, pottery, glass blowing, cards, soaps and sewn items, this studio is a great place to find gifts for everyone in the family.
5. An Original Piece of Artwork from Gallery 50
An artistic movement has sprung up in Waynesboro through Destination Arts!. Gallery 50, located at 50 West Main Street, was the first gallery to open in 2013 when the movement, which brought artwork to empty storefronts and encouraged more expression in the community, first started. It continued to be operated by the Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro and features photography, etchings, paintings and oil painting demonstrations. All items are original pieces and could make a perfect gift.
6. Nicodemus Center for Ceramic Studies
Want to give the gift of a new experience? How about trying something new next year? Why not purchase a workshop in making ceramics from the Nicodemus Center for Ceramic Studies? From beginners courses on working with clay, to more intermediate classes on using the potters wheel and using glazes. Make a gift in one of the classes or purchase a workshop for a family member or friend today to try something new!
7. Something To Warm You Up from Abednego Coffee Roasters and C&C Coffee
Do you know a coffee lover? What about delicious hot chocolate? It’s hard to get fresher coffee beans and grounds than from Abednego Coffee Roasters in Chambersburg. The organization started in 2008 and air roasts their coffee in small batches for quality and only used fairly-traded coffee. They also donate 25% of their sales to non-profit organizations around the world so every bag of fresh coffee not only makes a good gift but contributes to people in need. In downtown Chambersburg is C&C Coffee, which proudly serves Abednego Coffee with their delicious coffee creations and also other treats like teas, smoothies and pastries. Treat someone you love to a gift basket of coffee or a gift card for a few cups to relax from a stressful week.
8.Something Locally Made and Delicious from Whispering Brook Cheese Haus
There is nothing quite like delicious cheese made from happy, grass fed cows. This raw milk cheese has been produced since 2004 when Whispering Brook Farm wanted something to supplement their milk sales with other products. They make delicious cow and goat cheese, including Colby Longhorn, Cheddar, garlic chives, dill and bacon, Italian, and Havarti. They are made hormone and antibiotic free cheeses and only sea salts as flavoring. Their cheeses can be ordered online and shipped all over the world.
9. Hand-forged Creations from Burdette Ironworks in Mercersburg
Want something unique and created from iron in your own backyard? Burdette Ironworks does quality artisan metal work out of their furnace in Mercersburg. From wall art, artwork, pet products such as leash sets, serving dishes, ornaments, stools, fire pits and plant stands, Burdette Ironworks has creations for every member of the family, including the four-legged ones! Each item is handcrafted and some items can be personalized to make a one-of-a-kind creation for the holidays.
10. Send something sweet from the chocolatier’s of Franklin County
There’s nothing quite like chocolate. Franklin County has delicious local chocolates made by chocolatiers that are great gifts around the holidays. Nathan Miller Chocolate in Chambersburg has been operating since 2010 producing delicious dark, buttermilk, mint, nut, gingerbread and other chocolate bars. The shop also sells truffles and other delicious items that have been featured in several magazines including The New York Times Olympia Candy Kitchen has been making small-botch chocolate and other treats in downtown Chambersburg for over 112 years. Now with a shop in Hagerstown, MD as well, the shop sells high quality chocolates, unique gifts and more! Mrs. Gibbles Candies, located in Greencastle, sells and ships delicious delicacies all over the world. Starting back in 1940, Mary Gibble started making quality products and selling them out of her home. Now, the candy is shipped and eaten all over! Zoe’s Chocolate Company in Waynesboro prides itself on using fresh and made from local and sustainable products from nearby farms. The chocolate has been featured in Oprah Magazine, The New York Times and The Washington Post. The Candy Kitchen in Waynesboro has been around since the early 1900’s and has hand-dipped and unique chocolates for sale. This staple of the town continues to make and produce delicious candies the whole family will love.
11. locally brewed craft beer from Roy Pitz Brewery
Looking for something special for someone who enjoys craft beer? Look no further than a growler from Roy Pitz Brewery in Chambersburg! Two local best friends grew up together and pursued their passion of brewing to create liquid art. Their flagship ales include Ludwig’s Revenge, a German-style smoked Schwartz beer, Best Blonde, a German Style Blonde Lager, and Old Jail Ale, an English Style Brown Ale. They are available by the pint but also by growler and samples are available at the brewery and The Stube, where delicious and locally-sourced food is made for guests.
12. Local Wine from Jan Zell Winery and Tuscarora Mountain Winery
Jan Zell Wines makes delicious red and white wine as well as cider from their winery in Fort Loudon. The winery sells their wine to local vendors but also has a new tasting room in Chambersburg. Their trademark wine, Ravenwood Red is a semi-sweet red and is a favorite of wine drinkers. They also have a wide selection of others, including blackberry, blueberry, a Riesling, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, a chardonnay and many others. Tuscarora Mountain Winery, located in downtown Chambersburg, makes its wines with local grapes. Originally beginning as a hobby and with wines for friends, the winery went from a home project to an official store in 2009. Now, it sells sweet fruit wines and nice, dry red wines. They have something for every palate and their award-winning wines make great gifts for the person who has it all.