Tourist-ing: A Downtown Adventure
"Tourist-ing," is the only way to really discover your hometown. Recently, I took a trip to a few local stores in Downtown Sault Ste. Marie and made it a point to buy at least one item at each store.
After All This Time
After All This Time is a locally owned, adorable gift shop. It is a fairly new addition to our downtown area and they just recently moved to a new storefront (341 West Portage Ave.). I visited when it was still located on Ashmun Street. There are lots of adorable items including home decor, clothing, and even teas and coffee (I will be returning to pick up some coffee and a coffee mug). The owner, Rebecca Fegan, was there when I stopped in. She was super friendly and made me feel welcome and complimented my purchase (she doesn't know I'm writing this post). I love the warm and welcoming feel of this store and it is a store you should definitely check it out, especially since they moved to their new location! I bought some pretty awesome pens that are helpful when I'm having a bad day. Also, unlike most of our gift shops, this one is open year round.
The Little Gift Shop
The Little Gift Shop is another locally owned, year round shop. It is located at 125 W Portage Avenue. My favorite part of this store is their display tables. These unique displays are actually cable rolls (a larger version of the wooden spools thread comes on), and fit the theme of the of the whole shop. The owner, Jill Rambo, was there my first time in this winter and was very friendly. However, this time she had a wonderful employee there who offered to assist me and was grateful for my purchase. The shop has an array of gift idea from artisans and crafters. My favorite was the jewelry from crafters and the key chains. I ended up purchasing a pretty sturdy key chain, and started to mentally make Christmas/Holiday gift ideas. Again, another shop I will frequent as the holiday's approach. Check out their Facebook here, as they offer art events too!
Cultured Pop
After All This Time
After All This Time is a locally owned, adorable gift shop. It is a fairly new addition to our downtown area and they just recently moved to a new storefront (341 West Portage Ave.). I visited when it was still located on Ashmun Street. There are lots of adorable items including home decor, clothing, and even teas and coffee (I will be returning to pick up some coffee and a coffee mug). The owner, Rebecca Fegan, was there when I stopped in. She was super friendly and made me feel welcome and complimented my purchase (she doesn't know I'm writing this post). I love the warm and welcoming feel of this store and it is a store you should definitely check it out, especially since they moved to their new location! I bought some pretty awesome pens that are helpful when I'm having a bad day. Also, unlike most of our gift shops, this one is open year round. 
The Little Gift Shop is another locally owned, year round shop. It is located at 125 W Portage Avenue. My favorite part of this store is their display tables. These unique displays are actually cable rolls (a larger version of the wooden spools thread comes on), and fit the theme of the of the whole shop. The owner, Jill Rambo, was there my first time in this winter and was very friendly. However, this time she had a wonderful employee there who offered to assist me and was grateful for my purchase. The shop has an array of gift idea from artisans and crafters. My favorite was the jewelry from crafters and the key chains. I ended up purchasing a pretty sturdy key chain, and started to mentally make Christmas/Holiday gift ideas. Again, another shop I will frequent as the holiday's approach. Check out their Facebook here, as they offer art events too!Cultured Pop
The last stop on my adventure was Cultured Pop, yet another locally owned store. Kathy Twardy owns this little gem, nestled between the Lockview restaurant and After All This Time's new location, across from the Soo Locks Welcome Center. She was very pleasant and helpful as well. 
I purchased the most at this store, because I got a stuffed pretzel (delicious, by the way). Not only can you find local souvenirs here, but you can also get fresh, gourmet popcorn. They specialize in small batches of the delicious treat, but that's when normal ends. Popcorn is jazzed up with infusions of flavored oils and vinegar to create flavors such as Himalayan Sea Salt, Lime Sea Salt, Pumpkin Pie, and Chocolate Espresso (just to name a few). I did not purchase popcorn this time, but I did get my hands on some amazing artisan soap and an awesome bracelet with beach glass in it. Fun little fact, they have a marimba located outside for public use. Another awesome thing about this shop is they put a water dish out for our furry companions to wet their whistles on hot days (Bear always has to stop and drink there). This is well worth the visit!
I purchased the most at this store, because I got a stuffed pretzel (delicious, by the way). Not only can you find local souvenirs here, but you can also get fresh, gourmet popcorn. They specialize in small batches of the delicious treat, but that's when normal ends. Popcorn is jazzed up with infusions of flavored oils and vinegar to create flavors such as Himalayan Sea Salt, Lime Sea Salt, Pumpkin Pie, and Chocolate Espresso (just to name a few). I did not purchase popcorn this time, but I did get my hands on some amazing artisan soap and an awesome bracelet with beach glass in it. Fun little fact, they have a marimba located outside for public use. Another awesome thing about this shop is they put a water dish out for our furry companions to wet their whistles on hot days (Bear always has to stop and drink there). This is well worth the visit!
I enjoyed my little adventure and met some new, friendly people here. I will definitely be doing a majority of my shopping at our local stores. Even though I may pay a little more, I know that I will be helping local business and economy in the long run. I rushed to get this blog post up as Downtown Sault Ste. Marie has a new event every Thursday (starting today) through the end of summer (August 29th) called Ashmun Alive! This is a pilot program that offers extended shopping hours and a whole lot of fun by rediscovering our downtown businesses (new and old), restaurants and watering holes! I am unsure if these shops will be participating or not, but I highly suggest taking a stroll to see what our downtown has to offer. I had so much fun exploring out local shops that I think I may do this again (as soon as my budget allows). Comment below which shops I should not so secretly shop. You never know what ones I may write about next! Until next time people!
Stay Tuned!
Comments
Post a Comment