Southern Vermont
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
A special advertising supplement to the Bennington Banner, Manchester Journal and Brattleboro Reformer • Wednesday, November 27, 2024 •
Celebrate Small Business Saturday in downtown Bennington: Festivities & tree lighting for all ages!
BENNINGTON — The Better Bennington Corporation (BBC) is thrilled to announce a festive celebration for Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 30th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM in downtown Bennington. This annual event is a fantastic opportunity for the community to support local businesses while enjoying family-friendly activities, holiday cheer, and plenty of seasonal surprises!
The event kicks off at 1:00 PM with a variety of merchant and restaurant specials throughout the downtown area. Stay tuned for details on discounts, promotions, and exclusive offers from local shops and eateries — it’s the perfect time to get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting small businesses that make our downtown so special.
A highlight of the day will be the return of the BBC’s Hot Chocolate Bar, featuring a delicious array of hot chocolate options with all the fixings — from whipped cream and marshmallows to festive toppings like candy canes and chocolate chips. Bring your family and friends
to warm up and indulge in this sweet treat!
The afternoon will also feature live entertainment from the Four Corner Carolers, who will be spreading holiday cheer with classic carols. Plus, kids can meet Santa Claus and enjoy a fun photo opportunity with the jolly man in red. A few more surprises will also be in store for attendees, adding to the excitement of the day.
The event will culminate with a Tree Lighting Ceremony in Merchants Park, where families can gather to watch the town’s holiday tree sparkle and shine. A special theme for children will make the finale even more magical, creating lasting memories for families and friends alike.
“Small Business Saturday is an important day for our downtown merchants, and we are so excited to bring the community together for an afternoon of holiday fun,” said Jeanne Mintrone, Executive Director of the BBC. “Shopping local is vital to the success of our vibrant downtown, and this event is a great way to show support while enjoying all the festivities the BBC has planned.”
Everyone is invited to join in the festivities, making this holiday season one to remember. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, enjoying a seasonal treat, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of downtown, Small Business Saturday is a celebration of community and local spirit.
We hope to see you there!
Museum gift shops offer local, classy shopping options
By Anne Archer Vermont News Correspondent
It has been said, the best holiday gift is one you make yourself.
However, if your artistry is on par with a 4-year-old, the second-best option is buying a handmade gift from a local museum gift shop.
Southern Vermont Art Center
Stepping inside Southern Vermont Arts Center’s thoughtfully curated gift shop is like walking into a mini museum — the only difference, you can buy the art. Eye-catching objects — textiles, jewelry, paintings and ceramics — are displayed against the
shop’s white walls and shelving, creating a bright and cheerful space lit up like a Christmas tree by the natural light flowing through the windows (even on a gray December day).
Many local artists can be found, including Elinor Katz of Jamaica who has taught a class at SVAC called pique assiette — the art of creating mosaics with
pieces of broken China and other trinkets — and Brattleboro artist Marcie Becker whose unique ceramics will start a conversation.
Shelves in almost every corner of the gift shop abound with jewelry options ranging from large and colorful to metallic sleek (there may even be an elf or two).
Southern Vermont Arts Center’s gift shop features a variety of books, ranging from “How To” draw, sketch, watercolor and calligraphy to Lyman Orton’s book “For the Love of Vermont: The Lyman Orton Collection.”
ANNE ARCHER — VERMONT COUNTRY CORRESPONDENT
These distinctive pendants were recently among the jewelry for sale at the Monument Arts and Cultural Center’s gift shop.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEWART CAIRNS
Glass artist Ann Conlin of Massachusetts makes individually crafted, one-of-a-kind glass focal bead necklaces that are reminiscent of holiday baubles.
If sterling silver, brass or copper is on someone’s holiday gift list this year, Aron Lifschultz of Designs by Aron makes metal bracelets, cuffs, pendants, rings and earrings.
“Jewelry should be of original design, well crafted, uniquely suited to each individual, and perhaps most importantly, beautiful in its creation,” Lifschultz said, describing his approach to his art.
For kids of all ages, there is a variety of books ranging from “How To” draw, sketch, watercolor and calligraphy to Lyman Orton’s book “For the Love of Vermont: The Lyman Orton Collection,” which is filled with Orton’s storytelling as well as 107 works of art depicting pre-1970s
Vermont landscapes, traditions, and people.
At 860 Southern Vermont Arts Center Drive, Manchester, Southern Vermont Arts Center’s gift shop is in Manchester in the Elizabeth de C. Wilson Museum. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit: svac.org/museum-shop
Monument Arts and Cultural Center
Over in Bennington, Monument Arts and Cultural Center’s gift shop is heavily inspired by local culture, including covered bridge-themed gifts. On a recent day during the fall, ornaments in the shape of miniature covered bridges adorned a small evergreen.
Oher wares included: wellmade adult- and child-sized aprons covered in whimsical
prints such as flowers, music, roosters and owls; jewelry made with large, distinctive charms; pottery; prints that ranged from local artists’ prints to New Yorker cartoons; books on local history; and a whole table of Vermont maple syrup.
“The Monument Arts and Cultural Center gift shop in Bennington, Vermont, offers a delightful array of merchandise that captures the essence of local culture,” said Shelli DuBoff, a member of the center’s executive board.
The center’s galleries and gift shop, 44 Gypsy Lane, Bennington, are open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Bennington Museum
At Bennington Museum, the bright, inviting gift shop greeted visitors on a recent day with: glass art by Michael Egan; mini paintings of animals, hearts and more by Amy Cloud, pressed flowers by Ellie Roden, goat milk soap, prints that resembled Vermont’s green license plates, and more. A central display of jewelry included necklaces with large, striking pendants, and earrings shaped like gummy bears.
For those who love sugar, there were maple leaf-shaped cookies, maple flavored cotton candy, and plenty of shapes and sizes of maple syrup.
Bennington Museum is at 75 Main St., Bennington, and is currently open every day except Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It closes from January to March.
Gen Louise Mangiaratti contributed reporting to this article
In the Bennington Museum gift shop, a central display of jewelry features necklaces with large, striking pendants, and earrings shaped like gummy bears.
GEN LOUISE MANGIARATTI - VERMONT COUNTRY
Why you should shop local for the holidays
Various components come together to make the holiday season a festive time of year. There is a lot to get done in a short amount of time during the holiday season, and part of that includes shopping for all of the family members and friends on your shopping list. Shopping can be a complicated process that involves identifying which stores will be the best places to shop. Local retailers make the perfect place to shop for holiday items.
According to the American Express Business Economic Impact Study, more than two-thirds of every dollar spent with a local business stays in the community. Indeed, shopping local benefits consumer and community alike. The following are some of the many perks to shopping locally throughout the holiday season.
• Personalized attention: Small businesses are known for their personalized customer service and owners and staff are often lauded for
taking the time to interact and learn about their customers, a dynamic that is impossible at larger retailers.
• Meet and interact with people: Shopping in-person at local stores, you’ll see faces from your community and become better known in the local area.
• Shorter lines: Local stores are bound to have smaller crowds and thus shorter lines. That translates to less stress and hassle when it comes to getting in and out with holiday gifts.
• Smaller carbon footprint: Pollution, traffic congestion, habitat loss, and resource depletion may not occur on the same levels when shopping locally compared to patronizing big box stores. That’s because local retailers tend to create or source their products locally, whereas many big box stores secure their goods overseas.
• Easier parking: This goes handin-hand with smaller crowds, as
shopping locally does not typically require driving up and down endless aisles at malls or standalone retail stores in an effort to find a parking spot. Local retailers in town may have on-street parking or closed lots that are convenient to shoppers.
• Small batch shopping experience: Consumers can secure items
in small businesses that are not carbon copies of those found across the country at major retail chains. When seeking a unique, thoughtful gift, shopping locally is the way to go.
Shopping locally this holiday season provides an array of benefits to consumers, and helps to solidify a strong Main Street in communities.
Finding all your holiday gifts right in town
~ Brattleboro offers inspiration for everyone on your list ~
By BoB Audette Brattleboro Reformer
If you’re making a list and checking it twice, downtown Brattleboro is the place to go for many things nice.
In fact, a sharp-eyed shopper can find everything from a chainsaw to delicate glasswork, a comfy pair of shoes to a rock-hopping mountain bike, comic books to bagels and cream cheese, all within a short walk of each other.
Maybe you need a book or a new vase or a gift certificate for a tattoo, home decor or a hand-crafted bottle of maple liquor to scratch
someone’s name off your list.
There are so many shops you might want to visit that you are bound to want a snack or a meal, and downtown has everything from vegan delights to pizza to burgers, fresh-brewed beer and fresh-ground coffee, as well as pastries and sandwiches.
For those who need more than one day to do all their shopping, the Latchis Hotel on the corner of Main and Flat streets is happy to put you up for the night. There, you can catch a flick, have a drink at the bar or wander across the street to look at antiques, browse records and CDs or maybe stop in
to see the collections at Brattleboro Museum & Art Center.
Kicking back with a meal and a beer can’t get more relaxing than visiting the River and Rail Tavern overlooking the Connecticut River, newly renovated and serving up craft ales.
With the new General John Stark Memorial Bridge connecting downtown to nearby Hinsdale, N.H., the old Charles Dana and Anna Hunt Marsh bridges are closed to traffic but open to pedestrians to stroll.
On Elliot Street, a shopper can find just about everything they
need, including genuine handmade finery from Guatemala at Altiplano, brilliant puzzles to challenge even the most earnest dissectologist. Looking for a book to give? Elliot Street is also the place with Everyone’s Books and Brattleboro Books and you can even find a nice piece of furniture at Emerson’s Furniture for your loved one to recline while reading.
Curious gifts can be found at two charming shops on Elliot Street, Verdigris and 3 Ring Traveling Apothecary and Harmony Collective showcases are and fine crafts from artisans all over the region.
The selection at Vermont Gift Emporium includes stuffies for the young and the lighthearted.
VERMONT COUNTRY FILE PHOTO
Handcrafted jewelry from Silver Forest, available at Vermont Artisan Designs, located on Main Street, Brattleboro.
VERMONT COUNTRY FILE PHOTO
All the products at Vermont Artisan Designs on Main Street, Brattleboro, are American-made, co-owner Greg Worden said, with about 90 percent coming from Vermont.
Up and down Main Street you can find exquisite jewelry, diamond rings and wedding bands at Evan James Limited, Cara Wolff, and Brattleboro Gold and Silver.
Over at Vermont Artisan Designs on Main Street, art lovers can find fine paintings, craftwork and other creations to satisfy even the most discerning on their Christmas lists. And next
door, at Kitchen Sync, can be found all the best bake and cookware for your favorite chef. Brattleboro has a lot more go-
VERMONT COUNTRY FILE PHOTO
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ing for it than just its charming and unique shops that offer a quirky variety of locally and ethically sourced goods. The stores are all locally owned, so shopping downtown supports local business owners who support the
community they live in.
On a bustling pre-holiday morning, Brattleboro’s historic downtown is the quintessential New England experience, with charming architecture and a welcoming ambience, easily walkable from shop to shop to cafe to shop again.
10,000sqfton3floorsofAntiques,Collectibles, Furniture,VintageClothing,Jewelry,andHomeDecor! ALittleSomethingforeveryone! 63MainSt,Brattleboro,VT (802)254-2261 www.twicetime.com
“There’s something here for everyone,” said Kathleen Gurney, owner of the Vermont Gift Emporium as the Vermont Marketplace on Canal Street in Brattleboro. “And we’re always adding new stock because there are a lot of one-of-a-kind things being made by our members.”
Greg Worden, co-owner of Vermont Artisan Designs on Main St., Brattleboro.
VERMONT COUNTRY FILE PHOTO
Beautiful handmade houses made by Wild Woods and many other wooden crafts available at Vermont Gift Emporium.
VERMONT COUNTRY FILE PHOTO
VERMONT COUNTRY FILE PHOTO
Five ways to shake up your gift exchanges
Gift-giving is a significant component of the holiday season. Families can embrace traditional gift-giving, but those who want to add a touch of whimsy to gatherings with loved ones can consider these five creative and fun ways to exchange gifts.
1. Play the plastic wrap game. To exchange small stocking stuffer gifts, compile gift cards, cash, small toys, candy, and even some larger gifts (all participants can chip in and one person shops for the gifts). The designated person in charge begins rolling up the gifts in the plastic, adding one every few rolls. Turning the ball 90 degrees while wrapping helps make a more round, finished gift ball. To play, the person with the ball puts on oven mitts and tries to unwrap as much as they can to access the gifts, while the person to the left is attempting to roll doubles on dice. When doubles are made, that person passes the dice to the left and starts his or her own attempts to get at the gifts in the plastic ball. The game ends when all the gifts
are revealed, whether everyone has had a chance to unwrap or not.
2. Plan a white elephant gift exchange. A white elephant exchange is like a secret grab bag. Everyone brings a wrapped gift, and then takes turns choosing a gift based on the number they’ve been given. When the gift is chosen, the person opens it. The next player can select a fresh gift or steal one of the presents that’s already been opened.
3. Host a make-and-take craft party. With this type of exchange, participants will engage in some form of crafting for the duration of the event, whether it’spottery, painting, epoxy resin pouring, or even knit crafts. At the end of the night everyone can swap their creations with another or keep their own crafts as gifts.
4. Give the gift of a group outing. Instead of exchanging material gifts, focus on sharing experiences with friends and family. A trip to watch a sports game or a theater performance can be an ex-
cellent way to spend time together, and something a person may not be inclined to do on his or her own. Certain venues will offer discounts on group tickets, so everyone can pool their resources.
5. Host a DIY cookie and cocoa exchange. Cookies, cocoa and the holidays are a perfect combination. A gift exchange where participants
supply ingredients for these sweet treats, share their favorite recipes and then put together the finished products can make for an entertaining and festive afternoon. Each person can fill a cookie tin with baked cookies to take home and mason jars filled with homemade hot cocoa mix and marshmallows can be an additional gift to enjoy later on a chilly evening.
After 52 years in business, Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery is looking for a new owner
By MArk rondeAu Vermont News & Media
BENNINGTON — Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery (plus Cards and Gifts), a venerable downtown institution, is for sale.
A flyer taped to the front counter offers details: “Do you want to take over the largest independently owned art supply store in Vermont? Steeped in history and brimming with character, Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Bennington’s rich heritage.
“Established in 1972, this beloved local institution has been a fixture of the community for over 50 years,” it states.
The business, at 115 South St., is for sale for $200,000, according to the flyer.
Owner Jay Zwynenburg, 91, took some time from his work one recent morning to talk about the desire to sell and the 52-year history of the business.
“I’m not in a rush,” he said. “I’m still good health. I’m in no hurry to sell the business, but I’d like to have the right person who has the capital to sustain the business.”
The business is in the historic Drysdale building, which dates to 1865. It “boasts approximately 5,000 square feet of retail space, plus the same in basement storage,” according to the flyer.
“The building is also for sale, that’s separately. It’s the same amount, $200,000, for the building. That’s the first floor and the basement and the entire second floor,” Zwynenburg said. “The third floor is all four condominiums, which I sold separately. So they’re owned by four different people.”
A woman in the store heard him talking about the sale. “You’re selling your property?” she asked. “You’ve been here for years.”
“(Since) May 1, 1972. I’m in my 90s now,” he said. “I’m getting close to retirement.”
She was looking for canvas in roll. The man with her was looking for a palate knife. The man said he was 80 and still worked and worked out, too.
“Good for you. That will keep you young,” Zwynenburg said. “I still work. That’s my workout.”
Zwynenburg noted that the store has 10 departments, which include arts and drafting supplies, gifts, custom framing, clothing and greeting cards. “We do all custom framing downstairs, and so that keeps us quite busy and active.”
A native of northern New Jersey, Zwynenburg first came to Bennington to work on a farm as part of a Scouting program. Right after high school, he entered the military and served during the Korean War.
“And then I got out in June of ‘53 and I applied to four colleges, and I got accepted in all four.
And since I had some experience enjoying Vermont, I went to the University of Vermont up in Burlington,” he said. “And then I stayed up there. I graduated on a Sunday, and I reported to work at IBM on Monday morning at eight o’clock. Yeah, none of this nine o’clock baloney, eight o’clock, and I had a good career with them for many years.”
Jay and Joan Zwynenburg, the founders of Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery, met in 1955 as students at the University of Vermont, according to a 2022 joint Vermont House and Senate resolution honoring the business for its 50th anniversary.
Jay Zwynenburg, of Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery, says though his business is for sale, he’s “not in a rush” to sell. “I’m still in good health. I’m in no hurry to sell the business, but I’d like to have the right person who has the capital to sustain the business,” he said.
MARK RONDEAU - VERMONT COUNTRY
“Jay Zwynenburg stunned his colleagues by abandoning his corporate career to open a bookstore in Bennington, the first of seven stores the Zwynenburgs have owned in the community,” it continues. “Although the Zwynenburgs ultimately sold
six of their stores, they retained Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery, which, in its earlier days, featured an adjoining art gallery, and which was highly successful.”
On May 1, 2022, the store hosted a 50th anniversary celebration
at which the Better Bennington Corporation presented a plaque marking the occasion. Bennington Town Manager Stuart Hurd and other officials conducted an honorary ribbon-cutting.
“So, it’s been a nice run. I’ve really enjoyed it,” Zwynenburg
said. “It’s been a great 52 years, and I’ve enjoyed every moment.”
I “still enjoy coming to work every day,” he said. “And so it’s not a chore for me. I just want to make sure I find the right person to buy the business, because I want to see it continue.”
(Above left and right) The interior of Jay’s Art Shop & Frame Gallery at 115 South Street in Bennington, VT.
PHOTOS BY MARK RONDEAU - VERMONT COUNTRY
A cozy start to the holiday season in Bennington
As the winter settles in, Bennington, Vermont, gears up for holiday shopping, and warm gatherings indoors.
With an impressive selection of dining, shopping, and entertainment, Bennington offers an ideal escape for visitors looking to enjoy a touch of Vermont’s holiday spirit. Here’s your guide to making the most of a winter getaway in Bennington!
A Taste of Bennington
Bennington’s restaurants and inns are a perfect way to savor early holiday meals with friends and family. Whether you are planning an intimate dinner or a celebratory gathering, consider booking early at one of these top spots:
• Four Chimneys Inn – Celebrate in this charming inn, where an elegant, cozy setting awaits.
• Madison Brewing Company
– A favorite for its laid-back atmosphere, craft beers, and classic pub dishes.
• Union South – Located in the historic Putnam Block, this new venue brings fresh local ingredients and creative craft cocktails to the table.
• Publyk House – Known for its rustic New England ambiance and hearty dishes, perfect for the holiday season.
• Mt. Anthony Country Club – Enjoy sweeping views alongside a delicious meal at this local favorite with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
• Pangaea – The culinary gem in North Bennington, Pangaea serves inventive dishes with a focus on seasonal ingredients, offering a refined yet comfortable setting for an unforgettable meal.
Early
Gift Shopping:
A Downtown Stroll with Unique Finds
For those looking to get a head start on holiday shopping, Downtown Bennington offers a delightful mix of shops and boutiques with thoughtful gifts for everyone
on your list. The newest addition, The Haberdasher, is a must-see. With a curated selection of wines, imported goods, cheese boards, and artisanal items, it’s an aesthetic delight offering locally sourced cheeses, wine openers, & more.
The fireplace at The Grill, Mount Anthony Country Club.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Classic stops like Hawkins House and The Gift Garden continue to offer handcrafted items and local treasures, while the w.Collective and etc (located inside The Local & Co.) are perfect for finding one-of-a-kind home decor and craft items. All of these shops are within walking distance, so enjoy a leisurely stroll through Bennington’s walkable downtown while browsing unique gift ideas.
Indoor Events: Entertainment and Art
Winter marks the start of indoor programming and events in Bennington, giving locals and visitors an abundance of cozy entertainment options.
The Coffee Bar Music Series kicks off, featuring live performances that provide a warm, intimate backdrop for chilly evenings. In Downtown Bennington, The Bennington Theater has announced its new season, bringing
together children’s, professional, and community theater performances. Their lineup includes everything from theater to comedy and live music, attracting nationally touring artists and performers.
For something unique, try Trivia Night Live at The Bennington Theater, which blends theatrical elements with classic trivia for an immersive, unforgettable experience every second Thursday of the month. Also, the theater’s New Works Series offers in-house readings that provide a behind-the-scenes look at unproduced plays and performances.
Bennington brings together everything that makes the season special — warm meals, unique gifts, and plenty of live entertainment — all set against the charming backdrop of a town ready to welcome visitors for the holidays. Make Bennington your holiday destination and embrace the warmth of Vermont hospitality.
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