Experience the Holidays in Wabash County

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Experience the Holidays in Wabash County story by BIZ BISHOP 69 65 If you want to shop local and 64 gift local for the loved ones in your life, consider starting your holiday gift-buying in Wabash County. In Wabash County you can visit Wabash, North Manchester, Roann, and Lagro, four quaint towns tucked between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. Wrap up your gift-buying excursion by grabbing a bite to eat, a glass of wine, and rest your feet by watching a holiday-themed live show.

You will have no trouble checking everyone off your list at the locally owned shops in Wabash County. Help stay under your budget by taking advantage of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday by shopping sales and special offers.

Jump start your shopping spree at Bellazo Revived Style, where you will find vintage and upcycled clothing, art, decor, fragrances, local t-shirts, stickers, comical socks, and books. If you still can’t decide, ask them to make you a “Goodie Bag” that will take into consideration the likes of the recipient. Log Cabin Antiques has lots of vintage and antique treasures waiting to be found to be gifted to the loved one who loves collecting treasures.

The Visit Wabash County Welcome Center has carefully curated works from over 45 local merchants and artisans all in one storefront. Shop for locally-made candles, soaps, notecards, postcards, maple syrup, jewelry, art, funny shirts, hand-crafted coffee mugs, and more unique gifts.

Kitchens Plus Country Store is also filled with wonderful surprises that range from primitive decor and wall-hanging art to ornaments and stocking stuffers. Cottage Creations Floral and Gifts is a full-service florist and gift shop with jewelry, handbags, plants, and seasonal decor. At the Rhinestone and Roses, you’ll find a size-inclusive fashion boutique, dog toys, and accessories as well as small gifts such as coffee mugs and cute key chains. Still stumped? Delight your loved one with a bouquet of flowers.

Brighten the homes of those on your list with premium soy wax candles with unique containers at JoJo’s Olfactory and Co. Or sign up the crafters in your life for a class to make their own candles with custom scents. The readers in your life will love presents from Mostly Books, a Cottage Creations Florist & Gifts is a great place to find unique gifts for the holidays. PHOTO: Manchester Alive used book emporium and gift shop. You’ll love browsing through the Tickets, which go on sale Nov. 1, are $6 per endless selection of books from every genre, person and free for those under 12 months along with paintings, movies, and much more. old. Buy your tickets soon, they sell out fast. Don’t forget to take time for yourself, take a break to stop in The Wine and Cheese Shop at Charley Creek Inn for a light snack of wine and gourmet cheeses. For a full meal, try Harry’s Old Kettle Pub & Grill for a burger and a beer. If Mexican food is your thing, take your pick from Habanero Grill and Cantina, Mi Pueblo or El Mezquite. Or grab a pizza from Pizza King, Goodfella’s, or 950 Speakeasy Bistro. Treat yourself to a nice sit-down dinner at Eugenia’s in the Honeywell Center before you see a live performance. One show that is partially popular is Cirque Dreams Holidaze which combines a Broadway-style musical with contemporary circus artistry. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, The Jolly Trolley tour is a wonderful opportunity for Nov. 19. and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20. your kids to visit with Santa. PHOTO: Visit Wabash County Or get tickets for the A Charlie Brown A Charlie Brown Christmas Live at the Honeywell Center. Christmas on Dec. 15 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, PHOTO: Honeywell Center Dec. 18, enjoy A Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Another possibility is a movie or Take the kids on a unique experience to live entertainment at the recently renovated Wabash County on board Trolley No. 85. The Eagles Theatre, which has now been Jolly Trolley Tour will be Saturday, Dec. 10, completely restored to its original 1906 glory. with tours leaving every half hour between Before you head home, have an ice cream 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will last about an hour. treat from Chillz. Or visit Modoc’s Market Join Mr. & Mrs. Claus on the trolley for story for a coffee, hot chocolate, or fresh baked time as you travel to your next stop about 10 goods. It’s the perfect way to wind up a visit to minutes away for more holiday fun. Enjoy a Wabash County. puppet show, crafts, cookies, a hot cocoa bar, For more information, go to www. and photo opportunities with Santa himself. visitwabashcounty.com