Each holiday shopping season comes with its own challenges.
Until recently, these tended to be things like busy mall parking lots or popular items that were hard to find.
Then came last year, and it seemed like the pandemic might quash the season entirely. That didn’t happen, but many folks did limit their in-person shopping and family gatherings.
Unfortunately, the pandemic lingers, though the problem has shifted, focused now on supply chain issues and higher prices. It seems that we can’t catch a break.
Well, I have an idea that might help.
Luckily for us, the Harrisburg area is chock-full of little shops, specialty stores and galleries that aren’t as dependent on long, global supply chains as the big boxes and retail chains—or even the e-commerce giants.
Even better, these stores often offer unique shopping experiences, wonderfully located in quaint downtowns or down picturesque country roads. They sell goods, carefully curated by shop-owners, which are locally produced, artsy and one of a kind.
The only supply issue might be the supply of time it takes the artisan to craft, build, pot, bake, cook, paint or otherwise create. Their products are made with care, skill and imagination, a process that can’t be rushed.
Throw in a side trip to a brewery, winery or restaurant, and you have the makings of a memorable, fun day trip with friends and family.
In this issue of TheBurg, you’ll find a long list of these shops and stores, along with feature stories and advertisements. We hope you’ll use these as jumping-off points for your own shopping explorations around the region.
With all the businesses included in the issue, I found many places that I wanted to visit, either for the first time or on a return trip. I even saw a few that I had forgotten about and was happy for the reminder. You might have the same experience.
Otherwise, it’s November, which means a return indoors for many of us. I hope the new issue of TheBurg will accompany you by the fire, a blanket nearby, a warm beverage in hand.
Lawrance Binda
Co-Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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