It happens every year! Thanksgiving has come and gone and we all think that we have plenty of time for decorating, baking, party-going and gift shopping. And before we know it, it is almost mid-December. And then the panic kicks in!
This Holiday season, shop in Lovell and surrounding towns! Here's a list of shops and ideas where you not only get a great gift but you are helping our local businesses!
* Lots to choose from at the HARVEST GOLD GALLERY in Center Lovell. Custom designed earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings and more. Inside their large gallery is a wide variety of American-made art work (much of it local) that will brighten every home. Bill and Lynda can be reached at 207-925-6502.Visit their website here.
* You need to check out the great things that Brent Legere is creating at the Lovell Box Company. Wonderful, one-of-a kind boxes and creates made from pine grown on the family land. Perfect for wine, beer, storage, produce, etc. Brent would be happy to make something from your own specs. Check out his Facebook page here or call him at 207-432-2900.
*HILLTOP HANDSPUN, located in North Lovell, Maine, is owned and operated by fiber artist and designer, Lucy Rogers. Lucy enjoys creating and selling hand made yarn to hand knitters and fiber and roving to hand spinners and felters. The yarn and spinning fibers are made from alpaca, mohair, wool and angora fleeces that she hand selects from Maine and New England fiber farms. Many of her designer yarns are hand spun and a number are spun at a local mini-mill often on a fleece by fleece basis. Beautiful colors in the yarns, which are inspired by the local mountain environment, come to life during the hand dyeing process in Lucy’s kitchen. Here is a link to Lucy’s webpage where you will find yarn and kits for sale.
*LOVELL HARDWARE, located at 411 Main Street is up and running! Great selection of lumber, paint, nuts and bolts, mulch, pellets, pet and horse feed, propane and much more. Can't beat this special offer on Gift Certificates: 'Buy $50, get $10 free; buy $25, get $5 free' The store is open every day. Call 925-9053 for hours.
*HOMESTEAD ICE CREAM SHOP. Beth Armington’s store sells much more than ice cream, coffee, hot dogs and stew! She also has two floors of local artisans’ work ranging from small crafts, iron pieces and quilts. A great spot for unique gifts at affordable prices. And don't forget that Homestead is an authorized United Parcel Service drop-off location. Stop in and visit. 207-925-9005.
*PIETREE ORCHARD. Located on the top Waterford Road in Sweden, this Orchard is a great place to shop for local produce, baked goods, flowers, jams and pizza. The ‘Pick-Your-Own’ season is over but there is lots to choose from in the store. Visit PietreeOrchards.com for more detailed information. 207-647-9419.
Karl's Auto Repair, located at 118 Cushman Pond Road in Lovell. Get rid of that winter grime inside and out for your special person's car with an auto detailing package from Karl. Call for more details at 207-928-3132 or visit their Facebook page here.
*How about a Gift Certificate to some local eating establishments?
1)Rosie’s Lovell Village Store. Stop in or call Rosie at 
207-925-1255.
2)The Center Lovell Market. Open on a year-round basis for great food, coffee, a bottle of wine and gasoline! Great pizzas! 925-3090-1051.
3)The Stow Corner Store. Original menu, great portions, a warm environment and a local institution! Check out their Facebook page here for updates on specials or call 207-697-2255. Don't miss the award-winning chili and seafood chowder!
4)AJ’s Everything Store at 409 Maine Street in Stoneham. A small convenience store upfront and a nice restaurant out back. Great food at great prices! 207-928-2454.
5)THE CENTER LOVELL INN. The Inn offers 10 large comfortable guestrooms each appointed with family antiques and sitting areas for relaxing and reading. A full country breakfast is served piping hot each morning. Enjoy gourmet dining in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in the evening. The forty-seat dining room offers a crackling fire on cold winter nights. In the summer, enjoy breakfast and dinner on the screened-in wrap-around porch. In the evening enjoy the sunset over the White Mountains. Visit the website here!
6)THE OLD SACO INN. Pete and Sandi welcome you to their pub, restaurant and inn on the banks of the Old Saco River. Good food and cocktails in a friendly setting. Great access to the snowmobile trails as well! Old Saco Inn.
7)‘Best Beer Bar in America‘, EBENEZER’s PUB During winter, it is an easy snowmobile ride to their front door. The Pub’s phone number is 207-925-3200.
Still can’t figure out what to give to someone who has everything? How about a gift in their name to some of our local organizations? The Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lewis Dana Hill Memorial Library, Lovell Historical Society, Brick Church for the Performing Arts, Greater Lovell Land Trust, Kezar Lake Watershed Association, Lovell’s United Church of Christ or Lovell Friends Helping Friends (winter fuel assistance for the needy)!
Please let me know of any additions to this list.
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!