‘Tis the season of gift giving, and what better way to show someone you care by supporting the Phoenixville businesses that help make our town a wonderful place to live, work and play. Here are our top picks for great local gifts that will bring a smile to anyone on your Christmas-giving list.
The Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge Street) In the heart of downtown Phoenixville, The Colonial is the only theatre of its kind in Chester County. Open daily, The Colonial offers a variety of art and independent films, classics, children’s programs and live concerts. You can support the theatre and give a great gift by becoming a member. (Membership pricing: student: $30, Senior (62+): $35, Individual: $40.) With your membership you receive $5 admission to films, a free refill on soda/popcorn purchases, one free movie pass, and an invitation to the members-only Oscar Party. It’s not too late to order a membership for someone on your list!
Hipster Home (237 Bridge Street) This eye-catching downtown store is the perfect stop for all things stylish for the home. Their chic, spacious Bridge Street storefront rivals any upscale home store with its unique, ultra-contemporary approach to decor. Stop in for everything from signature housewares and accessories to lighting and seating a la Mad Men. You’ll even find distinctive jewelry, specialty stationary and adorable gifts for children. No matter the season, Hipster Home is a fabulous shopping experience that absolutely cannot be replicated at larger retail home stores. Shop in the store or online for great deals and one-of-a-kind finds.
Potomac Bead Company (167 Bridge Street) this gem of a store shines like the brightest of beads in its beautifully renovated Bridge Street space. With two floors teaming with creativity, you’ll find baubles in every shape and color imaginable. This is the perfect stop for the jewelry lover or crafter on your list. Know of an aspiring creative? Sign them up for one of many beading classes that take place throughout the year in their spacious in-house workshop classrooms.
Handcrafted Cookie Company (24 South Main Street) This boutique small-batch cookie shop offers both classic and inventive of artisanal cookie flavors. Each batch cookie dough is made using all-natural ingredients like Celtic sea salt, Madagascar bourbon vanilla extract, European-style sweet cream butter, organic eggs, freshly squeezed and zested citrus fruits, Dutch chocolate (imported from Holland), organic dark chocolate chips, 100% natural peanut butter and other high-quality ingredients with no additives, preservatives, trans-fats or high fructose corn syrup. Their frozen cookie dough as well as their fresh cookies and gift baskets are perfect for gift-giving.
Fenix Martini Bar (193 Bridge Street) As one of Phoenixville’s hottest late-night stops, Fenix Martini Bar is all about style and attitude, with a creative and unique martini list that rivals the best of night clubs. This sophisticated and chic lounge, with its exposed brick, modern lighting, urban seating, and mood-inducing DJ music, creates the perfect ambiance for either a romantic night out or a group get-together. Give that special someone on your list a gift-certificate to this upscale Bridge Street hotspot.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (130 E. Bridge Street) Release your inner beer snob by sporting an Iron Hill signature T-shirt that says, “Our beer snobs can beat up your wine snobs”. Visit www.ironhillbrewery.com or any of their breweries to pick up a stylish shirt for you or someone on your list, or check out their Winter Wheat Wine-Oh gift package ($30 gets you one bottle, two 18-ounce signature glasses and a beer tote). Or, give the gift that keeps on giving with an Iron Hill Mug Club Membership. For $35 a year, you get an Iron Hill Mug, invitations to members-only events, plus with every pint purchase receive a free upgrade to 22-ounces. Additionally, with your membership, you receive a $25 gift card for every 300 points purchased ($1/point with 200 free points when you sign up). Extra gift-giving incentive? You’ll receive a $20 bonus card for every $75 purchased in gift cards.
Country Charm Furnishings (28 South Main Street) This adorable Main Street shop features custom-made furniture and country-inspired décor. At Country Charm, you’ll find everything from custom-made furniture (available in varying colors and finishes) ranging from farm tables to hutches and jelly cabinets to coffee tables. You’ll also find great gift-giving ideas with home accents such as clocks, mirrors, shelves and bread boxes. Order a custom-made piece of furniture, a decorative item or a gift card for that someone on your list who will appreciate a slice of country charm.
Gould Frame (4 Gay Street) Stop by Gould Frame, Phoenixville’s custom framing and digital printing shop where you can find top-quality merchandise and a wide range of print selections. When you bring a special project or art piece to Gould Frame, you are entrusting your treasure with a family that has been serving the greater Philadelphia area for three generations. Bring your framing and custom art pieces to the experts where they’ll bring their years of experience to create quality results. Using both classic techniques as well as the latest trends, Gould Frame is a great choice for stellar customer service and creative ideas for framing your artwork and other special memories.
Generations (113 Main Street) This shop is a must-stop for more than one person on your gift-giving list. This historic building has been in the same family since its use as a 1929 drugstore. You won’t find the personalized services anywhere that can compare to those in this multi-generational store. You’ll find an eclectic collection of gifts and toys for all ages. Items in the store have been selected to inspire creativity at any age. For small children, you’ll find classic toys, children’s books, puzzles and specialty brands like Melissa & Doug, Playmobil, and Buckleyboo. For others on your list, you’ll find wine racks, cocktail napkins, candles, soaps and lotions, antiques and collectibles, jewelry, greeting cards and so much more.
Black Walnut Winery (260 Bridge Street) For the wine-lover on your list, what could be better than a bottle (or two!) of one of Black Walnut Winery’s delicious, home-grown wines. Stop in and you may just have a chance to meet one of the faces behind local winery (owners Lance and Valerie Castle and Jack and Karen Kuhn). They describe their wines as “approachable” and suited to every palate from the conisseur to the everyday wine-lover. Sample any one of their 17 varieties before making your purchase. Two of the varieties have even received awards at area wine competitions. Consider buying a gift card for an intimate tasting in the Phoenixville-based Tasting Room or at their Sadsburyville winery. Also available at Black Walnut Winery are a wide range of wine accessories for the holidays and beyond.
Diving Cat Studio (246 Bridge Street) Owner Markels Roberts is the artist behind much of this artisan shop which features pottery sculptures, flame-worked jewels and glass art and a wide array of magical merchandise selections. Both a gallery and store, you’ll find a colorful and eclectic mix of jewelry, wearable and wall art, as well as pottery, glass and metal creations. For the artist on your list, sign them up for a pottery class where they can meet other artists and local crafters and learn how to turn clay into unique and functional objects.
Glow Skin Boutique Spa (122 Bridge Street) This adorable boutique style spa specializes in corrective skin care but offers a wide range of indulgent services to pamper your body and give your skin healthful glow. At Glow, you’ll find a full menu of indulgent services from therapeutic skin care treatments including facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, full body waxing, airbrush tanning, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, and make-up services. Give the gift of a mini-spa getaway to that someone you love on your list! You can schedule an appointment online or order a gift certificate online for fast and easy shopping.
Bridge Street Chocolates (158 Bridge Street) Bridge Street Chocolates is Phoenixville’s newest specialty food shoppe that is featuring Seasonal Truffles for the holidays. Stop in and sample their assortment of flavors including pumpkin, caramel pecan, egg nog, candy cane, white chocolate, creme brulee and tiramisu while supplies. Feel free to mix and match flavors or select your favorite for a box-full. Also ask about their antioxidant chocolate. Pricing for truffle boxes range from $6 (for 4) to $36 (for 24). They accept cash, checks, and credit card. For the chocolate-lover on your list, stop by Bridge Street Chocolates to place a special order or select your favorites made to order.
Best Friends Boutique (26 Main Street) This quaint Main Street boutique located offers everything for the modern woman. At Best Friends, shop for the lady on your list who will appreciate eclectic and stylish items for her wardrobe. You’ll find clothing, handbags, jewelry, accessories, designer labels and high-quality hand-crafted items.
Wolfgang Books (237 Bridge Street, 2nd floor) Wolfgang Books is a gem of a bookstore, perfect for readers, intellectuals, poets and dreamers. Perched on a second floor overlooking Bridge Street, the journey to Wolfgang Books is worth every one of its 26 steps. This unique and innovative bookstore is truly one-of-a-kind, rivaling any bookstore in the greater Philadelphia area bringing shoppers a welcoming bookstore that not only inspires but rings nostalgic to a time when books were treasured. New and used books are shelved side by side, with attention to selection of both new and classic reads, local publishers, classic works and children’s books. Stop by Wolfgang Books to not only purchase a gift for a loved one, but to “experience our take on dignified bohemia.”
Artisans Gallery and Cafe (234 Bridge Street) Whether you need lunch, brunch, coffee, dessert, a quiet place to work or a specialty gift item, stop by this warm and wonderfully ambient coffee shop. Purchase a bag or two of their fair trade coffee, select locally created art pieces or choose a handmade mug, dish or candle made by a local artist; all perfect for your holiday gift-giving.
French Creek Outfitters (270 Schuylkill Road) For the sportsman on your list, check out this large local sporting goods store that carries everything for the sportsman including firearms, archery, fishing, camping, clothing, footwear, paintball/airguns, paddle sports and other recreational activities. Shop online or in the store and browse from a huge selection of items to get you out of the house and into nature.
