2022 Holiday Gift Guide
Simon Pearce glass and pottery and Andrew Pearce wooden bowls; items provided by Smokeshire Design
Edible Vermont is pleased to represent these longtime partners in this Holiday Gift Guide. Visit their store locations for a unique shopping experience or shop online for your holiday needs.
SMOKESHIRE DESIGN
Set back on a busy stretch of road between Ludlow and Chester sits Smokeshire Design. The completely renovated historic building houses a retail space like no other. From a partnership that began and flourished in Vermont, Nancy Pennell and her master craftsman husband, Hugh, are curators of an amazing space. Their thoughtfully selected items fit any lifestyle, never lose their beauty, and truly make a statement that is unique and timeless. In addition to Hugh’s custom-crafted furniture pieces, other Vermont artists include Simon Pearce Glass, Andrew Pearce Wooden Bowls, Farmhouse Pottery, Rising Meadow Pottery, and jewelers Rebecca Haas and Jennifer Kahn. The handcrafted pieces of local artists complement the assortment of fine home goods: European linens, Irish woolens, Italian pewter, Turkish glass, specialty food items, and unique gifts. And, not to be missed is their bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup. Produced from the Pennells’ own trees, rich maple syrup ages in Kentucky whiskey barrels for six months until it takes on distinct caramel smokiness of a warm, silky bourbon. With all alcohol removed, this is great on vanilla ice cream as well as on pancakes! Stop in for a taste and enjoy a shopping experience that will transport you to a place of inspiration and appreciation of all things beautiful and bold.
Hildene Farm goods illustrate a commitment to heritage, stewardship, and community engagement. COURTESY HILDENE, THE LINCOLN FAMILY HOME
At The Museum Store, visitors will find Hildene Farm small-batch fresh chèvre made in its creamery, honey harvested from its apiary, a robust dark amber maple syrup boiled from the sap of its sugarbush, and free-range and pasture-raised eggs from a lively bunch of hens.
HILDENE, THE LINCOLN FAMILY HOME
Home to three generations of Lincolns, Hildene was built in 1905 by presidential son Robert Lincoln and his wife Mary Harlan Lincoln. The Georgian Revival mansion sits on a high promontory in Manchester, between the Green Mountains and the Taconic range, with the Battenkill valley below. Today, the estate welcomes more than 40,000 guests per year to see its historic buildings, enjoy the gardens, visit with the animals, and to walk the trails. With roots in agriculture, Hildene’s goal—to support and educate about cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement—is fostered and furthered through its farming operation, Hildene Farm. Using best practice farming processes, the institution is able to protect and strengthen delicate ecosystems and to give the animals their best lives and the surrounding community fresh, healthy foods. At The Museum Store, visitors will find Hildene Farm small-batch fresh chèvre made in its creamery, honey harvested from its apiary, a robust dark amber maple syrup boiled from the sap of its sugarbush, and free-range and pasture-raised eggs from a lively bunch of hens, as well as fiber products from yarns to winter caps and heirloom wovens created from its alpaca, sheep, and angora rabbits. Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is open year-round for guest exploration and youth and adult educational programming. For a truly engaging experience, stop by to observe and ask questions at Hildene Farm, and be sure to visit The Museum Store before leaving.
ROCKLEDGE FARM WOODWORKS
Rockledge Farm Woodworks is a family-owned business located on their 200-year-old hill farm near the family’s original 1700s settlement in Reading. Using converted barns for their workshops and gallery, natural beauty shines through their work and surrounds their farm. For those seeking the road less traveled, visitors to the farm are treated to the serene beauty found there. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch, utilize the picnic tables, enjoy the old grassy lane, and take in the views including that of Mount Ascutney. What began as a small family business with son apprenticing under father has grown to a thriving one with nine other employees including woodworkers, finishers, and office and marketing employees.
As woodworkers, their first priority is the quality and beauty of the wood used. Whether it’s salad bowls turned from solid blocks of uniquely grained cherry, carriers with intricately figured bird’s-eye maple, food-serving utensils carved in cherry heartwood, or their one-of-a-kind furniture, they use locally sourced woods that they know have been harvested in a responsible, sustainable manner. Their functional designs are carefully fashioned using time-proven methods, producing items that will be enjoyed and used for generations. While creating one-of-a-kind custom-designed home and dining furniture, woodenware, gifts for the home, and a wide variety of food prep and presentation small wares, it is always their hope that a piece from Rockledge Farm will add long-lasting beauty and a feeling of comfort to any home.
(top left)Kimberly Allison; (top right)Laura Bernard; (bottom left)Jen Violette; (bottom right)Ania Davis
Artists represented at SVAC hail largely from Vermont and other parts of New England.
SOUTHERN VERMONT ARTS CENTER
Southern Vermont Arts Center collaborates with artists to offer unique handcrafted items perfect for holiday gift giving and entertaining. At SVAC’s annual holiday market—held this year on November 12 and 13—more than 25 artisan vendors share work in glass, wood, jewelry, ceramic, and fiber. Original works and other crafts are always available for view and purchase in SVAC’s Elizabeth de C. Wilson museum shop. With a variety of price points and styles, the museum shop is a source for both adults and children to find art supplies, clothing, functional and decorative items for the kitchen and home, as well as toys and games. In partnership with Northshire Bookstore, SVAC also presents timely art books and publications.
Artists represented at SVAC hail largely from Vermont and other parts of New England. By supporting local, regional, and sometimes national artists, SVAC offers a unique viewing experience to the public and an opportunity to purchase original art in a variety of media. Set in Vermont’s natural landscape on a 100-acre campus, SVAC’s vast sculpture park, two gallery buildings, performing arts center, educational studios, and cafe are open all year. Gallery exhibitions rotate regularly, with most works available for sale. Consider SVAC for your artful, inspiring holiday shopping.
THE STRATTON PARSONAGE
Visit The Stratton Parsonage where the urban look meets country charm to create the perfect setting in your home.
What began as a “diamond in the rough,” The Parsonage opened its doors in the fall of 2017. With thoughts of having a local shop where neighbors and vacationers could find a last-minute gift or Vermont tourist keepsake, it was not long before owner Lorraine Weeks-Newell realized the need for a broader offering of furnishings throughout the home.
With that in mind, the “addition,” which opened in the summer of 2021, is a surprise to shoppers entering the establishment. Furniture selections from Fighting Creek All-American Furniture—including Amish and mission-style sofas, chairs, and accent tables—are on display. Locally made farm tables and benches are featured in the store, with custom ordering available to meet any size and color.
Not limited to a unique selection of furniture, hardwood bear and moose wall and mirror pieces are also exhibited. Original art, glassware, decorative trays, trenchers, and a variety of serving pieces are all perfect for your entertaining needs. The Parsonage associates are happy to assist you in choosing the perfect gift for your special occasion. Whether a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or a just-thinking-of-you surprise gift, you’re sure to find it at The Stratton Parsonage.
Although still young in operation, what was once thought of as a diamond in the rough has now become a true Vermont gem!
DEPOT STREET GALLERY & MERCANTILE
Depot Street Gallery & Mercantile in Ludlow is a unique art and home decor shopping experience featuring the work of more than 150 regional artists and master craftspeople. Meander through their rooms and discover a creative collection of artful objects to feather your nest. The Gallery represents many local and New England painters and photographers in both modern and traditional styles, a feast for the eyes! Relax in a comfy Adirondack chair made from wine barrels that sport their beautiful natural burgundy stain. Take a seat in the elemental iron-and-wood furniture that a local blacksmith will custom create for your kitchen and dining room. In addition, you will find a variety of fun and distinctive items for the kitchen including clever barware, earthy pottery, refreshing textiles, serving pieces, and beautifully handcrafted wooden bowls and cutting boards. Depot Street offers Vermont maple syrup and local raw honey as well as jams and jellies. The gallery is home to The Silver Spoon, where vintage silverware is transformed into sculpture, jewelry, and whimsical items. Shop our local jewelers who offer a variety of styles from minimalist to lavish in sterling silver, gold, glass, even vegan cork! Ski trail signs, pillows, rugs, soft woolen throws, hand-poured candles, all-natural soaps and lotions, and so much more makes Depot Street Gallery your go-to place whether you are decorating your mountain home, searching for a Vermont keepsake, or looking for that perfect gift.
VERMONT KITCHEN SUPPLY
Looking for the personal touch and connection when you shop for kitchen supplies? Seeking that hot gadget or unique gizmo to enhance your culinary game? Vermont Kitchen Supply, an independent, woman-owned business, boasts knowledgeable and passionate staff who love to cook. This Manchester mainstay has been a destination for both home cooks and culinary professionals for decades.
With 35 years in the kitchen supply business, Kerry Mackinnon and her talented team keep the shop stocked with a broad and deep inventory of top names including Smeg, Breville, Cuisinart, Emile Henry, and Staub. “People like to come in to see the items and to feel the quality,” she notes. The cozy shop also provides unparalleled customer service. “We offer guidance for those who need a little advice, something customers can’t get when they shop online,” Kerry says. She keeps her pricing competitive with big box stores and online retailers.
The thoughtfully curated selection reflects the interests and tastes of the diverse staff. On-trend items such as air fryers and the latest in coffee makers to a full line of professional quality knives and a wide variety of cutting boards can be found on the shelves. The cocktail department is packed with classic and trendy barware, and the baking section has pans in every imaginable style and shape, complemented by an impressive array of cake and cookie decorating supplies. Vermont Kitchen Supply also prides itself on their tabletop offerings: linens, tablecloths, napkins, and candles.
Gift certificates and wedding registry are available as well.
