It isn’t just NYC that has great places to shop and eat.  Today my shopper friend (the lovely Irene) and I started out in Salem and spent 4 hours doing our Christmas shopping without stepping into a “big box” or a chain restaurant.  The day was total fun and we filled our shopping bags to the brim.  This year more than ever before our local merchants need us to vote with our feet!!  Think Local!!!  Here’s where we went:

Ma Valise, 379 State Street, French themed–lots of clothes, scarves, hats,  as well as house stuff.

The Arbor, 367 State Street, gorgeous personal and home gifts, and great ambience.

Mary Lou Zeek Gallery, 335 State Street, art and fun!!!!  The lovely Tina helped me choose the right thing.

Lunch break at Le Capitale–new French bistro.  I forgot to photo my DELICIOUS lunch (smoked salmon and greens on a potato pancake with aioli–a small and utterly satisfying plate.  The corner of State and High Streets.

Greenbaum’s Quilted Forest–#6 quilting store in the nation.

The Art Department art supply where my shopper hit the jackpot!  254 Commercial Street NE.

Le Shoe Boutique, where we went to see Liz Bauman’s paintings–but it’s a cool store.

Exhausted we headed to the Wild Pear for a coffee before heading home ahead of the snow.  372 State Street.

We almost finished our Christmas shopping, supported our local merchants, and had a ton of fun!!  Try it!