‘Tis the Season to Shop Local

Tis’ the season of giving and if you’re looking for some special gifts for your friends and family this holiday season, Lowell has plenty of choices for everyone. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion or one-of-a-kind artisan gifts, here are some local holiday shopping spots where you’re sure to discover unique finds.

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Photo courtesy of Dandelion District

For Fashionistas

Whether you’re seeking clothing and jewelry that’s modern, retro or a little more exotic, there are some great boutiques and consignment shops in Lowell to explore for gifts for your fashion forward friends. Humanity Boutique offers a selection of women’s clothing that reflects Lowell’s hip culture and style. The shop is all about mixing pieces of different colors, patterns and textures that will complement women of all ages.

Dandelion District located in Mill No. 5 is where you’ll find very cool vintage consignment clothing including flannels, jeans, leather jackets, tees and much more. Galeria De Los Andes Boutique is a vibrant shop with alpaca sweaters, ponchos, scarves and more! The boutique is also known for their selection of fine Tagua and sterling silver jewelry.

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For Audiophiles

For your loved ones who are always talking about and listening to music, you can find great music related gifts at Lowell’s local music shops. For new and used instruments and lessons, the family owned Tone Loft located in Mill No. 5 carries guitars, bass guitars, keyboards and ukulele’s, and offers lessons in all of these instruments.

Serious music fans love their vinyls, and you can find an extensive selection of new and used vinyls of all genres at Vinyl Destination, just steps away from the Tone Loft. Every record store has their own unique inventory, so if you’re seeking a certain album or artist be sure to also check out Garnick’s Music Center and RRRecords for more options.

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For Natural Beauty Lovers

Walk into Red Antler Apothecary at Mill No. 5 and you’ll be hit with an aromatic wave of handmade soaps, bath bombs, candles and herbal blends, all of which make for great Christmas gifts. Browse their selection of personal and household cleaners or ask the friendly staff to create an herbal blend specifically for your needs. Just down the hall at Crose Nest Botanical Pharmacopoeia you can find other great gifts for the body and spirit, including botanical teas, bath soaks, face masks and more.

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For Pet Lovers

Pets are part of the family too, right? Whether you’re shopping for your own pet or for a pet-loving friend, there are a couple unique shops in Lowell to stop by for gifts that animals, and their owners, can both get excited about!

At SITIZENS Animal Treats located in Mill No. 5 you will find healthy dog, cat and horse treats that are made from all natural ingredients grown at their Laszlo Family Farm. Be sure to also visit PUPS, a one-of-a-kind pet boutique and supply shop that offers stylish leashes and harnesses, custom built dog beds, specialty dog houses and a variety of pet food and toys.

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For Foodies

Mill City Cheesemongers is a great shopping destination for your foodie friends and family members. They of course carry a large selection of cheeses, but they also sell craft beer and wine, various jams, crackers, sauces and sweets. Their friendly staff can also provide you with samples and advice on which cheese matches what you’re looking for.

Sweet Lydia’s handcrafted candy shop has some great holiday selections from gourmet marshmallows, smores, candy bars, hot chocolate and much more. Their treats are available to purchase individually or as conveniently pre-packed gift boxes perfect for the holidays!

With plenty of great restaurants, cafes and eateries in Lowell you can’t go wrong with giving your loved ones a gift certificate to their favorite eatery (or one they’ve wanted to try) for the holidays!

Visit http://www.likelowell.com/food-and-drink/ for a list of Lowell’s restaurants and café’s

Holiday Happenings Coming in December

The City of Lights Parade and Celebration has sparked the holiday season, and as we move into December there are plenty of festive entertainment and shopping opportunities coming up to keep you in the holiday spirit.

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Courtesy of Boston Pops

Entertainment

On December 16th Keith Lockhart conducts the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra in a performance of their beloved Holiday Pops concert at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium from 2:30 – 4:30 PM. Audience members can expect to hear some holiday classics, several new arrangements of seasonal favorites and their signature rendition of Sleigh Ride. With holiday music, sing-a-longs, and an appearance from Santa Claus himself, the Holiday Pops concert is sure to leave you feeling merry.

The Lowell Memorial Auditorium is bringing their musical adaptation of the holiday TV classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to their stage on December 2nd at 3 PM. See all of your favorite characters from the original special including Santa, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster and of course Rudolph, as they come to life for a very entertaining holiday musical!

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From now until December 23rd, The Merrimack Repertory Theatre presents Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, a holiday play featuring several characters from Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice. This warm-hearted and witty show written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon involves love letters being delivered to the wrong person and unexpected engagements being announced. Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley is holiday treat for Jane Austen fans and the entire family alike.

On December 1st and 2nd Middlesex Community College launches their new Donahue Family Academic Arts Center theater with their inaugural production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet! There will be shows at 2 PM and 7 PM both nights, so if you’re looking for a break from holiday shopping or just want to get out of the house, come see a classic love story at Middlesex Community College.

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One of the best parts about December is watching our favorite holiday movies, and the Luna Theater has us covered with several classic holiday films playing throughout the month. Upcoming shows include The Polar Express on December 1st and 2nd, White Christmas on December 2nd, A Christmas Story on December 8th and 9th, and It’s a Wonderful Life on December 15th and 16th. Enjoy these classics on the big screen!

For times and to purchase tickets visit http://www.lunalowell.com/calendar/action~agenda/request_format~json/

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Holiday Shops and Markets

If you’re looking for unique gifts for family and friends this month be sure to explore the 6th annual Totally Bazaar holiday market at Mill No. 5 on December 1st. From 12 – 5 PM there will be two floors of vendors selling a wide variety of vintage, handmade and artisanal holiday gifts. On December 8th Mill No. 5 also presents their Holiday Oddity Marketplace.  From 12 – 5 PM you can find even more uncommon and unusual items that make perfect holiday gifts. Pass on the socks and ties this year, and explore the Holiday Oddity Market to find something memorable!

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When shopping for holiday presents this season be sure to visit the Lowell National Historical Park Gift Shop for national park novelties, Lowell apparel, books about the city and children’s gifts like park ranger hats and stuffed animals. The New England Quilt Museum also has a wonderful gift shop with a variety of handcrafted quilts and handbags, jewelry and unique toys.

Holiday Open Studios comes to Western Ave Studios this December with four days of art exploration and shopping fun! On December 1st, 2nd, 8th and 9th from 12 – 5 PM you can browse the open art studios, chat with artists, shop for unique gifts for all budgets, watch art demonstrations and enjoy lunch and a craft beer from the Navigation Brewing Company.

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On December 14th, Brush Art Gallery & Studio’s Soup and Shop Lunch Holiday Marketplace offers complimentary homemade soups while you do some holiday shopping in a gallery environment! Studio Artists are offering a 10% discount on artwork from the studios during this event, and Gift Certificates are available as well.

The following day, December 15th, the gallery hosts their Sugar and Spice Weekend Holiday Marketplace. Try some homemade cookies and explore the vibrant Studio Gift Shop for that perfect gift you’ve been searching for. There will also be Brush Studio artists on site who would love to talk to visitors about their techniques and inspirations for their creative works.

Handmade in the Heart of Lowell

Lowell has many entrepreneurial types who have made their dreams become reality. We are so happy that these businesses are sharing their hard work and talent. If you are looking to support a local business while getting quality product, look no further! Here are some of the businesses whose home and heart are in Lowell.

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Red Antler Apothecary

Created in 2013, the Red Antler Apothecary set out to create products with natural ingredients that are healthy for your skin and bade. They list all their ingredients used in their products all of which are cruelty free! Their products are handmade and include household cleaning, soaps, shampoos and many other self-care items. Red Antler is located at Mill No. 5, and occasionally they provide workshops, such as their "Bath Bomb Boogie Workshop," which is being held April 20th. For more information, click here.

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Ymittos Candles

For over 100 years, Ymittos Candles has been crafting candles without using automation or modern machinery. They are New England's oldest, continually operating candle factory and supply candles for churches as well as hospitality, design/home, and the film industries. Ymittos has provided handcrafted candles for movies for over 20 years and over 40 films, including Pirates of the Caribbean and Batman, The Dark Knight. The store is located on 279 Dutton Street. To find out more, check out their website here.

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Purple Carrot Bread Co.

Located at 250 Jackson Street, Purple Carrot Bread Company focuses on fresh, hearth style European breads with no chemicals or preservatives. Purple Carrot also specializes in savory and rustic pastries such as scones, croissants and cookies. Their breads are dairy free and mostly vegan. Some exciting news from Purple Carrot is they will be opening a full service cafe on Merrimack Street that will include their current products along with fresh soups, salads and hand carved sandwiches. Keep an eye out for their opening date here, or on their Facebook.

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Sweet Lydia's

What started out as an experiment is now a business that is a staple in many people's homes. Sweet Lydia's, located at 160 Merrimack street, creates one-of-a-kind s'mores. These delicious sweets have won the editor's choice food award from Yankee Magazine and have also been featured on WCVB. Sweet Lydia's offers care packages, gift boxes, and wedding favors. Check out all the different sweets Lydia's has to offer in person, or here on their website!

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Breweries

We have two breweries here in Lowell. Merrimack Ales, lcoated at 92 Bolt Street, is open for tastings every day of the week with varying hours. Merrimack Ales has their beers in different stores and restaurants around the area, so if you cannot make it to the tap room, you'll have plenty of opportunity to taste test at a local spot! Check out more about  their beers and the Hypothesis Series here.

The second brewery is Navigation Brewing located at Western Ave. Studios. Navigation just celebrated their fourth anniversary, and they are open Thursday through Sunday with varying hours. When the taproom is open, there will typically be a food truck or food vendor for you and your friends to enjoy while tasting craft brews. Navigation just created a new series called the Uncharted Series to which new brews are added monthly. To find out more about Navigation Brewing, click here.

Local Holiday Shopping Guide 2017

Shop local for the holidays, it’s a great way to get your holiday shopping done early and help small businesses grow.  Here are some recommendations of local stores where, from health and beauty to miscellaneous goods, there’s no shortage of great gifts that you can buy for loved ones this holiday season.

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Health and Beauty

If you know of someone who loves natural soaps, body butters, balms and other health and beauty products then this section is for you.

Take a trip to Mill No. 5 where you’ll find the Red Antler Apothecary which carries delightfully scented soaps that smell as great as they look along with body creams, balms, shampoos, scrubs and more.  Next, take a trip to Western Avenue Studios where Eir’s Garden offers Scandinavian-inspired soaps, lotions, creams and salves.  Finally, check out Mack Soaps for a variety of hand-made products such as soaps, aftershave, eye creams and lip balms.  These shops showcase the natural and local health and beauty products that are available to you and make great holiday gifts.

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Music and Records

Music is an essential source of entertainment for many of us and a passion for aspiring musicians.  If you have someone on your gift list that enjoys music, check out the following.

The Tone Loft at Mill No. 5 has great gifts for friends and family including new and used instruments as well as music lessons in guitar, percussion and vocals.  Near The Tone Loft is another fine shop for local music enthusiasts, Vinyl Destination.  This record store stocks vinyl records in a variety of genres.  If you’re interested in more records, there’s always Garnick’s Records on Middlesex Street where you’re likely to find records from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s ranging from classical to jazz to rock and psychedelic music. Just around the corner on Central Street is RRR Records, a used and new record shop where you'll find plenty of hidden gems. For a music lover, these stores present a chance to discover new music or a fun gift idea for more casual shoppers.

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Art and Jewelry

The city is filled with artistic talent, and local artists and jewelry makers provide art scene gift options. So, if you’re looking for locally made art products, here are some ideas.

At Van Gogh’s Gear on Market Street you can find art supplies such as brushes, paints, drawing tools and more.  If you know someone who is interested in learning, take a trip to The Cogitation Zone in Western Avenue Studios (WAS) and learn how to make pottery at one of the classes offered.  Also at WAS, there’s Lush Beads offering finished jewelry pieces, custom designs, and private lessons in beading. Also don't forget to check out Lush Industrial's fun and funky unisex jewelry made with new and repurposed hardware.  Lowell’s local museum gift shops can also help you find a special gift.  Check out the shops of the New England Quilt Museum and the gift shop at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center.  Whether you’re looking for it or not, the city’s art scene can be a great place to find a unique holiday gift this season.

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Miscellaneous Goods

Looking for other gift ideas?  Whether you’re seeking the perfect gift or you’re unsure what to get someone, the choices that these shops provide can inspire you to find something great to gift someone this holiday season.

At Mill No. 5, visit Crose Nest and discover botanical herbs, teas, stationary, jewelry and more.  Next, stop by Bon Vivant where you’ll find an array of goods such as clothing, jewelry, candles, matches and chocolate.  Sweet Pig Press carries all sorts of stationary including journals, holiday cards and banners. On Middle Street, stop by Rogers Pool Patio & Toy Co. for a variety of games, puzzles, dolls, activities and other options.  With these shops, you’re bound to find a locally sold gift that will make someone on your gift list all that more joyful this holiday season.

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Canalway Cultural District Renewal

Following the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s approval for the renewal of the Canalway Cultural District designation, the city’s district will expand to include the west side of Dutton Street along the Suffolk Canal and the Hamilton Canal District from Thorndike Street to Central Street along the Merrimack, Lower Pawtucket and Hamilton Canals. The district creates a framework to spotlight artists, performing and fine arts organizations, historic preservation groups, creative businesses and events and festivals that are part of the community.

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Encompassing the heart of downtown Lowell and its canalway system, the district consists of preserved historical sites, cultural facilities, museums and galleries, performance venues, events and festivals that happen throughout the year. To facilitate moving through the district, way finder kiosks and brochures will be redesigned to include a map that highlights the district’s assets. The Cultural Affairs and Special Events office will also update the likelowell.com website with new district information.

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District goals are to sustain and support existing artists, cultural institutions and ventures as well as encourage new cultural development, economic activity and new job creation. As a result of the restoration of most of Lowell’s historic mills and buildings, the district’s promotional success can lead to the redevelopment of remaining structures. Continued success can aid in strengthening the identity of the city and celebrating its history, diverse communities, arts and culture.

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The canalway features 5.3 miles of functioning canals and were used to power the city’s mills during the Industrial Revolution. Today, the system creates electrical power as well as provides links for Lowell National Historic Park boat tours, showcases public art and can be used as a palette for special lighting of gatehouses and flowing waters. Along these canals, historic buildings and mills have been restored for commercial, residential, artistic and professional uses. Other businesses —coffee and pizza shops, restaurants, diners and retailers—are also located within the district.

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The district includes the Merrimack Repertory Theatre, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, New England Quilt Museum, Whistler House Museum of Art, Brush Art Gallery and Studios, the Lowell National Historical Park and more. District events include open studios, gallery shows and festivals such as the Lowell Folk Festival, Summer Music Series, Kerouac Festival, Winterfest and many others. Upcoming events and festivals hosted in the district are sure to continue to celebrate the creative and historic aspects that make the city a diverse hub for arts and culture.