If you are like some folks, each year the challenge of finding just the right gift can become overwhelming. So let us help! From locally made art, jewelry, and beauty products to experiences you’ll only find in Northwest Georgia, check out these 15 ideas for the perfect item to put under the tree this season!
LIGHT UP AND SHOP
1. Light Up McCaysville and Riverwalk Shops
November 26, 2021, starting at 5:00pm
McCaysville, GA
Light up the season on the river with family and friends. Boutique shops with local goods, a festive atmosphere, riverside dining, and live music will make a visit to Riverwalk Shops a memorable experience. Shop, Dine, & Unwind into the holidays! Link: Light Up McCaysville and Riverwalk Shops
2. Cave Spring Small Town Christmas in the Country & Christmas Parade
December 4-5,2021
Cave Spring, GA
Annual arts and crafts festival with evening parade. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday; parade is on Saturday.
Link: Cave Spring Small Town Christmas
LOCALLY MADE CREATIONS
3. Christmas Village
Brown Conference Center, Cartersville, GA
Matthew McConaughey said “Good ideas are free – or at least they should be.” Karon Mauney, owner
and event coordinator of Northwest Georgia Women’s Expo was inspired to create an event for the businesses and artisans in and around Cartersville. Christmas Village has succeeded and will be held for the fifth year in 2021 on November 5-6, 2021, 9am – 6pm/5pm at the Clarence Brown Conference Center. The two-day shopping extravaganza brings a blend of artisans, boutiques and specialty shops to one location allowing Christmas Village guests to “enjoy [their] December, by shopping in November.” With 70 new vendors this year’s event returns to offer gifts and unique original creations for the most puzzling person on your shopping list. Happy shopping!
Link: Cartersville Christmas Village
4. Georgia’s Rome Winter Art Market
December 4-5, 10 am – 4pm
Rome Civic Center, Rome GA
Celebrates Georgia Made, Georgia Grown products representing artists, crafters, and growers. Shop hand-crafted jewelry, culinary gifts, artwork, woodwork, hand drafter décor, apparel and unique gifts. Free parking and admission.
Link: Georgia’s Rome Winter Art Market
5. Made Mercantile
Woodstock GA
Made Mercantile is right on Main Street and is the perfect store to find locally made gifts. All the cool and unique items you will find at Made Mercantile are made in the building itself by a group of talented local makers. At Made Mercantile you can find candles, leather goods, bath and beauty products, jewelry, art prints, and much more! Current Hours for the store are Thu-Fri 2pm – 7pm and Sat-Sun 11am – 7pm Link: Made Mercantile
UNIQUE TREASURES
6. Loved by Loveless
Villa Rica, GA
Festive, Fun and Fabulous home décor, gifts, apparel, and accessories at affordable prices. This is just the place to find just the right gift this holiday season (and you’ll probably find a treasure for yourself, too!) And if you have a minute or two, click this link to read the touching story of why shopping small and local is near and dear to the heart of this store owner. Shop Small, Shop Local, Shop Often! Link: Loved by Loveless
7. It’s About Time Boutique
Cartersville, GA
Any shopping trip to Cartersville should include a stop at It’s About Time Boutique. This perennial favorite of shoppers from Atlanta and across North Georgia is a seven-time “Best Shoppe Winner” in the annual People’s Choice Awards which is visitor-voted. Since the store is well-stocked with the finest gifts for everyone on your list from names like Southern Gates, Brighton, Honora, Disney Traditions, Waterford Crystal, Vietri, Citizen, Luminox and more, it’s easy to see why you’ll want to Exit I-75 at 288 and head down Main Street to the Historic Cartersville Square and begin your shopping spree at 9 E Main Street. Link: It’s About Time Boutique
8. Wine About Shopping
Cartersville, GA
Don’t whine about your shopping list this season. Bring that list to Cartersville and really wine about it! Downtown Cartersville’s Shopping and Entertainment District makes it super easy to shop and sip from store to store. Stop in at Olive Tree & Vine, JZ’s Taste of Georgia, or Southern Muggs (all conveniently located on Main Street) for a pour of Georgia wine or craft brews, then take a to-go cup as you browse and buy from more than two dozen specialty boutiques and gift stores on an easy stroll around the two-block square. See VisitCartersvilleGA.org for complete details to make your shopping trip a success.
9. Shop Downtown Ellijay
Are you in need of Christmas presents that everyone on your list will love? Visit beautiful Downtown Ellijay to find something special for everyone this Christmas. Looking for gifts for your furry friend? Mountain Hounds has the perfect gift and all the supplies they’ll need. Stop by Green Willow Soap for locally handcrafted soaps, lotions, and more. Looking for a unique gift you can’t find anywhere else? Shop at one of our many antique shops. With more than 30 stores in Downtown Ellijay and beyond you’re certain to find something special for everyone on your list.
Links: Downtown Ellijay Shopping, Mountain Hounds in Ellijay, Green Willow Soap
GIVE AN EXPERIENCE
10. Tellus Science Museum
Cartersville, GA
Give your favorite family an opportunity to enjoy science for a whole year with a gift of annual membership to Tellus Science Museum in Cartersville! Amazing galleries, interactive science learning, a cool planetarium, and special events throughout the year! Fits all ages, and perfect for a grandparents/grandchildren outing!
Link: Tellus Science Museum Membership
11. Savoy Automobile Museum
Cartersville, GA
Officially opening on December 8, 2021, present a gift of being one of the first to experience the new Savoy Automobile Museum. This amazing collection connects people to the cultural diversity, history, and beauty of the automobile through changing exhibits, educational programs, and engaging experiences. This world-class museum and showgrounds sit on approximately 35 acres in Cartersville, GA just off I-75, between Chattanooga and Atlanta. Link: Savoy Automobile Museum
12. Funk Heritage Center
Waleska, GA
This immersive museum experience connects local history to the culture of North Georgia, telling the story of early Appalachian Settlers and Southeastern Indians. Give a family membership that will benefit with unlimited visits for a whole year, preferred pricing for special events and programs, discount for guests, and some events for free! Link: Funk Heritage Center
13. See Rock City
Lookout Mountain, GA
There is no age limit on who would love to receive an annual pass to iconic Rock City on top of Lookout Mountain (and yes, Rock City is in Georgia!) The annual pass is good for all year and provides discounts on food, retail, and discounted or free admission to some special events. It’s like getting a gift every day of the year! Link: See Rock City
14. Gibbs Gardens
Ball Ground, GA
For the nature lover in your circle of family and friends, give an annual membership to Gibbs Gardens. Over 30 money-saving benefits, unlimited visits,19 flower color fests, and more! This one-of-a-kind garden experience can not be found anywhere else in Georgia! Link: Gibbs Gardens Membership
15. Booth Western Art Museum
Cartersville, GA
Give an annual membership to this amazing art museum for unlimited free admission, discounts on food and retail, admission to special events, discounts for summer camps, Art Academy and more! Booth is not like any art museum you’ve ever visited…who knew art could be so interesting!
Link: Booth Western Art Museum