Strategic Holiday Shopping Downtown Fenelon Falls
Christmas eve is slowly approaching and you aren’t quite finished with your list, have some hard-to-buy for friends and relatives, shipping times are taking forever! The most economical and efficient way to shop is local. Start from one end to the other and make your way through Fenelon’s downtown while shopping strategically at some of the many unique shops that the town has to offer.
There is no time to waste, pack your mask and sanitizer while approaching your shop with patience and kindness. Stop in at SIP for a specialty seasonal coffee to keep you warm should you be waiting outside while capacity is met at some of the local businesses.
THE BUTTERFLY BOUTIQUE
23 Colborne Street
If you have 20 minutes to spare in Butterfly Boutique (believe me, you will be returning if that’s the only time you have) start from the left to make your first, but not only, loop around the boutique. The jewels, jems, and scrunchies are perfect for stocking stuffers! You cannot leave the store without one of the arrowitforward candles. The labels sell themselves, ‘we are so over 2020’! Keep circling the loop and you will come to find the cutest PJ sets. It’s not selfish to gift yourself, every girl needs a fresh set on christmas eve. Coming back to the front of the store on the left hand side you will find the children and junior section. If you didn’t have baby fever before, you will after seeing the double pom pom toques for kids.
Final Pro-Tip: Check out their instagram and online website for visuals and extra efficiency when shopping in-store
@butterflyboutique_
THE KAWARTHA STORE
30 Colborne Street
The Kawartha Store features hip casual street-wear and dress-wear for men and women as well as a host of cute must-have items. From their toques, to bags, sunglasses, and other accessories, you are certain to be dressed to impress this winter. This is the perfect location to purchase whitty cards for any occasion along with the matching item. No matter who you are shopping for, The Kawartha Store has the perfect gift for everyone. Make sure to stop in and look down at the running water below the store. The water runs down and out into Sturgeon Lake. A very neat tourist destination. As you are checking out, I don’t think it's possible to leave without grabbing a couple packs of the hilarious gum at the counter. I will leave it at that and let you see for yourself. Full disclosure, I may have purchased a few myself as stocking stuffers.
THE COUNTRY CUPBOARD
9 May Street
Who else is trying to keep up their healthy eating routine over the holidays? The Country Cupboard is your MUST STOP shop to eat healthy but eat yummy. ‘Please say it louder for the people in the back’. Yes, you heard correctly -- your health and your taste buds will not be compromised this holiday season thanks to the Country Cupboard. You can bring your jar, grab a jar, and fill your jar. You can purchase your baking ingredients in bulk, health food snacks to tide you over between meals, vitamins, chemical free beauty products, vegan treats, and more. Not only this, the lovely Julia can even put together a beautiful basket full of goodies for you or your favourite relative. This will save you the hassle of wrapping and add a personal touch to your christmas gift this season.
Oh, and make sure you grab a bite to eat or drink at one of the local eateries around town prior to visiting The Country Cupboard. Throughout the month of December, with a local restaurant food receipt you receive 20% off of supplements, essential oils, cosmetics, and zero waste!
GRR8 FINDS MARKET
27 Colborne Street
Grr8 Finds Market, possibly the most aptly named store in Fenelon Falls. You will be hard pressed to leave this gem empty handed. Ranging from antique books, movies, furniture, and everything in between to the greatest wall of candy one could ever see, you will find a little bit of everything in here. Charcuterie is the new trend, and one of the many items that caught my eye was the beautiful hand made wooden boards. Perfect for entertaining, to have engraved, or even as a decoration in your home. Just when you think you have seen it all, you will leave the store only to realize there is another entrance, with an entire second half of the store! Do not skip this part, you will walk in and immediately be taken back in time to memories you had when you were young. The books, movies, and miscellaneous items in here each have a story to tell. If you can, pop in on a ‘Wacky Wednesday’ or ‘Silly Sunday’ and check out Randy’s awesome outfit. They’re always different, and they’re always awesome!
KAWARTHA ARTISAN MARKET
14 Oak Street
While Colborne Street is an obvious choice for holiday shopping, don’t forget the artisanal gems just one street over across from the Chamber Office and next door to Murphy’s Lockside Pub and Patio. The Kawartha Artisan Market features the works of many local Artisans. From beautiful pottery, to granola and tea, to clothing for adults and children, handcrafted candles, planters, jewels, and much much more. The mother daughter duo have cornered the market in town for anything and everything one could need in just one stop. Supporting the Kawartha Artisan Market, you support all local Artists.
BARN AND BUNKIE
41 Lindsay St
Get your steps in with a stroll across the bridge while admiring the beautiful winter planters along the walk. Once you arrive at the Barn and Bunkie, take a look around the perimeter. This is the best location for that perfect holiday instagram shot with all of the beautiful decor and accent decorations. If you are late to the party and haven’t gotten your christmas tree yet, you have come to the right place! Around the back of the building are freshly cut christmas trees.
We haven’t even entered the store yet and it is all so incredible. I will give you my honest advice, with the amount of amazing gems in this store, you may just want Brandy herself to come to your home and source decor for you. She has an eye for EVERYTHING! Whether you are running low on cutesy christmas decorations, need an extra vase for your flowers, don’t like flowers because you can’t keep them alive so you need faux flowers, table runners, table settings, candles, scrunchies, pillows, jewellery, furniture, and so much more you are unlikely to leave here empty handed.
CURIOUS
10-B Water Street
On your way to the Fenelon Falls Brewery for lunch? Curious is right next door and you should definitely stop in, you will not regret it! From beautiful quilts to locally sourced and handmade soaps and scents, this shop is so lovely and calming. If you are looking for authenticity, you have come to the right destination. Upon entering the store, you will feel a sense of relief and relaxation. With the current state of the world and the chaos of the holiday season, Curious is the perfect place to shop and bring home that calming feeling. Check out the unique and one-of-a-kind artisan work this holiday season.
THE BOOK LADY
24 Market Street
Books! Books! Books! What do you do when you’re about to rewatch Friends for the fourth time on Netflix? Stop what you’re doing right now and PICK UP A BOOK. Dana, The Book Lady brings the excitement of bookstores back to life. Rather than watch a festive movie this holiday season, pick up a Christmas book. Learn about the different celebrations around the world or how you will marry George Clooney by Christmas. Whatever your preference may be, Dana has got you covered. Oh what’s that? You finished your delicious Irish Cream Americano from SIP? No worries, The Book Lady is also a literary cafe. Fill up on your caffeine and read the holiday’s away.
Downtown Fenelon businesses are committed to making your shopping experience a safe and satisfactory one. What’s that saying? “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy local, and that’s kind of the same thing”.
While you’re shopping local, be sure to keep your holiday passport in hand and collect those stamps.
