Yes, Virginia, there is still holiday gift shopping this year

SALISBURY — Despite the restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still possible to do some Christmas shopping in Salisbury.

A reporter made a socially distant shopping foray on Saturday morning, Dec. 5.

At Honeychurch Home, the star attraction was a cast cement hedgehog ($29). Owner Carolyn Piccirelli said the hedgehog has proved extremely popular.

Those responding to the combination of COVID-19 and winter with soup will need bread, and the bread might as well be warm. For $49, Honeychurch has baskets that hold a decorative terra cotta insert. The idea is to put the insert in the oven for five minutes at 350 degrees to get it nice and warm. The insert then goes back in the basket and the bread goes on top, where it stays warm.

Honeychurch Home is at 10 Academy St. Look for it online at www.honeychurchhome.com or call 860-596-4381 for information. Hours are 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

At Passports, Christopher Baetz, mindful of the weather, was enthusiastic about faux-fur collars at $55.

Next to the collars was a basket of ordinary white handkerchiefs, $28 for seven hankies. These are mostly for blowing, not showing, although they can certainly be ironed and shaped into the classic “TV fold” (think television new anchorman circa 1965).

There are attractive, informal strands of freshwater pearls on suede cords in different colors for $95.

On the higher end, Passports has fur-trimmed capes ($275), which allow the wearer to stay warm and be stylish simultaneously.

Passports is at 14 Main St. Go to their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/passportsantiques) or call 860-435-8855 to get the store hours Thursday through Saturday (Mondays through Wednesdays are by appointment).

There is a “pop-up shop” from Sweethaven Farm located next to Salisbury Pharmacy, inside where there used to be a coffee shop. Noreen Driscoll and company can provide table arrangements, fresh flowers, and, outside in a tent, wreaths. The shop is open through Sunday, Dec. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment. Orders are encouraged, for pick-up or free delivery, within the local area. Go to www.sweethavenfarmct.com for more info, or call 860-309-7132.

A Swiss-designed cast cement hedgehog is at Honeychurch Home. Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

Passports has fur and faux-fur apparel. Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan

A Swiss-designed cast cement hedgehog is at Honeychurch Home. Photo by Patrick L. Sullivan
Related Articles Around the Web

Latest News

Busking in the Berkshires
Brent McCoy of Secret Circus Show at Berkshire Busk!
Roman Iwasiwka

While playing outside in the early post-pandemic days, Berkshire Busk! founder Eugene Carr had an epiphany: why not expand the idea of performing on the street (aka busking)into a full-fledged festival in Great Barrington?

As an entrepreneur and cellist, Carr envisioned a well-organized jamboree featuring regional talent, including musicians, acrobats, storytellers, fire-eaters, and more. He formed a team, connected with local businesses and the town of Great Barrington, and launched Berkshire Busk! in 2021. Since then, Berkshire Busk! has grown into a summer staple for Great Barrington.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Sylvia' brings heart, humor and one unforgettable dog to Sharon Playhouse stage
Jonathan Walker as “Greg” and Jen Cody as “Sylvia”in rehearsal at The Sharon Playhouse.
Aly Morrissey

What if the dog onstage was played by a person? That’s the delightful twist in A.R. Gurney’s “Sylvia,” opening at the Sharon Playhouse on Aug. 29. In this clever and heartfelt comedy, the title character — a stray pup who disrupts the lives of a married couple — is portrayed not in costume but by an actor who brings insight, charm, and chaos to the role.

Stepping into Sylvia’s paws is Jen Cody, who is returning to the Sharon Playhouse in a starring role for her third year in a row, ready to bring this spirited dog to life. She’s joined by Jonathan Walker as Greg, the middle-aged man smitten with his new four-legged friend, and Jennifer Van Dyck as Kate, his wife, whose patience and identity are tested by Sylvia’s sudden presence in their home.

Keep ReadingShow less
Labor Day weekend art, design and local finds

Paul Chaleff’s exhibit at Mad Rose Gallery in Millerton.

Provided

The unofficial end of summer is here, and while some of us may mourn the shortening days and cooler nights, the culturally-inclined denizens of the Litchfield Hills, Berkshires and Taconics have plenty to look forward to.

During Labor Day weekend, visit one of the offerings below, and maybe even take home a watercolor, rug, or locally-crafted wooden bowl to ready your home for the indoor season ahead.

Keep ReadingShow less