A smattering of holiday gift ideas from Kent merchants

KENT — It’s the holiday shopping season and anyone who survived the temptations and crowds of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is perhaps thinking that it would be nice to shop close to home, at local merchants. Kent has one of the most vibrant shopping areas of any Northwest Corner town. The opportunities for holiday buying are plentiful. Backcountry Outfitters, 5 Bridge St., specializes in outdoor gear and apparel including packs, bags, tents, apparel, footwear, optics and more. Additionally the in-store Annie Bannie ice cream counter offers premium ice cream treats plus a large candy selection. Who doesn’t need a little sugar rush at the end of a long winter’s day of shopping?For the holiday season, Backcountry Outfitters is offering a free ice cream cone or dish with every $50 gift certificate purchase. The store is open seven days a week, all year. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 860-927-3377.Terston Home Accents and Womenswear recently moved to a new location at 27 North Main (Route 7). The store offers a wide variety of decorative items for the home as well as women’s wear. Many of the lines offered are made in the U.S.A. Terston’s offers free gift-wrapping. The store is open seven days a week all year. For more information, call 860-927-1255.The Villager Restaurant, 28 North Main (Route 7), has hit a new peak of popularity since being taken over by new owner Tony Hernandez and his wife and business partner, G.J. The family has lived in Kent for many years. Hernandez was the chef and bar manager at the Fife ’n Drum for 14 years. On Tuesday evenings, the only day the restaurant is open for dinner, Mexican specialties are on the menu. For the holidays, the restaurant is offering a free dessert with every $50 gift certificate purchased. The Villager is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. as well. For reservations or information, call 860-927-1555.