"Shop till you drop" is a favorite expression that basically means buying things until you are physically exhausted and cannot walk into or around another store any longer. With the onset of the Christmas season here, many of us will be feeling exactly that! But walking around big-box stores is definitely not as much fun as it is to visit little local shops. In fact, shopping small businesses has a day dedicated to it this month; Nov. 24 is Small Business Saturday, and it falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It's often been said that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and should be supported. So we're doing our part in showing you some great alternatives to big-box store shopping, and these little local gems have treasures aplenty to satisfy even the most discerning recipient on your Christmas list!
1. Heart & Hands, 324 Main St., Franklin, HeartAndHandsOnline.com
Heart & Hands is a charming little gift store on Main Street in downtown Franklin that offers unique handmade items by local artists. "Custom creations from our heart to your hands" is their slogan.
2. Family Leisure, 1113 Murfreesboro, Franklin; second location in Antioch; FamilyLeisure.com
Family Leisure has been in the business of family fun since 1967. They have everything from pools and hot tubs to bars and massage chairs to help you entertain your immediate family, visiting neighbors, family members and friends, especially during the holidays!
3. The Candle Bar, locations in East Nashville and Berry Hill, TheCandleBar.co
Experience the art of hand-pouring soy wax into decorative vessels and choosing the perfect candle according to your mood. The Candle Bar also features sister brands Paddywax and Olivina Men.
4. Vincent Peach, flagship store: 1310 Clinton St., Nashville, VincentPeach.com
The Vincent Peach jewelry collection is perfectly handcrafted and uniquely combines the casual elegance of leather and the extraordinary beauty of diamonds and pearls. Pearl man Vincent himself designs in his studio attached to the namesake Vincent Peach Boutique in Marathon Village of downtown Nashville.
