BURRILLVILLE/NORTH SMITHFIELD – You’ve heard it many times before: shopping local will help to keep the economy running and ensure that your neighbors thrive – rather than putting cash into the pockets of large retailers.
And in a year when a worldwide pandemic has made it harder than ever to keep the doors open, it’s much more more important that we spend our money in a way that will help to keep our local businesses alive.
But for many, money is tight in 2020, and like in past years, the lure of convenience can make us forget where and how to shop without hitting the big box stores.
NRI NOW is here to help. Below is a list of ideas for how to keep your money in northern Rhode Island, while finding a gift for almost anyone.
Gift shops
For traditional gifts from flowers and home decor, to handmade jewelry and clothing, there are plenty of stores in Burrillville and North Smithfield that offer options for those you hope to surprise this holiday season.
Slatersville Rustic Homelife at 100 North Main St. in North Smithfield sells country and rustic home decor, furniture, art, curtains, textiles, candles and more. The business currently has online sales, curb side pickups and local deliveries with photos of available product on Facebook. (401) 965-4567
Village Barn Country Store & Antiques at 953 Victory Highway in Burrillville is a small, family-owned country store that specializes in “rustic decor for any size home and budget.” Normally open from noon to 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the business will have Black Friday specials this week, and expanded hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wright’s Farm Gift Shop inside the restaurant at 84 Inman Road sells unique jewelry, fashion accessories, gifts, toys, gourmet candies, specialty foods and more. In-store pick up is currently available on Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays or by appointment by calling 401-534-0046. Shop online here.
Leeway Ace Hardware at 790 Great Road in North Smithfield has a seasonal gift shop with collectibles, candles, jewelry and more. (401) 765-2222.
Old Fieldstone Farm at 1145 Cherry Farm in Burrillville sells handmade farm items, including alpaca gloves, scarfs, hats and more. Put in your request via their Facebook page or visit the shop and animals on Saturday, Dec. 5. from 10 a.m. to noon.
Elaine’s Flowers at 580 Great Road in North Smithfield has regular hours every day but Sunday and can create colorful bouquets and centerpieces to bring a little beauty to your holiday spread. 401-762-6438
Capricorn Run Farm at 1530 Douglas Turnpike in Burrillville sells natural products for dogs and people including skin care, and bath products, plus treats, apparel, collars, leashes, and more for dogs. The business has been focused on meeting the needs of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and is adding products to their website. Available seven days a week by appointment. (480) 463-8715
Patricia Paul in North Smithfield sells handmade necklaces, bracelets, anklets, earrings, hair ties and crochet items including special orders. Contact her at (401) 766-6032 or bpgpaul@verizon.net.
Mary Gauvin in Burrillville runs Mary Originals, a homemade crochet shop with sales on Etsy. http://MaryOriginals.Etsy.com/
Specialty retailers
Lulu’s Krazy Daisy at 706 Saint Paul St. in North Smithfield is an upscale women’s consignment boutique selling new items weekly. The store is open starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. on Saturdays. (401) 597-6219
Robin Hollow Outfitters at 200 Pheasant Drive in Mapleville sells fine guns and outdoor accessories. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment only. (401) 568-0331
Tree of Life Chainsaw Carvings by North Smithfield resident Randy Burt sells wood custom carvings for home decor. (401) 332-2503
Alashan Cashmere in Burrillville is a locally-owned business selling the world’s finest cashmere, from sweaters and wraps to woven throws. Locals normally flock to the business for the annual sample sale, but this year, the deals will be online with curbside delivery. Email info@alashancashmere.com with the subject line “sample sale” for digital access to discounted inventory or shop online here.
Art and photography
From gift certificates for family portraits, to unique pieces for the home, business owners in northern Rhode Island can help you find that one-of-a-kind present this year.
Adore the Restore owned by Harrisville-based photographer Meagan Sharum offers digital photo restoration. Print it, frame it locally and put a bow on it! (401) 309-8818
Artistic Images by Pamela Bhatia in North Smithfield sells artwork from her award-winning illustrative photography and creative imaging to unique items from around the world through Artists Without Borders. Learn more at Bhatia’s website here.
North Smithfield- based artist Sharon Guglielmo sell portraits and scenes in watercolor. Visit here Etsy shop here.
Sweet thoughts
Because we could all use a little something sweet this holiday season….
Pearl’s Candy & Nuts at 4 Eddie Dowling Highway is is a third-generation candy store that also sells party platters. Shop online here and call to schedule a pick-up during open hours at (401) 769-1166.
Diesel Fuel Bakery at 92 Pascoag Main St. sells home baked treats for you and your pets. Stop in for gourmet donuts, pastries and stocking stuffers for Fido.
Mapleville Farm at 544 Victory Highway in Mapleville has a bake shop with handmade breads, pastries, pies, cookies, as well as other products such as jellies, preserves, and milk soap. Preorder online here for curbside pickup.
Wright’s Dairy Farm Bakery at 200 Woonsocket Hill Road in North Smithfield sells pies, cakes, ice cream, pastries and more. While the shop is not open, the business is offering curbside pickup. Shop online at https://wrightsdairyfarm.com/
Activities
Whether as a way to stay active now or for something to look forward to this spring, area businesses offer a variety of activities for children and adults, and a class or membership could make a great gift.
Addieville East Farm at 200 Pheasant Drive in Mapleville encompasses over 900 pristine acres for sporting clays, upland bird hunting and fly fishing enthusiasts. Buy a membership, or give the gift of some time spent together in the great outdoors. Learn more here.
The newly open Village Martial Arts at 172 Chapel St. in Burrillville offers safe, private classes, and group classes are expected to launch once COVID-restrictions are lifted. Purchase a membership online here.
Horse farms including Phoenix Rising and Brookside Equestrian Center in North Smithfield, and PondView in Burrillville offer riding lesson with a variety of packages and clinics.
Dance Inspirations at 1452 Broncos Highway offers recreational and competitive dance beginning at age 2 including ballet, tap, jazz, acro, modern, contemporary, hip hop and pointe. View their classes and pricing here.
Mastery Martial Arts at Slatersville Plaza teaches self confidence and fitness for adults and kids as young as three-years-old. Learn more about their programs or request information here.
Clay Creations at 1910 Victory Highway in Glendale offers painting and ceramics for all ages and all group sizes, as well as take-home cermic and paint kits. The business is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or you can shop online for the artist in your family here.
Buy the golfer in your family a day out on the course, or even a year round membership. Make your purchase at Country View Golf Club or Crystal Lake Gold Club in Mapleville.
Gift certificates
Visit your favorite restaurant and purchase a gift certificate now. You’ll be happy this spring when you learn they are still open. Enough said.
But restaurants aren’t the only place to buy gift cards, and certificates for local services can make a great gift idea including hair and nail salons, massage and facial services, or even travel agencies.
The town websites in Burrillville and North Smithfield offer lists of local businesses to consider.
More unique ideas
Creatures Plus at 1435 Victory Highway in North Smithfield sells fresh and saltwater fish, birds, furry animals, reptiles and amphibians – and the supplies they need. (401) 356-4884
Purchase a staycation at Grace Note Farm a colonial farm dating back to 1730 with pastures, rolling hills and wooded trails for riding, hiking, biking, cross country skiing. Enjoy gourmet meals in the great room or take cooking classes. Visit the farm’s website to learn more.
For the beer enthusiast in your life, stuff a stocking with some craft brews from Bravo Brewing Company at 79 Main St. in Pascoag. Stop in to pick up a four-pack to go or order online here.
Got a friend who loves a good scare? The Farm at Round Top Road – aka The Conjuring House in Burrillville – offers overnight stays. Learn more here.
For a truly original experience, Liberty Farm in Harrisville offers horse-drawn wagon rides and other horse-drawn services such as weddings, funerals, parades, plus truck & tractor-pulled wagon rides & hayrides. (401) 651-6004.
A gift in their name
Finally, as arts venues, musicians and local non-profits struggle to stay afloat amid the pandemic, a donation to your recipient’s favorite can make a great surprise – and help to keep that business or entrepreneur fed.
Did we forget you? It wasn’t intentional. This comprehensive guide to local shops – limited to Burrillville and North Smithfield – will remain on our front page through Christmas and aims to be comprehensive. If you have a unique or local gift idea we forgot to mention, send it to sandy@nrinow.news.
