Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 15, 1995 TAG: 9511150088
SECTION: HOLIDAY GIFTS PAGE: HG32 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: JOANNE ANDERSON
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
The local shopping mecca at the intersection of Virginia 114 and U.S. 460 offers an abundance of stores stocked with an abundance of merchandise for people and pets. Parking is plentiful, and if you get hungry during your shopping adventure, there are lots of places to grab a bite.
Beyond the decorated department stores and largess of the superstores are many other places worthy of your shopping consideration.
Traveling north on U.S. 11, just beyond Radford, for example, there's a large white house on the right with lamp posts, mail boxes, patio tables and benches, flower pot holders, water fountains and a plethora of yard art out in front. The banner tied to the chain link fence says Lamp Post Mercantile, and it's worth a stop if your gift list includes a homeowner with yard space to decorate.
Antique shops all over the New River Valley offer collectibles and antiques from centuries past. On the Main Street of Pulaski, several dealers have everything from furniture and vintage clothing to old books and china and new and old collectibles.
All merchandise is discounted at The Colony of Virginia, according to owner Debbie Jonas. Her store, which carries antiques and a year-round Christmas corner, also stocks collectible dolls by Lizzie High, authorized Williamsburg dishes and furniture and Cat's Meow collectibles.
At the Upstairs Downstairs Boutique down the street houses the antique shop of owner and artist Marlis Ryssell-Flynn; Fernewood Antiquities and Interiors, a custom decorating and reproductions shop; Second Hand Rose, vintage clothing, jewelry and linens; and Le Cafe, a Victorian tea house now open for dinner.
Two huge floors of antiques and old collectibles can be found at the Cambria Emporium in Christiansburg. Other antique shops and dealers can be found on side streets and back roads throughout the area.
Handmade crafts make a nice gift whether you make or buy them. The Newport Emporium in Newport, west of Blacksburg, sells locally made cross-stitch pillows, pottery, baskets, lamp shades, quilts and a veritable multitude of handmade gifts.
Coal Bank Hollow, whose wood perpetual calendars and note pads are often seen at local craft shows, has set up shop at Gables Shopping Center in Blacksburg behind the Advance Auto Parts store.
Don't overlook the health food stores where you can get natural soaps and lotions, health foods and drinks, vitamins and specialty items related to good health. Most grocery stores also carry a line of natural and healthful products.
Book stores offer books and magazines on so many subjects it's mind- boggling. To give a magazine subscription, buy the magazine and pull out the subscription card. Mail it with the name and address of the person to receive the magazine and a check for the one- or two-year subscription rate. Write a note that a subscription is forthcoming and wrap up the magazine for the gift.
Museum gift shops offer a limited but often unusual selection of gifts. The Museum of Geological Sciences on Virginia Tech's campus, for example, offers items for sale in a tiny gift area. Montgomery Museum in Christiansburg and the
Wilderness Road Museum in Newbern have gift selections available, also.
The Smithfield Plantation gift shop will be open Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 1-4:30 p.m., during holidays at Smithfield. Gifts for sale include Virginia products, colonial toys and games and stoneware, pewter and brass.
You can shop at some restaurants. Cracker Barrel at the U.S. 460 and I-81 interchange has an extensive gift shop of candy, dishes, linens, toys and decorative prints and old-timey signs.
Wines and imported cheeses are available at Macado's, and the Oriental Shop on Merrimack Road in Christiansburg sells Japanese earrings, dolls, chopsticks and foods.
Specialty stores that sell auto parts, bicycles and accessories, outdoor hiking and skiing equipment, cameras, flowers, kitchen and gourmet gifts make excellent shopping options. Many gift and floral shops can handle out of town packaging and shipping.
You can order specialty car and truck merchandise through the parts departments at some automobile dealerships. Stores such as the Emporium in Blacksburg and Felix Books and Gifts in Radford custom print t-shirts and sweatshirts with
Virginia Tech and Radford University logos and Greek insignias.
Framing shops sell framed prints as well as framing services. Having a photograph or print or even article of clothing or a key framed can make a very thoughtful gift.
Fabric stores sell craft supplies. Feed stores have farm animal and pet-related items. The Western Store across from Corning carries most anything western and lots of horse paraphernalia.
As you set out to shop, list in hand and perhaps a couple of children in tow, keep the holiday spirit in your heart and hold in your head words attributed to Saint Francis of Assis: "It is in giving that you receive."
by CNB