MIKE BRAUN Try your local shops
The rise of the Internet as a place to do holiday and other shopping has given people alternatives in terms of price, convenience and choice.
However, there is still no substitute to actually going into a local store, handling the merchandise, and seeing, smelling or feeling the textures, aromas and colors.
And, above all, there's nothing better for the local economy like patronizing locally owned and operated outlets.
A local business
One such outlet where outdoors lovers can likely fill almost an entire gift list sits just two miles west of Canfield on U.S. Route 224: Essence of Nature.
The store's log cabin structure and warm, wood interior is an inviting place to spend some time looking over owner Peggy Milkovich's wide-ranging selection of gift items.
For the past seven years Peggy has offered everything from crystal to stone, paintings to fabric, books to cabinetry, lamps to jewelry as well as custom framing services.
Almost any outdoor interest or pursuit is represented at Essence of Nature.
"One of our newest items is a series of lamps with a western theme made by Sally Stacy of Canfield, Milkovich said. The line of lamps are adorned with either horseshoes, a six-shooter, western flowers or similar icons of a bygone era.
For duck hunters
Duck hunters will be interested in collectible decoys produced by Jules Bouillet. "They reduced their prices for the first time in 27 years," Milkovich said. "They are really selling well now."
Those looking for a different aspect of jewelry might be advised to check out Essence of Nature's line of Stamper Black Gold pieces. The store is also now carrying a line of southwestern silver and turquoise items for both men and women.
Milkovich said that she relies heavily on word-of-mouth from her customers. "We're still here," she said. "My customers are keeping me here."
While Essence of Nature is best viewed in person, the store also has a Web site, www.essencewildlifeart.com and you can reach Milkovich Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The store is closed on Thursdays.
There are also any number of excellent other local stores and outlets in the greater Youngstown area that can offer a wide variety of holiday gifts for the outdoor lover on your list. Keeping your hard-earned cash here, instead of sending it over the Information Superhighway to some far-flung destination, benefits you and well as local merchants. The more you patronize Valley businesses, the more the Valley prospers.
braun@vindy.com