So what was I able to find in Luray stores?  Outdoor clothing, books, and gear (Appalachian Outdoor Adventures,) hand-painted glass, cross-stitched linens, and antique toys (Mama’s Treasures,) jewelry, jewelry-making supplies, and hand dyed silk scarves, (Shenandoah Moon,) anything and everything by Vera Bradley, Pandora bracelets, Yankee candles, eco-friendly greeting cards, and baby gifts (Virginia Gift Shop,) office and school supplies, Luray t-shirts and notecards, and hunting targets (Luray Copy Service,) beauty supplies including hair care products and mineral makeup (Studio 10, The Looking Glass Salon, and The Healing Oasis,) and products by local artisans and crafters (The Art Warehouse, Studio 10, and Shenandoah Moon.) Oh, and a new bike for my daughter (Hawksbill Bicycles) and tons of amazing books from Bank Street Books.

I have exercised on the Greenway and at the Luray Fitness Center which somewhat helped to counteract the burgers (Artisans Grill,) breakfast sandwiches (Gathering Grounds,) club sandwiches (Uncle Bucks,) enchiladas (Rancho Viejo,) homemade bread and cookies (Main Street Bakery,) beers (The Speakeasy,) brunches (Circa ’31,) and salads (West Main Market) I have indulged in at Luray’s restaurants.

I have enjoyed live music (The Speakeasy, Artisans Grill, and Performing Arts Luray) art shows (The Art Warehouse,) and taken my girls trick-or-treating, to birthday parties (Luray Lanes and Shenandoah Moon) and on a hunt to find Santa – all right here in downtown Luray.

What couldn’t I find in Luray?  I’d have to say that the list is fairly obscure: a lion mask (for Halloween,) a child’s gymnastic leotard, a child’s apron, a stuffed zebra, a light for running, a U.S. wall map, and a coffee grinder (although I know they now have them at Gathering Grounds.)  For the most part, whenever I needed something that I couldn’t find downtown, I was able to adjust my shopping list and either borrow the item I needed from a friend and/or use something that I could find in a downtown store.   But there were certainly times where I hit the big city of Harrisonburg or even {gasp} shopped online if there was something in particular that I needed.

Now that I have been in and out of downtown Luray’s stores so often, I have a pretty good idea of what is for sale and where.  But I will admit, when I started the Challenge, that really wasn’t the case.  In fact, I’d say that prior to starting the Buy Local Challenge, my biggest impediment to shopping locally was that I just didn’t know what was available in Luray’s stores and I didn’t really have the time to search every time I needed something.  And I don’t think I’m alone.  When I polled Luray residents about the reasons they didn’t shop downtown, 75 percent of respondents said that it was because local stores didn’t carry the items they needed.  But as you can see from my list above, Luray stores carry a lot more items than most people realize.  We just don’t know that it’s there.  And so this is where my suggestion comes in…

Without a doubt, the number one thing that improved my chances for finding – and therefore, buying – items locally was when I could find someone to quickly and easily point me in the direction of the item I needed.  And the best resource I found for doing that was on LDI’s Facebook page.  If I could shout out a request and get a timely response, it made shopping locally just as easy as pointing and clicking from my sofa.  It didn’t matter if the responses came from fellow consumers or local business owners – if they could tell me where to find the item I needed I was that much more likely to buy it.  So I would suggest that we all work together to grow this forum, and others like it keep local residents and business owners connected about what our local stores have to offer.

Business owners: get on Facebook, advertise your page in your shop, and monitor your site for current inquiries.  And while you’re there, jump into the conversations happening on other local businesses sites.  Facebook may seem like a waste of time, but if you want to stay connected to your community, you need to engage with them where they hang out.  And right now, that’s on Facebook.

Residents: Before you make your next purchase, why not ask around to see if you can find it locally.  Post a comment on LDI’s Facebook page, text your friends, or even {another gasp!} pick up the phone an call a few local stores. You’ll be glad you did.

What do you think?  Do you have more suggestions on helping folks in Luray buy local?  Would love to hear your comments on the Buy Local Challenge!

I know I say this every year but I simply cannot believe it’s December already!

The holiday season officially kicks into gear today, and for a lot of folks that means it’s time to go shopping!  I like to take my holidays slowly, so I’m just getting started on my Christmas shopping.  My list includes stops at a number of my family’s favorite downtown stores.  But this year, I don’t just want to buy local, I want to give local too. So I’m glad that there are so many ways to do just that this holiday season.

The Angel Tree is a good place to start.  You can pick up angels at a number of local businesses and organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Curves gym. Presents can be delivered to organizer Vanessa Brown at the Tannery from 9am-1pm Saturday Dec 3rd or Dec 10th.  Page Middle School also has it’s own Angel Tree up for eligible students.  And local non-profits such as Page One, Choices, and the United Way are always in need of donations this time of year.  Give them a call and ask how you can help!

In addition to these worthwhile ventures, the downtown businesses are trying something new as part of Luray’s “Caring and Sharing” theme for the winter holidays.  This year, all downtown businesses will accept canned food and gift donations for Page One. AND at some stores you can also give toward a wish list for local families in need.   Check out Hawksbill Bicycles, Studio 10, Shenandoah Moon, Artisans Grill, Bank Street Books, Mamas Treasures, Bren’s Antiques, Courthouse Antiques, and Appalachian Outdoor Adventures for more info.

So when you head downtown for Sparkles and Sweets this weekend, you can pick up gifts for your holiday shopping list at your favorite Main Street stores, enjoy yummy refreshments, and make a donation to a local family in need.

How sweet!

This year I would like to propose a new holiday tradition.  One that is fun and festive and strikes at the heart of what these holidays are really about.  Caring – really truly caring – for our friends, family and neighbors.

The idea is to rethink the holiday gift list so that it benefits the recipient and leaves you feeling good about where you spent your hard earned dollars.  When I write about buying local, many folks respond by saying that the items on their shopping list simply can’t be found in Luray stores.  Depending upon what is on your list, that may be the case.  But what if you could change the list?

Does Christmas have to be made in China and sold at big-box stores?  Or can it be hand-crafted and served up by the folks from Luray? Over the next few weeks, there are all kinds of opportunites to find locally-made items for your gift list.  This weekend there is Artistic Expressions, featuring local artists and crafters at 104 Cliffside Drive (Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 1pm-4pm) the Warehouse Christmas Art Show at the Art Warehouse (Campbell Street) featuring pottery, jewelry, scarves, stained glass, photographs, and paintings from local artists, and the Christmas Bazaar at Luray Christ Episcopal Church (16 Amiss Ave), featuring handmade crafts, baked goods, greens, and other goodies (Sat 9am-3pm.)

Next weekend,  celebrate Small Business Saturday by saving $50 from your Black Friday shopping to spend at local stores and venues. And don’t forget to check out Sparkles and Sweets from Dec 2nd to Dec 11th, LDI’s annual holiday celebration of downtown merchants where participating shops and restaurants will provide refreshments and a SWEET selection of merchandise.

The stores downtown have some amazing products to offer – everything from the latest in outdoor gear to gorgeous jewelry making supplies to Vera Bradley merchandise to CDs by local musicians. And what do you get the person who has everything?  How about a gift certificate from their favorite local store, salon, or restaurant? Who wouldn’t love movie tickets, admission to the next PAL event, a gym membership, a massage or pedicure, or a free house cleaning?

I know it sounds cliché, but there really is something for everyone on your shopping list right here in Luray.  And doesn’t it feel more in line with the holiday spirit to know that your purchase will not only make the recipient happy, but it will also support your neighbors and community?

Here’s to starting a new holiday tradition!

Want to put a stop to corporate greed?  Buy Local.  Want to support capitalism and the “American Dream?”  Buy Local.  See, it’s win-win no matter which side of the coin you’re on and it’s something that all of us can agree on.  Supporting local, independent merchants supports the economy and our community in a way that can’t be compared to shopping at big box stores.  It supports capitalism without feeding “greedy” corporations.  And it keeps the fire lit on the American Dream by keeping our local stores alive and thriving in this straining economy.

So whether you are for or against the “Occupy” movement, put your money where your mouth is and do your shopping downtown. Do you agree?

I thought it would be helpful to start a list of potential birthday party locations that we can all easily tap into when the next occasion arises.  This list is by no means inclusive.  In fact, I would LOVE to hear more ideas about spaces that are available.

Party Space Rentals

• BB&T Center For Performing Arts of Luray
• Luray Firehouse
• Art Warehouse
• Luray Moose Lodge
• American Legion
• VFW
• North Star

Signature birthday parties are another cool idea.  I had no idea how many options are available until I started calling around for details. Again, if you know of more party packages, please let me know on Facebook or in the comments and I’ll be sure to add your idea to the list.

Signature Birthday Parties

Shenandoah Moon: Book a party for one of Susan’s popular classes including earrings, necklaces/bracelets, wire wrapping, silk dyeing, or needlefelting.

The Pottery Lady: Cathie Miranda, aka the Potterlady, offers customs pottery-making birthday parties.

Luray Lanes: Kids of any age can enjoy duckpin bowling as well as arcade games.

The Healing Oasis: Who wouldn’t want to have a spa or makeover party?!!

Luray Zoo:  Party packages include admission to the zoo and use of the cool “Jungle Room” for snacks, drinks, and cake.

Know of any other locations/party packages?  Please let me know!