Some people do their best work at the eleventh hour, so why should their shopping habits be an anomaly? American Expressa recently conducted a survey which indicates 79% of consumers said they plan to do last minute shopping this year. Sound familiar? No worries! This is our round-up of Virginia gifts perfect for the Virginian, the wanna-be Virginian, and the otherwise Virginian at heart.
Merroir
1. THE TASTES OF VIRGINIA
When Esquire says your state is the Best Food Region of 2014, you shout it loud and proud. Josh Ozersky wrote: “The Old Dominion has seemingly overnight exploded into one of the country’s greatest gastro regions.” Thanks for noticing, Josh! It makes us all warm inside.
Per the Article, You Could Give …
- A bottle of First Fruit cider from Foggy Ridge Cider in Dugspur. (shop online)
- A bottle of Octagon wine from Barboursville Vineyard in Barboursville. (shop online)
- A gift certificate to dine at Merroir in Topping or Rappahannock in Richmond. (shop online)
- A growler of Missle IPA from Champion Brewing in Charlottesville.
Officially Licensed Virginia is for Lovers® Merchandise:
- Shot Glass
- Ceramic Coffee Mug
- Wine Glass
- Corkscrew Wine Opener
- More Drinkware
Montpelier Wine Program at DuCard Vineyards
Special Offers:
- Limited edition James and Dolley Madison Montpelier Wines, crafted by DuCard Vineyards in Etlan with a portion of sales going to the Montpelier Foundation.
- A Blue Crab Bay Co. “Sail the Chesapeake” gift basket full of tasty Eastern Shore goodies. (shop online)
- Award-winning S. Wallace Edwards & Sons‘ Surry, Virginia Bacon Steak. (shop online)
- Graves’ Mountain Apple Butter, the number one product purchased by guests of Graves’ Mountain Lodge Restaurant in Syria. (shop online)
- The Rocktown Food coffee table book highlighting Harrisonburg‘s food culture. (shop online)
2. THE SOUNDS OF VIRGINIA
Bristol, Virginia is the birthplace of country music and the Coastal Virginia – Hampton Roads region is a hip hop hot bed. Our artist claims to fame include names like Pharrell Williams, The Carter Family, Jason Mraz, TobyMac, Dave Matthews, The Statler Brothers, and a laundry list of others.
You Could Give …
- A bottle of Viognier from Dave Matthews’ Blenheim Vineyards in Charlottesville. (shop online; You never know when he’ll be there!)
- A Virginia luthier-made instrument from Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway in Abingdon.
- Anything from the gift shop at the brand new Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol.
- Tickets to Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.
- Tickets to FloydFest.
- Tickets to the International Tattoo and Virginia Arts Festival events.
Officially Licensed Virginia is for Lovers® Merchandise:
- Headphone Cord Manager
- Retro Logo Trucker Hat
- Cinchpack
Click to Buy Her Hat!
3. THE SIGHTS OF VIRGINIA
I would argue that you must see Virginia in every season. With spring blooms, water-fun summer destinations, fall foliage in the mountains, and winter‘s delicate majesty all around, Virginia is the best example of each period of the year.
You Could Give …
- A travel package to a favorite destination – accommodation, dining, and more!
- Tickets to enjoy wine, a performance, or other attractions in Virginia, perhaps a state pass to enjoy Historic Garden Week in April?
Special Offer:
- Visit Chincoteague and take pieces home with you. Game pieces, that is! Visit Waterside Inn to purchase your very own Chincoteague Island-Opoly.
Officially Licensed Virginia is for Lovers® Merchandise:
- Postcard Pack
- La Sardina Virginia is for Lovers® Camera
4. THE FEEL OF VIRGINIA
Textiles are easy to find in Virginia with alpaca, sheep and llama farms spattered about. Homespun wool makes beautiful scarves, sweaters, mittens, and hats that will warm your heart and your body. Additionally, handcrafted jewelry, baskets, and pottery are something special. Seek out a renowned artist this season.
Smith Mountain Lake Farm Alpacas
You Could Give …
- Pottery by retired Washington Redskin tight end Chris Cooley. The Cooley Gallery is located in Leesburg. (shop online)
- Alpaca yarn for the knitter or crocheter on your list, or a finished product from:
Peaceful Heart Alpacas, Fancy Gap
Platinum Alpacas, Brandy Station
Echo Valley Fiber, Millboro
Infinity Acres Alpaca Farm, Ridgeway
A Goode View Alpaca Farm, Goode
Smith Mountain Lake Farm Alpacas, Hardy
- A handwoven basket (fill it with those foods mentioned above!) from Cathy Cupp Baskets in Elkton.
- Any beautiful thing along a Virginia Artisan Trail
Lux Aromatica
5. THE SMELLS OF VIRGINIA
So what does Virginia smell like? From the salt of the shore to the flowers of the Piedmont and the pine of the mountains, it’s worthy of a whiff.
You Could Buy …
- A fresh evergreen wreath from a Virginia tree farm.
- A WoodWick® candle. Betcha didn’t know they’re made in Forest, Virginia. (shop online)
- Handmade soy candles from Lux Aromatica in Orange.
- Candles, lotions and soaps from gift shops like Gift Wrapped LLC in Roanoke.
- Flower bulbs from Brent & Becky’s in Gloucester to have the scent of Virginia flowers next year.
What are your favorite Virginia gifts? Leave a kind comment to share the LOVE.
a. American Express Spending & Saving Tracker. December 15, 2014.
© Casey for Virginia's Travel Blog, 2014. |
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