Some people make Christmas shopping a year-long adventure, and others wait until the anniversary of the Joseph and the Virgin Mary’s arrival in Bethlehem to brave the stores. No matter the reason, there is always mayhem at the big box stores right up to Christmas Eve, er night.
It may be that someone was inadvertently left off the Christmas shopping list or you are one of those last minute shoppers. Either way, buying local will help you avoid the crowds while also supporting small business. Here are three stores you may not know about.
Tire City Potters
Handmade pottery has been a tradition in this area long before Augusta was founded as a city. For 22 years, Shishir Chokshi and his staff of lead potters and apprentices have carried on the tradition of making ornamental as well as useful handmade pottery.
From coffee mugs and business card holders to vases and intricate decorative pieces, the showroom inside a converted garage features pieces that are never found in the big box ceramic barns.
Tire City Potters also hosts pottery throwing classes, and a gift certificate for one would make the perfect stuffing stuffer!
Prices range from $5, and most pottery is in the range of $40. Tire City Potters is open by appointment through Christmas Eve.
Location: 210 10th St. # B, Augusta, Ga. 30901
Phone: (706) 828-0334
MORE: Photojournalism: Christmas lights make the season merry around Columbia County
The Rebel Lion Den
The name might make it sound like the small storefront on Broad Street is a biker bar or tattoo parlor, but The Rebel Lion Den is actually one of downtown Augusta’s best kept retail secrets.
For well over a decade, Shama Cartwright has offered an eclectic array of jewelry, decorative items and handmade clothing with an Afrocentric flair. The store also specializes in scented oils and incense.
The Rebel Lion Den is the perfect place to find a tee-shirt for your favorite Bob Marley fan.
Business hours are Mon-Sat from 11 am to 6 pm and the store will be open Christmas Eve.
Location: 910 Broad St., Augusta, Ga. 30901
Phone: (706) 284-9489
Vintage Shabby Restoration
If you are looking for something a little more traditional, but still eclectic, then Vintage Shabby Restoration might be the perfect place for a last minute gift.
Owner Robin Linville has drawn a huge following in Columbia County and beyond over the last four years for her eclectic restorations of antique furniture, but there is so much more to the store than hutches and end tables.
The showroom is a reminder of the Southern antique stores of yore and the cases are full of unique curios and collectables. There is also an array of Christmas-themed items that you might buy to create that perfect table centerpiece!
Normal business hours are Mon-Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store will stay open one hour later on Friday, but is closed on Christmas Eve.
Location: 193 Baston Rd., Martinez, Ga. 30907
Phone: (706) 524-7813
Scott Hudson is the senior reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
