Shop Local for the Holidays!

 photo from christmasstockimages.com, google images

Guest post by the best friend a girl could have, TK:

Looking for those last few holiday gifts?  Need a hostess gift for your neighbor’s Christmas party? Consider purchasing some gifts made and sold by local merchants.

We recently stopped by Half Full Brewery in Stamford (43 Homestead Ave) to pick up a couple of 64 ounce growlers of their inaugural brew.  This beer is not just a tasteless light beer that happens to be made down the road.  It was light and crisp, with layers of flavor.  Half Full just opened its doors in August 2012.  It is well worth a visit, for sampling or to pick up a few growlers as gifts.  They’re open every Tuesday and Friday from 4-7pm for growler fills and sampling, and every other Saturday for tours, sampling, and growler fills.

If beer isn’t your thing, try a box of chocolates.  Chocopologie, the beloved SoNo institution, officially opened its Stamford location in November. I wrote up a little sumpin' sumpin' about them just yesterday. And don't forget about their downtown chocolate predecessor who's been coating your strawberries for years, Schakolad Chocolate (172 Bedford).

If you’re looking for even more options, SoNo Marketplace (314 Wilson Avenue, South Norwalk) just opened its doors on December 1. This former factory space has been renovated to include rows of rustic stalls, occupied by local craftsman, artisans, and specialty food merchants.  You can buy everything from pickles and olive oil to jewelry and antiques.  SoNo Marketplace will also be hosting culinary demonstrations, weekend feasts, and other family activities.