Saturday, November 25, 2023 is Small Business Saturday.
We think it takes more than a single day to celebrate and support small businesses, so we show the love to our local, family owned businesses from November 15th through December 15th and thank them for all they do for the Surry community.
Here are Five Reasons Why You Should "Shop Surry!" This Holiday Season:
1. Local Character and Success
Make Surry stand out! Small businesses add to the character and success of any community. By shopping local you help to create pleasant and unique experiences, and you benefit from the excellent customer service provided to you by people you know – often the business owners!
2. Local Economy
Unlike large chain stores, local family-owned businesses recycle their profits back into the local economy. When residents shop at these small businesses, tax dollars stay within the local economy which helps with the economic development within our community. Also, small businesses create jobs! Instead of commuting, employees can work locally and this, in turn, provides opportunity for workers to shop at other local small businesses.
3. Entrepreneurship
Almost every small business started life as a dream; so, when you shop at local, family-owned shops you are supporting the ideas and dreams of your neighbors! Entrepreneurs fuel America’s economic innovation and prosperity and often provide a way for families to move out of low-wage jobs and into the middle class.
4. Quality of Life
Local small businesses create a strong sense of community as well as better economic and social relationships. Your support helps to develop better relationships with customers, patrons, and other business owners. As a result, community events and local causes are usually supported more wholeheartedly.
5. Product Diversity
Small businesses tend to be unique, and some may offer “one-of-a-kind” locally crafted products. You may be surprised by what you can find in our own community!
Here are some gift ideas as you shop local this holiday season:
Bacon’s Castle Gift Shop
Books, books, and more books – history, mystery, cooking, etc. Great gift items including children's toys and games, ornaments, decorative pieces, and teas. Bacon’s Castle is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 17th, when it closes for the winter months. Click here for events at Bacon's Castle during the holidays.
Bacon’s Castle Supply
Customize a gift basket for someone on your gift list who loves peanuts! Purchase a Felt’s Country Ham or some chocolate covered peanuts to snack on.
Chippokes State Park Store
The Visitors Center store at Chippokes has some amazing gift ideas! Shop for clothing items, stuffed animals, and stocking stuffers.
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, but will be closed Saturday, December 2, 2023. Park Gift Shop open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The Friends of Chippokes Gift Shop will be open on Thanksgiving weekend and during Chippokes Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 9th - they just may have the perfect handmade gift for someone on your shopping list! Check out events that are scheduled at Chippokes during the holiday season.
Farmer Joe’s Greenhouse, Florist, and Gift Shop
Always a favorite Christmas shopping destination! Gifts galore, wreaths, floral arrangements, decorations, poinsettias, and more. Don’t forget to pick up a gift card too.
Hampton Roads Winery
‘Tis the season for mulled wine! After your tasting, stock up on some wine, or seasonal mead, to enhance your holiday meals and get togethers. The shop is also filled with great gift ideas for the wine lovers in your life. Know what fits perfectly in a stocking? A Hampton Roads Winery gift card! Open Thursdays through Mondays through December 23rd. Closed December 24th through the 27th. Will be open on New Year's Day!
Johnson Brothers, Inc.
(460 Colonial Trail East, Surry, VA 23883) Christmas trees will be available the weekend after Thanksgiving; but don’t stop there! Step inside to find seasonal yard flags, Simply Southern t-shirts, chocolate covered peanuts, old-fashioned candies, and lovely decorative items.
Just for Kicks Cupcakes and More
The holiday season calls for sweets – pre-order a cake or pie; pick up some cupcakes and cookies or a grab-and-go lunch for that busy day of shopping. Don’t forget to look around the “front room” for one-of-a-kind locally handcrafted items that your friends and family will love. Gift cards are also available. Closed November 23rd and 24th. Closed December 17th through the 28th. Visit with Santa on December 9, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Meats of Virginia
Got a jerky lover on your gift list? Meats of Virginia carries exotic jerkies along with lots of other exciting food items that can only be found locally here. Treat yourself to a sandwich if you need a bite to eat while you’re out shopping for everyone else. Don’t forget to pick up an Edwards Petite Ham for your holiday meal – while supplies last! Now open 7 days a week!
Smith’s Fort Gift Shop
Did you know that there is a quaint little gift shop in the basement of the home at Smith’s Fort? It’s filled with lovely little surprises perfect for holiday gift giving! Smith’s Fort is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 17th, when it closes for the winter months.
Sunflower Farm
Put some heat in the holidays with Sunflower Farm’s hot sauces and seasoning blends. These little babies will fit very nicely into stockings and gift baskets. Purchase through online sales and attendance at local holiday farmers markets.
Sycamore Springs Farm Market
Support a local farming family through your purchase of prepared food items and fresh, local ingredients for you holiday entertaining. The Market will be open on Saturday and Sunday, November 18th and 19th only.
Surry County Historical Society and Museums
For the history lover on your list, you’ll find books, Christmas ornaments, commemorative afghans, and small gift items that will keep them in touch with their Surry roots. The Historical Society is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Closed November 22, 2023. Payment methods - cash and checks only.
The Surry Farmers Market
Specialty Holiday Markets are scheduled at the pavilion located at 45 School Street, Surry, VA on Fridays - November 17th and December 15, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Celebrate the holiday season on December 15th with live music, tree lighting on the Courthouse lawn, and a visit with Father Christmas!
Restaurants:
The holidays are a perfect time to gather for a meal with family and friends. One of our local restaurants would be a great spot for a fun-filled gathering.
Anna’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant
The Surry Seafood Company Restaurant
Yu-Chen’s Asian Grill