How To Shop Local All Year Long

sipping an iced oat milk vanilla latte from my favorite coffee shop, Lorca

1. Coffee. Skip the Starbucks. If you pick up a coffee on your way to the office, try skipping the line at the mega-coffee store and opt for a local shop. If you’re local, I’m obsessed with Lorca. It’s a teeny drive out the way of my normal commute but ALWAYS worth it.
2. Stop by a farmer’s market. If you aren’t sure if one exists near you, type in your town and “farmer’s market” and you’ll most definitely find results. Usually the produce is fresher, organic and often times cheaper than what you’d find at your grocery store. I stopped by mine this weekend and got the best watermelon of the summer.
3. Grab your grocery specials at a local shop. If you have time, pick up your specialty items at the local shop. Drop into your local butcher, cheese shop, wine store. They are so knowledgable about their products that they’ll be able to answer any questions you may have like preparation or pairings.
4. Eat locally. Going out for drinks with the girls or date night? Pick a local restaurant in your area.
5. Check out your local boutiques. Updating your wardrobe or need a dress for an upcoming event? Check out the local clothing stores in your town. Some of my most favorite ensembles have been from local stores that curate their own collection from various designers.
6. Search on Etsy. If you’re in a place where there aren’t many options to shop local, take a peek at Etsy where artists can showcase all their work. I recently was gifted my beautiful “A” necklace for my birthday & it was from Etsy!
7. Opt for smaller, boutique hotels or B&B’s when traveling. Always more charming, usually less costly.
8. Support your local art community. Buy tickets to the local ballet company’s performances or stop in to your local theatre. Growing up as a dancer, this is near & dear to my hearts as the arts are often underfunded.

Shopping local is so important year round, not only on Small Business Saturday (which falls the Saturday after Thanksgiving). I love the feeling of knowing whatever I’ve purchased, whether it’s a cup of coffee, a ticket, or a brand new outfit contributes to the continuance of someone’s dream.

Cheers,