The holiday season is upon us and it’s time to deal with the hassle of Christmas shopping. But finding the perfect gift shouldn’t be a hassle. The best way to to check off the people on your Christmas list, while enjoying some holiday cheer, is to visit local shops, holiday fairs, and open houses.
Not only do you avoid the crowds and chaos of the large department stores, and malls, but you help to make the holidays a little brighter for local business owners and artisans.
And face it, isn’t a beautiful, hand crafted gift more special than a mass manufactured item?
Here’s a wonderful opportunity for you to do just that this weekend!
31st Annual
Monches Artisans
Holiday Open House
December 5-7, 2014 (at most locations)
9:00-5:00
Join in and celebrate! With map in hand you’ll be guided on a driving tour through the historic Monches and Holy Hill area to visit artist studios, quaint shops, farms and inns.
Friday, December 5th through Sunday December 7th will mark the 31st year that artists in the tiny artist community of Monches, 30 miles northwest of Milwaukee, will open their doors and welcome visitors for a weekend of holiday cheer.
The 2014 tour will include a pottery studio, an art glass studio, an outdoor metal sculpture gallery and a rural inn and vineyard featuring seasonal wines. Monches Farm will be offering fresh handmade wreaths, holiday greens and a shop brimming with antiques, unique gifts and seasonal décor. A local church will also be hosting a craft fair on Saturday.
The drive-it-yourself tour will take visitors along rustic roads through the scenic area surrounding the renowned Holy Hill Basilica. Refreshments, seasonal music and outdoor bonfires will welcome visitors at several of the stops along the way. The tour runs from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Maps will be available at each of the tour stops and HERE.
I will be at Paul Bobrowitz Spectacular Sculpture talking about Charles Dickens, his book “The Christmas Carol,” and his influence on the Christmas we celebrate today. Signed copies of my books, including “Christmas Carole,” will be available for purchase.
What better stocking stuffer, or teacher’s gift than a Christmas book signed by the author?
I will have several yummy treats that you may have found in Dickens time for you to taste, along with wassail to warm you up.
Plus you will have the opportunity to purchase many beautiful items and gifts made by talented local artisans!
I truly hope you can make it to this wonderful holiday event!
A Play on Words 