Christmas lists today likely don’t include turtle doves, maids a’milking or french hens, but with local shops in Bradford and in Olean, the 12 days of Christmas could be filled with more-modern gifts.
Instead of 12 drummers drumming, try the work of dozens of talented locals at the Main Street Mercantile in Bradford. Local authors and artists are featured, as is the work of jewelry makers, knitters and more.
Eleven pipers piping would be quite a noisy display of talent, while much quieter and easier to wrap talent is on display at Cindy’s Craft Co-Op in the Olean Center Mall.
Ten lords a’leaping doesn’t seem like a good idea, with snow and ice possible. But the new Wilds Sonshine Factory in Kane offers a unique spirit made from sunflower seeds that might be just the gift for someone on the Christmas list.
Nine ladies dancing wouldn’t be a practical gift, but Four Mile Brewing in Olean offers growlers and kegs that might get folks dancing at Christmas parties.
Eight maids a’milking sounds wholesome, sort of like a visit to Mister Rogers Neighborhood. And what better way to get there than the Neighborhood Trolley, made by Holgate, a division of Pepperell in Bradford. That and other locally made products are available on the website, pepperell.com.
Seven swans a’swimming … gee, thanks. Not what we meant by Angry Birds, but … For Crafts Sake in Olean features more than 40 local crafters and handmade gifts that won’t bite, like ornaments and gnomes, Christmas earrings and hair bows of sports teams.
Six geese a’laying sure seems like a lot of feathers and other messes. Maybe find some clean, natural gifts at the Pennsylvania Wilds Conservation Shop at Kinzua Bridge State Park, where artisans offer books, jewelry, stationary, paper, kitchenware, artwork, shirts and collectibles.
Five golden rings might be found among the works of art offered at Tri County Arts Council of Olean, along with paintings, pottery, prints and photography and more.
Four calling birds would probably be pretty noisy inside. It seems like sitting on a porch, whittling with a Case knife would be a good way to enjoy the birds. Case knives come in all kinds, from kitchen knives to pocket knives to a sporting knife in a sheath, perfect for anyone on one’s Christmas list. The Zippo Case Visitors Center in Bradford offers a selection of knives to choose from.
Three french hens are rumored to be quite tasty. And so is cheese, and Cuba Cheese Shoppe in Cuba has a variety of gifts, like cheese and cheese spreads, salt-rising bread and even Sprague’s Maple Syrup.
Two turtle doves wouldn’t be practical in a cold region like this, since they are a warmer weather bird. Folks around here turn to Zippo Manufacturing Co. for its famous lighters to warm things up, or its Northern Lights candles to set the mood. Try the store at the Zippo Case Museum in Bradford for all kinds of gifts.
And a partridge in a pear tree is not a realistic gift, really, and there’s already a tree involved in Christmas. So what about some Super Shears from Cutco? Or some garden tools, tableware, kitchen knives or related tools? Or are you thinking a little tougher, like KA-BAR tough? Both are available at the Olean Visitors Center.
