Holiday Shopping in Perquimans County -- By Colleen Brown

What could be better than going holiday shopping through a whole series of small, quaint stores full of wonderful and unusual items laid out in elegant or charming displays? Wouldn’t it be great to avoid the traffic and the crowds at big city stores? Imagine feeling relaxed and unrushed, not jostled by other shoppers or fighting for the last item of a slightly dubious deep discount that may or may not be there when you finally make it through the line to the check out. And then, with bags full of gifts that reflect the individual personalities of the receivers, you can sit down for a delicious and leisurely lunch at a peaceful restaurant with good food and attentive servers? Is it just a dream? No! It’s Perquimans County!

We all know that the Saturday after Thanksgiving is dedicated to “Shopping Small,” patronizing locally owned, neighborhood businesses that bring income and employment to your home town and home county. But, it doesn’t have to end there! Of course you want the thrill and adventure of braving the crowded highways and bustling malls of the metropolis at least once or twice during the holiday season, but remember how calm and relaxed you felt on Small Business Saturday? You don’t have to lose that feeling. Make Shopping Small and showing your love for local business a holiday shopping habit!

Come to Hertford in Perquimans County and sample the delights of The Silver Fox of Hertford, Hertfordshire Antiques, Small Town Trendz, Relax, Woodard’s Pharmacy (which has an amazing selection of toys and other goodies), Hertford Bargain Center (one of the largest collections of rare Depression glassware and other antique dishes in the area), the Perquimans Arts League Gallery & Gift Shop, Grandma’s Treasures and many other small, local businesses. Stop for lunch at Brew2Rescue on Church Street or the 252 Grille on Berry which also houses a whole collection of micro-shops offering the work of local artisans.

Then, venture a lengthy 10 minutes down the road to Belvidere where Layden’s County Store’s Christmas Shop is busy preparing gift baskets heavy with smoked meats, Wisconsin cheese, old fashioned candy & other wonders, for that difficult-to-please person on your gift list. After Layden’s, stop by the tiny, quaint Red’s just across the street or, just a little further, the Nicholson House Gift Shop which is, handily, attached to the Tea Parlor which serves a lovely county lunch or afternoon tea to refresh you during your leisurely day of shopping.

Come to Perquimans County to Shop Small! Fill out your holiday gift list with ease in an atmosphere of comfort and ease while promoting local business! What could be better?