Are you in the midst of Christmas shopping? Maybe avoiding a trip to the mall? Well, this column might be for you. Shopping in and around Landrum can be a fun adventure.

Our downtown has a variety of shops filled with Christmas offerings. Before you head to a congested mall, filled with the usual chain stores, be sure to wander our local specialty shops. Meet a friend for lunch in one of the wonderful restaurants, and make Christmas shopping fun.

Today let’s explore off the beaten path, a few steps away from the middle of town, a short car ride, travel a mile or so down the road. Are there some shopping surprises tucked away in unfamiliar places?

The first stop on our journey is Country Peddler in Campobello, off Highway 176 on Depot Street. Jeaneen Cobourn has treasures from the past, plus newly arrived items, to complement the old. Need a gift for a fellow flower gardener? An unusual, ivory colored vase called a Williamsburg finger vase catches my eye. It has five separate cavities and is 60 years old. I thumb through some old magazines dated 1924 called St. Nicholas. Although not a Christmas magazine, the stories dating from a past era look intriguing. Are you hosting a New Years party? You might want to be decked out in an apron that looks like a tuxedo.

We’ll be sure to stop in Palmetto Yarn Shop in the middle of Campobello. Owners Julie Farmer and Lynne Henderson can help you pick out the perfect, unexpected gift for a favorite knitter on your list.

A little farther down Highway 176 in Campobello is Maxine’s Christmas Shop. Maxine works all year making her stunning Christmas decorations. Christmas decorating isn’t complete without a creation from Maxine. Look for the deer at the bottom of the driveway announcing the shop.

You’ve never been to Gramling? Let’s continue down 176. Buffy’s Timeless Treasures and Remember This are worth the extra mile. Buffy’s offers a large selection of quality antiques. Remember This is filled with nostalgic items, perfect for bringing back memories for the young at heart.

As we head back into Landrum, we’ll go to the top of Jones Street and stop in Whimsical Gallery, the gallery in the former church. It could be the perfect venue to find a painting for the person who has everything. David Cedrone’s imagination and whimsical view of life are evident in his paintings done on paper and wood. Many of his pieces have been made into magnets that would add a bit of whimsy to any room. Need a custom piece for that hard to buy for individual? Peruse David’s albums, showing previously commissioned work, to get ideas of what he offers.

A few steps from downtown’s center, Lavender Sage is located at the corner of Highway 176 and Rutherford. I discover parking is available behind the shop. Cynthia Harris features work by many local artists and craftspeople. Susan Cere’s bath products, infused with essential oils, would be a welcome gift for anyone dealing with extra stress this time of year. Looking for an uncommon present for a special cook? How about a clock made from kitchen utensils to help keep track of time in the kitchen?

Crossing over to Trade Street we’ll visit Charming, the perfect boutique to help  fill your pet’s Christmas stocking. If your pooch needs to keep toasty when out for a walk, outfit him with a Clemson Tigers or Gamecock t-shirt. If he’s been a good dog, how about a pet cookie made with ingredients even safe for humans! Prepare your pets, dogs and/or cats, for Christmas guests by visiting their grooming salon. Mobile services are also available. And leave your pet at day care to provide time for shopping.

As we head down Rutherford, let’s pull into Rustiques. Planning a party or Christmas wedding? Searching for a theme? Rustiques rents rustic décor for events. A barndoor backdrop and lanterns would create a festive look. Stop in and see Emily Provchy and Genevieve Scribner for ideas. Need a mantle to hang Christmas stockings ‘by the chimney with care’? Rustiques creates custom-made fireplace mantles. Rustiques is filled with new and old rustic, country décor. I notice a bicycle clock that would be perfect, sitting on a shelf in any boy’s room.

We’ll stop at the Prince Plaza on Rutherford to visit Lucy’s Boutique and Local Yocal. Lucy’s is well stocked with trend setting clothing, jewelry, sachets, and some children’s wear. An adorable reindeer bib would be the perfect Christmas dinner accessory for a sweet cherub celebrating his/her first Christmas. The boutique shares the location with My Fair Lady Hair Salon, located downstairs. Lindsay and Sonya Dobbins, a mother-daughter team own the boutique and salon.

Across the parking lot from Lucy’s is Local Yocal, Lael Dann’s new venture, adjacent to her Be Well Massage studio. Gift cards for a relaxing massage can be purchased at Local Yocal. Coffee, locally roasted by Open Road Coffee, would make a welcome stocking stuffer. Hoping to encourage a young person to save money in 2018? Perhaps a handmade pottery piggy bank, or a ‘cat’ piggy bank would promote thrifty habits.

Continuing down Rutherford we’ll check out the many book titles inside and out at the Hospice Thrift Barn. The books are inexpensive, allowing you to provide year long reading to a book lover at minimal cost.