The holidays are quickly approaching. It’s time to make your list, check it twice, and get shopping. If you are heading to the Whiteface Region, there are so many stores for finding the perfect gift. Many stores also offer online shopping if you prefer to stay indoors this season. Ready to make your holiday shopping plan and shop ADK this year? Below is a shopping guide for every kind of person on your list.  

For the chocolate lover

Sitting at the four corner intersection in Wilmington sits a chocolate factory creating small batch, handcrafted chocolates. Adirondack Chocolates began operating in 1977 and opened its Wilmington location in 2002. Another store is located on Main Street in Lake Placid. Walking into Adirondack Chocolates you will find an array of goodies ranging from pre-made boxes to endless chocolate mix and match options. Some of my personal favorites are nonpareils, turtles, and truffles. Adirondack Chocolates is open for inside and online shopping. 

For the free spirited

The newest shop to pop up in the Whiteface Region is Unicorn Square. The shop's website describes it as “A peaceful sanctuary that sparks imagination, gratitude and reinforces a love of nature.” Owner, Bridget, runs the shop selling handmade emotional support fairies, unicorn horns, crystals, and more. A trip to this unique store is an experience in itself and is the perfect stop for someone who enjoys the mythical side of life. 

For the festive friend

You know those people who listen to Christmas music in July? Well look no further than Santa's Workshop! In a typical year, this small Christmas themed amusement park is the perfect place for families to get into the holiday spirits, either during Christmas in July or during their Yuletide Weekends. They also have a gift shop full of Christmas themed goodies, handcrafted by Santa's crafters right at Santa's Workshop, North Pole, NY! The shop offers online shopping.

For the artist 

Less than a mile apart in the town of Jay you will find two art studios. Young's Studio and Gallery and the Jay Craft Center are small, artist owned studios featuring art from around the Adirondacks. Both specialize in pottery but sell an array of art goods such as wooden bowls, jewelry, photographs, children's toys, yarns, and more.     

For the cheese connoisseur

The Whiteface Region is home to two of the Adirondacks finest cheese producers, Sugar House Creamery and Asgaard Farm. Sugar House Creamery is a farmstead creamery, where milk from a small herd of Brown Swiss cows is turned into their three signature cheeses: Dutch Knuckle, Little Dickens, and Pound Cake. Asgaard Farm and Dairy specializes in goat cheeses but also offers other farm goods such as grass-fed beef, pasture-raised pork, eggs, and more. Some of their cheeses include Barkeater Buche, Whiteface Mountain, and Au Sable Valley Tomme. Both locations have farm stores, an online shop, and can be found in local markets. 

For the craft beer drinker

Growing up, we never learned the North Pole was stocked with some of the best craft beer, but one trip to the North Pole General Store will leave you impressed. With two large refrigerators, you can select from an array of craft breweries and styles of beer. For the beer lover in your life, why not handpick them a six pack with some of the best regional beer you can get? If you’re lucky, they might even invite you in to enjoy one! Beer from the North Pole General Store can be purchased in person. 

(North Pole General Store has since closed)

For the flyfisher(wo)men 

With a region seated at the shores of the Ausable River, a famed fly fishing destination, it's no wonder the small town of Wilmington is home to two fly fishing shops. Both the Ausable River Two Fly Shop and Hungry Trout Fly Shop offer top quality fly fishing gear and guided trips. Know a fly fisherman or woman? This is the perfect place for you! Whether you opt for a guided experience or a new rod, the angler you’re shopping for will thank you! Both shops are open for in store shopping and the Hungry Trout Fly Shop also offers online shopping. 

If you happen to shop till you drop, check out where to stay in the Whiteface Region. No matter where you choose to go, happy shopping!