Calhoun County Visitors Bureau issued the following announcement on Nov. 25.
Small Business Saturday is officially Nov. 30, the day after Black Friday. But here at the Calhoun County Visitors Bureau, supporting local business is for every day of the year.
The CCVB works to bring in visitors and direct them to the businesses that make us unique — and put money in the pockets of locals.
So in honor of Small Business Saturday, our staff recommends some alternatives to the big box stores and fast food franchises.
Charitable Union Gift Shop
Recommended by: Heather Lawson, Business Services Manager
My pick for Small Business Saturday is the Charitable Union Gift Shop. They have some amazing handmade items, perfect for gift giving. Some of my favorites are their wool mittens, aprons, big foot pillows and quilts.
Charitable Union helps so many people in the community by supplying winter coats, steel toe boots, work clothes, personal hygiene items, kitchen items and so much more. Come support this amazing organization and get some unique gifts!
Address: 85 Calhoun St., Battle Creek
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays
Cornwell’s Turkeyville
Recommended by: Stacy Laur, Visitor Services Specialist
Turkeyville gives you a unique shopping experience for all five senses. When you first walk in, you can immediately smell something delicious! Every now and then you can hear the organ playing or the train running while you shop.
In the gift shop, you can find seasonal home décor, toys for kids, fresh baked goods, kitchen gadgets, pantry items, candy by the pounds — all while enjoying its rustic old-fashioned charm.
After you have shopped up an appetite you can enjoy a nice turkey meal in the restaurant or, if you are looking for a snack, try the ice cream parlor. There is something for everyone to enjoy!
Address: 18935 15 1/2 Mile Road, Marshall
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Paper & I
Recommended by Annie J. Kelley, Communications Manager
I love stationary. With paper, I can slow down to enjoy color and texture. It’s also an excuse to buy lots and lots of pens at Paper & I, a craft and stationary store in Marshall. My favorite part is the front section, where there’s everything I need for a dot journal and snail mail. Unlike ordering from the JetPens website, I can test pens to see how the ink looks on paper before buying it. It’s also a great place to get stocking stuffers for the book-lover in your life, from cute sticky notes that look like famous authors to a mug that professes less sleep, more reading. The back part of Paper & I is dedicated to crafts and scrapbooking, with the kind of specialty items you’re not going to find at a superstore.
Address: 102 E. Michigan Ave., Marshall
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays
Horrocks Farm Market
Recommended by: Kelli Beattie, Sales Coordinator
Horrocks is what we call the local farm market even though they sell much more than produce. I usually make this my go-to lunch destination, as it offers an amazing salad/soup buffet and on Wednesdays, they have $5 sushi. But they have so much more to offer than that!
They have gourmet popcorn and coffee that you can purchase in store or online. If you have a sweet tooth, you are sure to find something in their candy case. This is a great holiday basket gift idea for anyone from Thanksgiving through Christmas.
Feel free to stop by their tavern for one of the 49 drafts they have on tap, or their extensive wine and craft beer for purchase. You can sit in the tavern or sip your drink while you shop.
Having a party? They have trays you can order online with fruit, meat, cheese, sushi, relish — or custom order a tray to fit your needs.
To make it even more rounded than it already is, they also offer the widest variety of produce, cuts of beef and chicken and fruit. Do you need a quick affordable but beautifully put together flower arrangement for any occasion? They have that too!
The hours are convenient, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week. If you have never been to Horrocks, please make sure you give yourself enough time to go through and get the whole experience!
Address: 235 Capital Ave. S.W., Battle Creek
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Griffin Grill & Pub
Recommended by: Becca Pelton, Digital Marketing and Technology Manager
The Griffin Grill & Pub has been a downtown Battle Creek staple since 1999. I love this restaurant because of the comfortable Irish style pub. It is a great place to grab a drink and a bite to eat with friends or co-workers. In the summer, they have a great outdoor patio for you to enjoy your meal and the warm weather. They have great specials all week, including taco Monday. In my opinion, the Griffin is one of Battle Creek’s best small-town gems!
Address: 38 W. Michigan Ave.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays-Saturdays
EastEnd Studio and Gallery
Recommended by: Kimber Thompson, Marketing Manager
Many stores in Marshall are filled with unique products and handmade gifts, but I have to admit EastEnd Studio and Gallery is a favorite. I was one of the original artists when the gallery was formed in 2006. I now paint murals, so I can’t fit my artwork into a gallery anymore, but I am excited and thrilled each time I visit to see what wonderful new creations are on display.
As you browse among the tables you will find pottery, gourds, wood fabrications, glasswork, and jewelry of all sorts. The walls are filled with colorful canvases and photographs. It is the quality of each artists work that define this gallery, however – each piece has that elusive “wow” factor that sets its creations above other galleries. Superb craftsmanship, superior creativity, and attention to detail are what make this store a favorite among visitors from as far away as Chicago and Detroit. Maybe it will become one of your favorite stores too!
Address: 143 W. Michigan Ave., Marshall
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 pm. Tuesdays-Thursdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays, noon to 4 p.m. Sundays
Los Aztecas
Recommended by: Jay Gladstone, Director of Sales
My favorite food has always been Mexican food. I was introduced to Los Aztecas by my wife when we first started dating and we have been regulars at the restaurant ever since. I would say we eat there once a week. Most of the waiters know us by name and they know exactly what we order. I would recommend the Jalisco Special.
If you are looking for a great authentic Mexican restaurant, then look no further than Los Aztecas! In addition to great food they have the best margarita in town. You will not find a restaurant with better service. We are always greeted with a smile!
Address: 12644 Harper Village Dr, Ste A, Battle Creek
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays
Schuler’s
Recommended by: Linda Freybler, CEO
When I was a child, I loved our big family gatherings. All my aunts, uncles and cousins would come over to Grandma’s house. My uncle always brought Schuler’s bar cheese and we all devoured it!
One of the best parts of my job now is going to Schuler’s for meetings and buying some of my favorite Schuler’s bar cheese to take home. The bar cheese from the restaurant is much better than the product in grocery stores. Try it and you will see.
In addition, they have a variety of fresh-made bakery products. There is a bread schedule online and you can order ahead. It includes an authentic sourdough and an amazing cranberry walnut.
Schuler’s Restaurant is famous for its prime rib and onion soup, but there are plenty of other delicious choices. And my favorite dessert is the crème brûlée.
Schuler’s is a great place to stop for a casual lunch. It’s also a go-to for a special dinner. And be sure to take home the bar cheese!
Address: 115 S. Eagle St., Marshall
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Small Business Saturday Events
Battle Creek is celebrating Small Business Saturday with a downtown pop-up market featuring a raffle, free tote bags and warm cocktails. The event is from 2 to 5 p.m. While shopping in downtown Marshall, sign up to win prizes.
Original source can be found here.
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