Shop Small This Holiday Season: A Fresh Air Adventures Gift Guide
There’s something special about holiday shopping in Western New York. Twinkling lights line the historic main streets, cozy boutiques invite you in from the cold, and local makers fill their shelves with gifts that tell a story. Across the Fresh Air Adventures - spanning Allegany, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties - small businesses are ready to make your holiday season merry, meaningful, and delightfully local.
This year, skip the crowds and big-box chaos. Instead, take a scenic drive through our charming downtowns and country roads to find one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting the artisans, farmers, and families who make our region shine.
Allegany County: Small-Town Charm and Handcrafted Gifts
In the heart of the WNY Wilds, you’ll find holiday shopping steeped in authenticity. Stop by The Rogue Carrot in Wellsville for locally made goods, specialty foods, and eco-conscious gifts perfect for the wellness lover in your life. For those who love a taste of tradition, Canacadea Country Store near Alfred is a must, stocked with locally sourced jams, handmade crafts, and cozy winter wear.
If you’re searching for something with vintage flair, wander through Angelica Country Store & Antiques, a favorite destination for timeless gifts and collectibles. Don’t miss The New Vogue Shop in Wellsville, a fashion-forward boutique with classic style and personal service that make every purchase feel special.
Genesee County: Holiday Spirit and Hometown Favorites
Holiday shopping in Genesee County is all about discovering unique, thoughtful gifts crafted by local artisans and businesses. From handmade décor to one-of-a-kind creations, explore small-town treasures with this guide to finding something special for everyone on your list.
Find locally inspired gifts and stylish seasonal pieces at Country Cottage in Batavia, where home décor, jewelry, and holiday accents blend rustic charm with modern flair.
No holiday season is complete without a visit to Oliver’s Candies, a Batavia landmark since 1932. Step inside their old-fashioned candy shop for hand-dipped chocolates, candy canes, and irresistible fudge, perfect for stockings or sweet memories on the drive home.
For something warm and rustic, explore Norton’s Chizzelwood in Alexander, where artisans craft heirloom-quality wooden furniture and personalized keepsakes. And don’t forget Northwoods Alpacas in Bergen, offering ultra-soft alpaca scarves, mittens, and socks that bring comfort and coziness all winter long.
Orleans County: Canal-Side Boutiques and Handcrafted Treasures
Orleans County’s historic canal towns make for a picture-perfect shopping getaway. Start in Medina at A Lily & A Sparrow, a chic boutique offering clothing, handbags, and fragrances that combine small-town warmth with big-city style.
Nearby, Modern Mercantile and The Downtown Browsery bring together dozens of local vendors under one roof, featuring everything from handcrafted home décor and jewelry to vintage collectibles. In Albion, Brushstrokes Studio lets you paint your own pottery for a personalized gift (great for family outings or handmade surprises).
Finish your day at Hurd Orchards in Holley, where seasonal jams, jellies, and their signature “From the Farm Gift Collections” make heartfelt presents filled with the flavor of Western New York.
Wyoming County: Cozy Finds and Country Character
In Wyoming County, holiday shopping feels like stepping into a charming winter postcard. Start in Arcade at Junk & Disorderly Antiques, a 6,000-square-foot wonderland of vintage treasures. From rusty collectibles and antiques to unique artwork, this eclectic shop invites you to browse and discover one-of-a-kind gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Conveniently located on Main Street, right across from the Arcade & Attica Railroad, it’s the perfect stop before or after a scenic train ride.
Just down the road in Covington, Eleven Covington is a curated haven of hand-picked furniture, gifts, and more. Custom gift boxes and thoughtful wrapping make it easy to turn any item into a special holiday surprise.
In Perry, Remember When offers a unique twist on the classic antique shoppe. Filled with antiques, boutique items, handmade crafts, and creations from local artists, each visit is a treasure hunt for gifts with personality and story. Nearby, Act 4 Books brings the community together through books, board games, and local culture. With a cozy kids’ section, in-store gaming areas, and regular author events, it’s a warm, inviting spot to find the perfect present for readers and families alike.
Wyoming County blends vintage charm, curated gifts, and community spirit, creating a holiday shopping experience full of surprises, character, and small-town warmth.
Whether you’re sipping cider by a shop window in Medina, unwrapping sweets in Batavia, or finding the perfect handmade ornament in Angelica, each stop along the Fresh Air Adventures holiday trail offers something truly special.
This season, give gifts that matter—crafted with care, rooted in community, and found right here in Western New York. Every purchase supports local makers and keeps our small towns thriving.
Make it a getaway. Make it a tradition. Make it small—and mighty—this holiday season.
This program is supported by a grant awarded to Greater Niagara Region by New York State's Empire State Development and I Love NY Division of Tourism.
®I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission.
