Tis’ the season to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! If the thought of braving the malls fills you with a little bit of dread, a quick trip to the Foothills will reward you with a relaxed, quaint and easy going shopping experience. We’ve rounded up some of the must stop shops in the area, full of unique finds, local goods and friendly owners.
Finishing Touches - Okotoks
Finishing Touches is a family-owned boutique specializing in seasonal accents, custom furniture, and everyday home decor for your home or cabin. This is THE spot to check out for unique and quality Holiday items or gifts for the tough to shop for folks on your list. Their store is now available for shopping online at www.onlinefinishingtouches.com and they offer local delivery.
Bertie’s General Store - Diamond Valley
If you’re looking for a shopping experience that tickles all your senses, Bertie’s General Store is a trip worth taking! Said to be the oldest original building in Diamond Valley, and is believed to have been built around 1909. Over the decades it has served as the community’s grocery store, gas station, postal outlet and (on occasion), dance hall. As time rolled on, it housed a restaurant, deli and garage sale centre, and proudly remains the property of the original family, The Blakeman’s, to this day.
In the fall of 2017, it became “Bertie’s General Store” - having been named after Bill Blakeman’s mother, who helped him run the shop. This beautiful heritage building continues to supply the community with quality goods and treasured memories. Alongside the offerings of the apothecary and vintage collections, you’ll find beautiful beeswax candles, handcrafted brooms, woven baskets, antiques, botanically dyed clothing, wool blankets, vintage vinyls and vintage home goods. The shelves are stocked to the brim with magic from Bertie’s Vintage, Flopsy Life, Sweetgrass Vintage and more! This store is a definite vibe, inspiring a feeling of nostalgia and serenity and well worth the trip to check it out!
Marshalls Country Store - Diamond Valley
Marshalls Country Store is a place full of favourite finds, unique gifts & creative finishes for your country lifestyle. Alberta is home to a diverse offering of artists and creators and Marshall’s features products you won’t find anywhere else. From jewelry to home decor to sunglasses, these locally made finds are often farm tested by the owner herself, Amber Marshall. The space is intentionally designed to create a place that is inviting, comfortable, and somewhere that you feel a sense of my home by walking through the doors. From the music playing and the incredible staff, you’ll feel a sense of peace and coziness from the moment you walk in!
Olive + Finch - High River
Olive + Finch, est. 2018, is located in the old saddlery attached to the Maggie's Diner. Olive + Finch is a purveyor of gifts, home decor, natural bath and beauty products, and products unique to Southern Alberta, such as repurposed barn doors and antique farm equipment from ranches like the ones seen on Heartland (there is also a selection of Heartland mercy that you won't want to miss! High River is also home to Seven Seas Trading Co, White Bull Clothing Co, Walkers General Store, The Daily Male Barber Shop, Sheena's Sweets, Blue Jay Vintage, and more, making it worth the day trip down for some quaint small town holiday shopping.
The foothills are a treasure trove of adorable places to stop and shop. We’ve rounded up even more of our favourites in each of the towns to guide you as you visit! There’s always more to see, so be sure to explore on your own and find your next must-visit business!
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