Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
As the holiday season continues, Downtown Topeka is looking better than ever! People are getting in the Christmas Spirit!
Christmas shopping in Downtown Topeka can be fun, with all the unique shops and a bit of nostalgia in the air. It might remind you of a time when shopping was more exciting and personal.
Following are some tidbits from some of your friendly downtown merchants.
Unique Boutique and Gifts
Hunter & Laine, 826 S Kansas Ave, is a locally owned boutique that offers unique items made by local makers and other small businesses. The selection includes everything from BBQ sauce and freeze-dried candy to beaded ornaments, wallets, jewelry, quality clothing, and pet accessories. It’s also kid-friendly and dog-friendly, so you’ll find an area for kids to relax and enjoy coloring pages and activities, while you browse with your furry friend.
“We love to work with local makers and artists by selling items on commission or buying products wholesale.” Said Amanda Turner, Hunter & Laine Manager. “By doing so, we can contribute to a unique shopping experience that gives back to the community.”
Check out the great assortment of items that will provide you with unique gifts to share with your family and friends this holiday season. Hours are Tuesday-Friday from 10:00-6:00 and Saturday 10:00-4:00.
Taking chocolate to a new level
Owners Nick & Terry Xidis at Hazel Hill Chocolate, 724 S. Kansa Avenue, have been a Downtown staple for years.
Hazel Hill, Terry’s grandmother, is a symbol of their dedication to a family tradition of “the best in everything they do.” Nick is the third-generation chocolatier, and they use only the finest ingredients, chocolate, fresh cream and butter, to produce handmade treats that explode with flavor.
For the last 6 years, Nick has been making handcrafted chocolate from cacao (coco beans) that import from around the globe. Much like fine wine, each cacao origin produces a unique flavor profile in the finished chocolate.
It’s not just Topekans that delight in Hazel Hill chocolates.
“In 2019, three of our handcrafted chocolate bars won bronze in the International Chocolate Awards Americas competition,” Nick said. “In 2020 our sea salt caramel won the gold medal in the Chocolate Alliance competition.”
There are now over 20 awards and counting! Whatever your preference – handmade chocolate truffles, home-style fudge, crispy-creamy caramel apples or something else – at Hazel Hill they fashion delightful treats for every palate.
Need a gift basket, gift box, or just a few delicious chocolates to go? They’ll take care of all the packing and shipping, too!
When you need a break
For your coffee emergency, go to Juli’s Coffee and Bistro – a locally owned, woman owned, Veteran owned and operated coffee shop offering legit house coffee and all manner of espresso drinks.
Juli’s features “Made in the USA” coffee grown and roasted in Hawaii, with aloha flavors like toasted coconut, chocolate and vanilla macadamia nut. Buy a bag to take home!
Local favorites are still available, like the Turkey Lurkey and house made Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad for lunch. Fresh salads, wraps and tasty paninis make it perfect for casual dining. Daily house made specials keep it fresh and exciting.
Check out the menus online at www.juliscoffeeandbistro.com and order online, pay online and then pick up, or use EatStreet delivery.
New menu items include made from scratch pies! Using recipes handed down for 5 generations, locally sourced small batch and uniquely tasty. Come in for a slice, or order ahead for the holidays: Apple, cherry, pumpkin, pecan, oatmeal, coconut cream, and more!
A little bit of Heaven
Working side-by-side at Cashmere Popcorn, Bill and Angie Anderson’s goal is to create a high-quality product in every handcrafted batch of popcorn, and provide it to you with unmatched customer service.
Faith and family is the driving force behind this amazing company. In fact, their family motto has always been, and will always be, “Thanks Be To God!”
They produce, package and market all the popcorn. With about twenty flavors to choose from, you’ll find a little bit of heaven in every bag. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 10-6 and Saturday 10-4.
Cashmere Popcorn would like to wish everyone a Blessed Christmas Season, and thanks for supporting local.
Diamonds are Forever
With the Christmas season in full swing, you’ll find many specials and gift ideas at David’s Jewelers, 623 S. Kansas – a family business that has served Topeka for four generations, with over 50 years in business.
Diamond rings, pendants and earrings usually top the list but they also offer vivid colored gemstones in unique settings, watches, clocks, statues and fine crystal.
“Gifts can start at $20.00 and go from there,” said Mitzi from behind the counter at David’s. “We will be glad to help you find that special gift for that special someone.”
READ: Salvation Army needs bell ringers for the Holiday Season
Leather and more
Doug Mingus, owner and designer at Mingus Leather Studio, believes the world needs more beauty and joy: More gifts given and used; More smiles, kindness, and real service; More people doing what they love and sharing it.
His business was born to pursue all these, when life presented an unexpected change. He created a place where beautiful handcrafted items, that are designed for life, are celebrated and shared. Immediately when walking into this shop you will be greeted with the intoxicating smell of leather and a warm, kind welcome from Doug.
It all starts with full grain leather items made in his studio, or from other artisans he has partnered with. Belts, bags, journal covers, catch-all and game trays, wallets, keychains, pouches, purses, and more.
Mingus didn’t stop at leather. He partners with George’s Pen Creations and has jewelry from Kamama Designs, candle makers like Beauty from Ashes, and other artists. Mingus Leather Studio is a place to find unique, useful and beautiful items that bring a smile, and build businesses and families. There is something for everyone on your gift list here and you may even need to splurge on something for yourself.
Doug also does repairs on all kinds of leather items.
–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice
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