Downtown Topeka has a lot to offer for the holidays

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 Tara Crousen, 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.

READ:  Annual Red Kettle Campaign begins

Pancakes and more

Hanover’s Pancake House at 1034 S. Kansas Avenue has been a local favorite since 1969! With a wide variety on the menu, and friendly service, it’s a great place to stop for breakfast, lunch or brunch! They are also famous for the pork tenderloin sandwich, and it is huge!

With the friendly service and generous portions, you won’t go away hungry!

There are so many other unique shops downtown you won’t believe it! Don’t stop with this incomplete list! There’s plenty more to discover in Downtown Topeka.

In addition to Hazel Hill Chocolate, Cashmere Popcorn, Hunter & Laine Boutique & Gift Shop, Juli’s Coffee & Bistro and Hanover’s Pancake House, check out Moburts Spices , The Mix, and Absolute Design by Brenda. Other options for a fun lunch are Cosmos Court , The Pennant Topeka, The Tee Box, Iron Rail Brewing, J Rocks Smoke House, and many more! Make downtown part of your Christmas gift tradition.

Bring a friend, or the family, and re-discover the joy of hanging out downtown!

Upcoming Events in Downtown Topeka:

FIRST FRIDAY ART MARKET – Downtown and NOTO arts district. Arts, antiques, fine crafts, flea market items, snacks & beverages, entertainment and more.

FRIDAY NIGHT FUNNIES – Every Friday 8pm at Cosmos Court, 909 S. Kansas. Weekly comedy show is only $15, or two for $25.  Followed by Karaoke at 9:30!

THE NUTCRACKER BY KANSAS BALLET ACADEMY– Dec. 21-22, TPAC. Tickets available at the TPAC box office or Ticketmaster.com. For info: 785-234-2787

FAMILY NIGHT STAR KARAOKE – Tuesday evenings at Cosmos Court, 909 S. Kansas Ave.  Family night pizza deal also!

LIVERPOOL LEGENDS – Dec. 27 at TPAC

CASINO ROYALE NEW YEAR’S EVE – Dec. 31 at The Beacon

–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice

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