local bizness

Number 11 on my list of 29 plus 1 is to seek out and support local businesses.  This is sort of an on going thing but so far I’m surprised at how well we’ve been doing w/out actually thinking about it.  Here’s a little promo for the local businesses we’ve visited. 

Mackinaw Valley Vineyard: We’ve been here before and it happens to be my fave winery in the area.  It’s a gorgeous setting, you can go see concerts on Sat nights, have a quiet glass of wine on Fri nights, and in the winter go to trivia nights.  The owners are very nice and they’ve been coming up with new wines that I need to try.  I always just drink my default fave, Eric’s Red.
Not Your Average Joe’s Coffee shop in Dunlap IL: Love this place.  We stopped in to check out back in May after walking the Rock Island trail.  It’s a cute little shop in one of the oldest buildings in town.  The owner was very nice and personable.  Her selection of coffees is great, and she boasts to have the best latte in town.  It’s a bit of a drive for us but worth it for reliabley good coffee and a selection of sweet baked goods that make you drool just looking.
Ewe-Nique yarns in Morton IL: When I found the pattern for the chameleon blanket I did a quick search to see if any where locally sold Noro sock yarn and Ewe-Nique yarn shop fit the bill.  It’s located in Morton Il next to a really wonderful bead shop and an amazing quilt shop.  Both locally owned but I haven’t bought anything from them recently.  Ewe-Nique yarns is great.  I’m all signed up for their mailing list and at some point hope to learn to knit here.  All the employees are very helpful and very informative.  They wanted to see my pattern of what I was working with.  They were able to point me in the right direction for types of yarn and in the future types of classes to take.  It’s a great atmosphere and I get excited about going there again….even if I don’t need anything.
Peoria Camera Shop:  I am lucky to have a great camera shop here in town.  Employees all know their cameras.  They have a developing lab in house and they can develop 120 film.  They offer classes, beginning ones for free which I’ve taken a couple of these and then more advanced classes for a small price.  If my focus was more digital photography I’d be in every one of their classes.  I need to get up there next week and get more holgas developed.
Copper River Coffee shop in Peoria: Miranda discovered this gem this summer and we went on her recommendation.  We haven’t been here more than a couple times but we like it a lot.  I’m in love with their coppercinos.  It’s an excellent atmosphere to catch up with friends, meet for a book club, or bring a book and sit and read. 

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