Chamber Chat: Houlton’s hidden treasures

In an effort to push the “Shop Local” mantra that the Chamber is busily promoting this holiday season, I would like to make note of some of our local “Hidden Treasures of Houlton.” The following is a listing of some of Houlton’s hidden treasures.
    Jenny’s — A new store located in the former hair salon on the corner of North and Main streets in what many know as Union Square that is owned and operated by Virginia Williams and has some really great antiques, hand-made items and lots of other treasures. I bought four pairs of the most amazing mittens made from old wool coats and lined with fleece.
Goodrich’s Jewelry — I know Walter Goodrich is an icon in Houlton and not so hidden, but he does have other things besides jewelry and wandering around his store is a lesson in quality. I bought some lovely ornaments for Christmas presents and was pleased that they were 50 percent off! These make a great hostess gift. Oh, and while you are there he has some wonderful silver bracelets and earrings. You really can’t go wrong with jewelry.
Volumes — Not carrying just used books, Jerry has some great new volumes that are interesting and reasonably priced. (And, yes, people still read hard copies.) He also has some awesome stocking stuffers that won’t break the bank!
The Pastry Corner — Tucked away on a side street at 79 Bangor St. (across from the Shamrock Café) is a small white building where Cari Hutchison works her magic with pies, pastries, cakes and other assorted confections. Need a great present to take to a dinner party? Try her pies. Beautiful. Need cookies for the children’s class parties but don’t have time to bake yourself? Take the stress out of your life and call Cari at 521-0026. She does like to sell a product as fresh as possible so please call and give her a day’s notice. You won’t be disappointed!
MAC’s Trading Post — Located on North Street, for someone who neither hunts, nor fishes, I have been spending some serious dollars at MACS. It’s a given that you will find something that will be greatly appreciated by the men in your family. The Hidden Treasure is that MACS has all sorts of great stuff very reasonably priced. I picked up a really sweet “Buck” knife for one of the men in my life, but as I was wandering around the store I happened upon the most wonderful suede and fleece Clark’s slippers in a beautiful shade of purple and the EdenPure heater I bought should help keep my house warm.
Town and Country — Located in Market Square, people still don’t know that they really do have awesome prices and the quality of their clothing is top notch. The sweaters that I buy here stand the test of time (some of them are over 10 years old). I would like to tell you about all the wonderful Christmas presents I bought last week but it turned out to be a shopping trip all about me.
Pleasant View Tree Farms — Located at 1190 Calais Road, Tammy and Rob Mulvey didn’t bat an eyelash when we jumped out of the truck at 8 a.m. looking for two perfect Christmas trees recently. Fifteen minutes later we were loading on two beauties and on our way back home with the goods. If you are looking for a great family experience you can choose your own and have them cut it down and haul it back to your vehicle or pick a fresh cut one from their ample supply.
Boyman Acres — On Sunday as I was wandering around Marden’s looking for gift bags, I ran into Floyd Boyett and remembered that I needed to stock up his product. Boyman Acres in Amity are the producers of some really fine, locally made, BBQ sauces, jams, jellies, pickles, relishes, and awesome honey (raw or processed). Did you know that raw honey has more of the enzymes that are good for you? (Once you heat honey you lose a lot of its healthy benefits). They are online and they will deliver to Aroostook Milling on Hillview Avenue or County Junction Bakery on Main Street.
Linda Rowe has been teaching yoga in Houlton for many years. I have been a student of hers for over eight years and can go on, and on, and on about the health benefits, but that isn’t what I want to tell you about.  Last Christmas, Linda started marketing “The Mindful Truffle” or as she puts it so eloquently, “Mantra infused truffles for a mindfully joyous experience”! The practice of infusing a mantra while cooking insures that only good energy goes into the food. Linda uses dark organic, free trade, non-GMO chocolate, locally produced heavy cream ( or coconut milk if you are lactose intolerant), liqueurs and other natural flavorings. Linda’s studio is at 54 Main St. and her phone number is 551-4055. Call to order truffles or to join her for a yoga class!
   Jane Torres is executive director of the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at 532-4216.