By Paul Goguen and Melissa Dowling

The annual Small Business Saturday is upon us, after a couple of virulent years on the entrepreneurial front left many small operations reeling. It is an opportunity for the community to get out and spend some money with our local proprietors — and stick it to faceless online retail behemoths. Halloween Dinnerware Ceramic

The annual shop-local day was started by American Express in 2010, and since then has grown in size and scope every year, giving small operators a greatly needed boost in a month that moves the books of many businesses into the black for the year. You don’t need an AMEX card to participate, as all of our local small businesses accept American money (and other plastic).

Kenwood local Molly Cruit opened the Moon Bloom Shop this summer. The shop offers clothing, accessories, candy, toys, and games for adults and children. Items made by local artists, including Cruit herself, are also featured. Visit the shop at 9255 Sonoma Hwy., Unit B, in Kenwood. According to Instagram, their hours are Wed. to Sun. 12 to 4 p.m.

No Glen Ellen shopping spree is complete without a browse through the books, jewelry, and wine paraphernalia at these two Glen Ellen tasting rooms near the junctions of Carquinez and Warm Springs Roads with Arnold Drive. Of course, you can have wine there, too! Talisman, at 13651 Arnold Dr., is open daily and tastings are by appointment; visit www.talismanwine.com to learn more. Wine Snob*is at 969 Carquinez Ave. They will host a holiday market on Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with more than a dozen local vendors.

A case or a couple bottles of wine

Speaking of wine: Don’t show up to that family holiday dinner without wine. You might need it. There are too many wonderful options to mention for wine in our Valley, so pick your favorite.

Abbot’s Passage Winery + Mercantile

A wide variety of products are offered, including ceramic serving bowls, gold corkscrews, wine chillers, handmade jewelry, tote bags, and too many more to name. The winery is located on 777 Madrone Rd. in Glen Ellen, between Sonoma Highway and Arnold Drive. Visit www.abbotspassage.com to learn more.

Flatbed Farm is open Saturdays through Dec. 24; the farm will close for a winter break and reopen Jan. 21, 2023. The farmstand has gift sets, holiday décor such as candles and wreaths, plants, flowers, and more, in addition to its pantry and regular offerings. On Dec. 10, visit the farm for a holiday shopping event featuring local vendors, food by Belfare, and live music by High Strung Music. Flatbed will host wreath-making workshops on Sat., Nov. 26 ($90), and Sat., Dec. 11 ($100). All materials are included. For more information or to register for the workshops, visit www.flatbedfarm.com. The farm is located at 13450 Sonoma Hwy. in Glen Ellen.

The Kenwood eatery also has a great retail space, with lots of gifts and interesting items for sale. Shop for cool stuff with a drink in your hand. Tips Roadside is located at 8445 Sonoma Hwy. in Kenwood, and is closed Monday and Tuesday; visit www.tipsroadside.com to learn more.

It’s time to get “McMerry,” with everything from stocking stuffers to “the perfect gift,” at McCormick’s Mercantile in Glen Ellen. For him, think Duke Cannon toiletries, a belt from Tough Guy Apparel, or a sporty hat. She’ll love a piece from the jewelry counter, a cuddly bathrobe, or a pashmina shawl. Unique, unexpected gifts, such as local and original art, sipping crow fountains, hand-blown Saban glassware, or Lovie blankets, will bring a smile to any face. McCormick’s framing services can help you give a personal keepsake that a loved one will cherish for a lifetime.

Aside from the usual amazing pastries and bread, you can purchase a Les Pascals apron, some crazy good olive oil, or even coffee beans from this local patisserie. Les Pascals is at 13758 Arnold Dr. in “downtown” Glen Ellen; visit www.lespascalspatisserie. com to learn more.

Surprise your favorite people with tickets to Transcendence Theatre’s Holiday Spectacular. Performances for this year’s show at Hanna Center are set for Dec. 2, 3, and 4. To bring a smile to the face of every theater fan, how about 2023 season tickets for Broadway Under the Stars at Jack London State Historic Park? Season subscriptions start at $91 for the three shows scheduled for next summer. Visit www.bestnightever.org or call (877) 424-1414 for the box office.

Sonoma Botanical Garden works hard to carry unique, sustainable, socially conscious, and environmentally responsible products, so your gift purchase supports the garden’s mission on the grounds and beyond. The gift shop has stocking stuffers, sweet treats, and fine gifts to satisfy your shopping needs. There’s no admission fee for shopping. Members get 10% off purchases. Stumped on what to buy? Consider a gift membership. The botanical garden is at 12841 Sonoma Hwy. in Glen Ellen; visit sonomabg.org. While you’re there, don’t miss the new East to Zest exhibit and the California Trail, featuring native California plants.

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