Bancroft and Friends is the result of Brooke Pickering's love for the arts. What started as a cement casting business of decorative garden stones has grown to feature a full line of ceramic dinnerware and decorative weather resistant wall plaques. She also showcases work from her favorite handmade local vendors. Next time you are on Pleasant Street, make sure to stop in and browse these unique gifts.
Another Friday is upon us and so here is another local business featured on the site. Pawsitively Marblehead was opened by the owners of Creature Comforts as a boutique for dog lovers. Creature comforts has been around for nearly twenty years and offers a wealth of food, gifts and accessories for pets. With the number of dogs that populate this town, I imagine this store has a constant influx of customers (the two and four legged kind). If you have never been, stop by their Pleasant Street and Atlantic Avenue locations.
Located at 148 Washington Street in old town, O'Ramas sells home linens, gifts and lingerie. I was downtown looking for opportunities to photograph local stores when I noticed Abbot Hall reflected in O'Ramas window. I had to time the shot just right to avoid cars reflecting in the windows and waited as shoppers walked down the street. The end result was well worth it.
At the end of November, I was exploring the Five Corners section looking for businesses to feature on my Friday section. I looked up Washington Street toward Abbot Hall and quickly focused on this composition. I love the winding street leading the eye toward Abbot Hall. The store fronts - including Lee Antiques and Lucky Elephant lead the way and make for a great destination if you are dining in the area.
The Driftwood Restaurant [link] has been serving 'Headers for over 40 years. I have been trying to get a decent shot of it for what seemed like just as long. I had two unsuccessful sunrise shoots of the harbor that both ended up with further failed attempts at capturing the restaurant. I had all but given up until this particular morning in late November after the parking ban had gone into effect. With more room to work, I chose a slight angle to shoot from and included the neighboring houses. The sun and clouds did their best to cooperate and [...]
In keeping with this week's holiday lights theme, here is a photo taken in front of Mud Puddle Toys. On December, 2nd, shortly after the town's tree lighting, I made my way over to historic downtown Marblehead to witness the annual Lobster Trap Tree lighting at Mud Puddle Toys. I had missed this tradition my first two years in town and was happy to have made it down to experience this scene. The Glover's Regiment troop sang sea shanties while the tree was lit and a crowd gathered. If you haven't seen and heard this in person, make sure you do [...]
It's Friday and time to feature another of our local businesses. As I walked downtown, I noted the vibrant orange flowers in front of C'est La Vie that perfectly complemented the orange flag indicating the store was open. For those who don't know, the store carries a wide array of giftware. I'm told they also have incredible melamine plates. Stop in and see for yourself.
As I walked around town in November, I noted that Mahri's beautiful red door was opened as a result of the unusually warm weather. I had never noticed the large M that could be seen through the open door but really liked that composition and decided to return when the light was more favorable. It turned out that we had great light just a few hours later and I set up in front of the store to take this image. The open red door invites you into the beautiful space inside that is filled with jewelry, fashion and giftware. You [...]
On Small Business Saturday, we headed to Old Town and Washington Street for some local shopping. Along the way, I noticed this brand new store (it had opened the day prior) and ventured inside. It seems that Marblehead is now home to the flagship store for Atlantis and Cloudveil. Atlantis bills itself as a producer of weather gear made 'by sailors for sailors'. Cloudveil produces 'inspired mountain apparel'. If you are in the market for either or just in the neighborhood, stop in and welcome our newest business.
In the middle of September, I had the chance to walk around old town and enjoy an unseasonably warm day. I stopped at the corner of State and Washington street where I noticed the metal rooster adorning the front of the store She. I ventured inside for the first time and asked about the rooster while noting the incredible assortment of items for sale. To borrow their description of the Facebook page: She is a contemporary, indie women’s boutique, filled with eclectic accessories, quality clothing, and unique home décor. As Small Business Saturday approaches, make sure you head down to Washington [...]