By the decorations in the stores, it’s pretty obvious Christmas is nearing. Before the hecticness of the holidays take over, may we suggest a shopping experience that is simple and timeless.

Pricketts Fort will be hosting their 40th annual 18th Century Christmas Market, the very epitome of simplicity and timelessness. Visit the distant past October 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and October 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

 

 

Easily described as a distinct and rare shopping experience, it’s set in a historic environment with 15 artisans and vendors from the days of yore.  Holiday shopping? Consider it done! Browse historic, handcrafted items made before your eyes. You’ll find unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list. (Shopping will take place in the Visitor Center as well as the historic buildings, open and free of charge.)

 

 

Artisans include:

Judy Wilson – Running Horse Farms featuring home grown textiles

Howard Ailstock – Howies Crafts featuring cedar bird houses and feeders

Marlies Bates – Snowwolf Creations featuring native inspired jewelry and dreamcatchers

Jean Schoonover – J.B. Jewels featuring handmade jewelry/polished stones

David Heldreth featuring hand carved birds

Joyce Potter – Threadsentwined featuring handwoven scarves, place mats miniature textiles for doll houses

Linda Wildman – A Stitch in Time with Linda featuring crochet items

Jackie Henderson and Beth Anderson – Anderson Hollow, LLC featuring handmade goat milk soaps, lotions and accessories

Helen Efaw – Baskets by Helen featuring hand woven baskets

Tabithas Lynn Holmes featuring tatting

Jay Heavner featuring books about an old legend going back to the French and Indian War

George Swearingen – Littlecreek Woodcraft featuring pens and pencils and mailbox banks

Robin Parker – Crafts by Robin featuring wreaths, glass blocks, bears

Steven Boyce – Dirt Road Endeavors featuring wood art and home décor

Angela Henderson – Angi D’signs featuring upcycled jewelry and accessories

 

 

Now that your shopping is finished, relax. Stand by the hearth. Feel the warmth and the spirit of the  holidays. Watch the artisans create their craft as you listen to classic holiday cheer from local musicians. Enjoy holiday decorations unseen since the 1700s!

 

Now that you’ve shopped through time and relaxed in antiquity, its time to take a tour of it! Blast to the past with costumed interpreters for a guided tour of the beautifully decorated Fort and Job Prickett House. The holiday time machine will be operating on a set schedule to take you to the 18th Century where you can also enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a frontier holiday. 

 

(Ticket prices: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (60+) and $4 for children between 6 and 12. Children under 6 and Pricketts Fort Memorial Foundation Members are always free.)

 

Your shopping is complete, so there’s time to actually enjoy the holidays this year. Mark you calendar for the fort’s 18th Century Christmas Dinner & Tour on November 26th. The catered dinner will be served in the visitor center from 5 – 6:30 p.m. followed by a candlelight tour of the historic fort and Job Prickett House.

 

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?