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 In this series of articles, we invite
you to follow some of the county’s sharpest shoppers
while they explore Chamber member stores and
restaurants. These volunteers have discovered an
amazing array of fabulous finds– and all in our own
backyard! For more information on this “Shop Local”
campaign, contact the Hancock Chamber of Commerce
office at 228.467.9048. For Shop Information and
Hours click here.
Sharp Shopping in Diamondhead!
 Wendy
McDonald, Hancock Project Manager for Habitat for
Humanity, volunteered to explore the Diamondhead
area for this first article in the sharp shopper
series. Wendy explained, “In just a few hours, I
picked out wonderful gifts for most of my list – and
had great fun doing it!”
Wendy started her expedition at
Diamondhead
Pharmacy and Gifts. Just inside the front door
stands a dazzling display of 6 Christmas trees, each
distinctively decorated. Almost immediately, Wendy
was drawn to a cheerful red cardinal ornament, a
bird that holds special meaning for a friend. She
picked out a “flock” of six, sure to brighten her
friend’s tree and spirits. (Cardinal ornament –
$2.99 each)
Diamondhead Pharmacy and Gifts
carries a full line of holiday cards, decorations
and ornaments. They also specialize in “collegiate
gifts,” items decorated with logos of regional
schools – perfect for any college student. The shop
features Vera Bradley purses and handbags, Southern
Belle T-shirts, Ahava skin care products (made with
minerals from the Dead Sea) and Lampberger lamps and
scented oils. Children will be wide-eyed when they
see the large selection of Webkiz products.
A few doors down inside
Lawler’s
Bistro, heavenly aromas gave Wendy lots of ideas
for entertaining. Manager Mark Santelli explained
that the gourmet chefs on staff have prepared a
holiday catering menu, offering anything from party
platters to extravagant meals for take-out.
When Santelli mentioned “roast duck
with cranberry and walnut sauce,” Wendy began taking
notes for her own party planning. Lawler’s also has
a resident holiday decorator on staff, to create the
perfect ambiance for either corporate or personal
party events. Gift certificates can make stellar
stocking stuffers for business clients or friends.
 Wendy’s
next stop was
Aloha Gallery and Frame Shop
which has been transformed into a Winter
Wonderland. Seven decorated trees range from the
traditional to the whimsical – including a Fleur de
Lis Tree. The popular Fish Tree is complete with
glittering jellyfish, coral formations and schools
of silvery swimmers. Shop walls are adorned with
original art and prints with custom framing done
in-house.
Aloha stocks Arthur Court cast
aluminum-ware and Jim Shore figurines, as well as
other popular collectibles. Wendy was attracted to
“Hot Flops,” slippers humorously decorated with
miniature tennis, soccer and golf balls, or
butterflies, fruit and fish. For a friend, Wendy
decided on a pair festooned with golf balls. “Hot
Flops” run $25 per pair.
 Wendy found several “elves” at work on floral
arrangements in
Diamondhead
Florists and Gifts. Owner Lynn Nelson explained
that customers can choose from a wide variety of
vases and containers for holiday arrangements.
Festive flowers can be combined in creative ways
with seasonal greenery like spruce and holly.
Arrangements start at $20, sure to liven up any
home.
The
shop features several lines of gift items, including
a variety of angel figurines and vases. One section
is dedicated to a collection of H and K sculptures
– stylish and humorous wine bottle holders made
from steel, with brass and copper accents. Golfers,
pilots, athletes, pets and various professions are
represented in the series. Lynn pointed out
everyone’s favorite – Elvis, of course. (H and K
wine or liquor bottle holders, $80 each).
The
last stop for the day was
Diamondhead Ace
Hardware. Wendy found a huge array of other
items that would please the hard-to-buy-for men on
any list. Owner Don Farrar pointed out that the
store has over 30,000 items and is a “destination
for the entire coast when it comes to patio and lawn
furniture.” Ace dedicates over 1000 sq feet year
around to furniture.
The
store is a favorite with professional and amateur
chefs because of the enormous selection of outdoor
cooking equipment and supplies – gas burners,
smokers, BBQ pits and grills including the popular
Holland line. Lawn equipment ranges from chain saws
to lawn mowers. A large selection of quality power
tools like DeWalt, Skil and Makita made Wendy’s pick
an easy one. She chose an orbital jigsaw kit for
her son ($99).
Farrar says that the store carries over 30,000
individual items. “We have everything you need for
Christmas – even the trees!’
As
Wendy completes her purchase, she smiles, tucking a
shortened shopping list into her handbag. “This is
one of the easiest shopping trips I’ve ever done,”
she said. “Great people, super finds, no hassles
and hey - my feet don’t even hurt!”
If Hancock county residents commit to
shopping locally this holiday season, our economy
could receive an estimated 35 million dollar boost.
With that very merry goal in mind, The Hancock
Chamber of Commerce has launched a “Holiday at
Home!” campaign to make local shopping easy and
fun. The campaign will publicize the bounty of our
county - including seasonal events, merchant
specials and a spectacular array of gift ideas.
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