Staying at a Bed and Breakfast as opposed to a large chain hotel is a classic example of “shopping local.” In this blog, I’ll describe what why “shopping local” makes a difference for communities. Then, I’ll talk about the ripple effect of benefits that happen when you support local, featuring nine small businesses that we like to shop at.
What does “shopping local” mean?
In a nutshell, it means patronizing local Mom & Pop shops, small locally-owned businesses, and stores that sell locally sourced, produced, or crafted items. It also includes local farms who open farmstands in summer months or who preserve or package their products for sale year-round. It means supporting local people and the local community and keeping local dollars in the region.
One of the common arguments for “shopping local” is that spending money at a small local shop might enable the shopkeeper’s children to go to summer camp as opposed to spending money at a large chain store, which might enable an executive to buy another yacht. This also applies to shopping online where the profits might ultimately go to a corporate executive instead of being reinvested in your region.
The staff at a local business, whether owners or employees, might be friends or neighbors. They are helpful and knowledgeable about their products. Local shops tend to treat people who walk through their doors not merely as a customer but an individual that the sales associate wants to satisfy. Personalized customer service is one of the reasons to keep returning to these shops. There’s a level of personal service in small local businesses that might be absent from large stores.
Of course, we also shop at chain stores, including grocery stores (we have to watch sales to stay afloat), but whenever possible, we try to shop small and local, even if prices are sometimes a bit higher, because it’s a local investment.
Excellent articles on “shopping local” can be found at Empire Creative and Metro Family Magazine, which lists 15 reasons to shop local.
Bed and Breakfasts, a classic example of buying local
Our guests, particularly our repeat guests, will attest to the benefits of staying at a small, local inn like the Bridges Inn at Whitcomb House instead of a large hotel chain. But what makes supporting local so impactful is that we re-spend the money spent at our B&B at other local businesses that provide inputs or services to our business. This means we are supporting local businesses through our purchasing practices, keeping those dollars in our local economy.
Next I’ll share some of our favorite local places, way too many to name.
For years, the inn has been relying on Prime Roast Coffee for coffee beans, which we grind before breakfast so that our guests can have fresh, brewed coffee each morning. Prime Roast has a charming coffee shop in downtown Keene and a roastery on the outskirts of Keene. Our favorites are a dark roast (Demon Roast) and a medium roast (Papua New Guinea), and we always have decaf beans for those who prefer decaffeinated coffee. We give guests a choice. And guests often pick up a pound or two from Prime Roast after tasting it here. (For guests who want coffee outside of breakfast times, we do have a Keurig coffee maker with many types of coffee.)
Monadnock Food Coop is “a community-owned grocery store and deli in downtown Keene, focused on providing local, organic, and sustainable products.” We shop there for locally grown and produced food, organic items, specialty items, and unique products. We were an owner-member before it was built and continue to enjoy what it has to offer. We often refer our B&B guests to the Coop as they have an excellent selection of prepared foods / take-out service that’s a wonderful alternative to dining out.
The Keene International Market offers “authentic international food products … and a variety of products to entice international residents seeking a convenient way to practice their cultural food traditions, as well as the curious-minded foodies seeking to sample a world of flavors.” We enjoy picking up Asian, Latin American, and mid-Eastern items there and occasionally try something new.
We have shopped at Toadstool Bookshop ever since we came to New Hampshire in 1989. There are shops in Peterborough and closer to us in Keene. They have books for all ages in most every genre as well as ebooks and audio books. The people who work there are passionate about books and can help you find most anything; and if it’s not in stock or if you found it online, they can order it for you. They also have merchandise such as notecards, many produced by local artists, and gifts
Cheshire Garden, located south of us in the small town of Winchester, has been farming and gardening organically for over 50 years, specializing in heirloom berries, fruits and herbs. Their bottled and jarred products are available year-round; and the owners are among the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Their farm and products are their passion, and it shows. We particularly like their preserves, which are great with David’s homemade bread, any bread, or baked goods that call for preserves.
Hannah Grimes Marketplace in downtown Keene is the epitome of “shopping local.” They are “home to over 250 local artisans and artists, including painters and sculptors, woodworkers, glass blowers, potters, textile artists, local brewers and vintners, soap makers, basket weavers, jewelers, candle makers, beekeepers, local farmers and gardeners, and many other one-of-a-kind artisans.” If you’re looking for something made locally, look no further.
Maple Nut Kitchen makes thirteen varieties of specialty granola products, all of which are gluten-free, vegan, and Non-GMO. They also offer a a delicious Paleo (grain-free) line with fruit, nuts, and seeds. Our guests love this granola and we particularly like offering it to guests who are gluten-free or vegan. While Maple Nut Kitchen produces their delicious products right down the street from us in West Swanzey, their granola is sold in many grocery stores nationally and is also available online.
Nordshire Farm is a small bakery nearby that is typically only open on Fridays and Saturdays but also sells their products online. They offer “authentic Finnish & Scandinavian baked goods made with the finest, freshest ingredients and their own farm eggs.” Although David does most of our baking when he’s here at the inn, we often buy Nordshire Farm’s Nisu, a baked pastry than can be filled with preserves or cream cheese (shown below, a Nisu star, which is as delicious as it is aesthetic), bread, and other baked goods for our breakfasts.
Bob’s West Swanzey Garage is a nearby alternative to car dealerships and chain repair shops. We rely on Bob’s for most of our automotive needs. Bob’s is included on this “shopping local” list because when our B&B guests have a car problem, the folks at Bob’s, recognizing their time-sensitive travel scenario, will find a way to fit them in as soon as possible for an appointment.
Supporting the local economy
Staying at a small, family-run Bed & Breakfast, which offers the benefits of a hotel with the benefits of a home, is a great way to shop local. Many of our guests tell us that the Bridges Inn feels like their second home, with guest rooms all uniquely furnished and appointed, all with private bathrooms. Our service is more personalized than a hotel, including breakfasts that are tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences.
If you haven’t yet stayed at a B&B, we suggest you give it a try, whether at the Bridges Inn at Whitcomb House or when you’re travelling. Wherever you visit, enjoy the local flavor of the community, shop at small businesses, and help them support their local economy.