Last-Minute Gifts Abound At The Starved Rock Country Welcome Center And Illinois Made Gift Shoppe – Shaw Local

Don’t fret over shipping deadlines, head to Utica this holiday season to seek out your entire last-minute gifts. Situated a block away from Utica’s bustling downtown Mill Street, you’ll find the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center and Illinois Made Gift Shoppe. While many know of this location as an incredible first stop before you start exploring nearby Starved Rock State Park, the welcome center is also home to one in all the realm’s best selections of gifts – a lot of that are made right here in Illinois!

With its curated section of things made by Illinois Makers and other artisans, you’ll discover a sprawling number of gifts catering to everyone in your shopping list. You’ll find beautiful artisan-made walking sticks, pottery, greeting cards, home decor and more, all made in Illinois or celebrating the region. From children’s toys to Recent York Times best-selling accounts of local history, there’s no shortage of unique items in store for you. Join us as we take a have a look at just a few of the shoppe’s hottest items.

Nice Field Pottery

Situated within the historic, brick-making town of Streator, Nice Field Pottery focuses on functional and fun pieces of stoneware. This art is just as beautiful because it is practical, with a big selection of things starting from plates and mugs to pincushions and honey pots. Consider getting the baker in your life a gorgeously glazed pie plate or French butter keeper. All Nice Field Pottery is dishwasher, microwave and oven secure (apart from the rare raku-style piece), and is supposed to bring an added little bit of joy to your meals, holiday gatherings, morning coffee rituals and ice cream treats.

Avoid mail delays by picking up some pieces in person on the Illinois Made Gift Shoppe. You’ll find a superb number of mugs, dishes and crocks made by Starved Rock Country artisan Gavin Finefield. These beautifully glazed pieces of stoneware pottery, if properly cared for, can last for a lifetime of normal use. In 2018, Nice Field Pottery was honored as an Illinois Made Artist, a program that showcases the various talented artists and artisan creators across the state of Illinois.

Starved Rock and Matthiessen Calendars

For the Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Park fans in your life, consider picking up a limited-run calendar featuring photos of, and benefiting, the parks. These annual calendars, created by Matthew Klein Movies, include stunning images of a few of the most iconic sights in Starved Rock Country. These landscape shots were generously donated by local hikers Andrew Kenning, Erika Hoffmann, Yesenia Yanez, Téa Lamboley, Kyle Petersen, E.J. Rodriquez, Sharon Sarti, Joe Hotle, Paula Guttilla, Matthew Klein, Chet Phillips and Brian Gift.

The premium calendars measure 11-by-14 inches, and are printed on acid-free archival paper, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Every month highlights a seasonal photo, together with its location, taken by a special hiker. Images include snow-covered canyons, gushing waterfalls, sprawling sunflower patches and other seasonal delights. Park events and federal holidays are included within the calendar. And 100% of the proceeds from the 2023 Starved Rock and Matthiessen Calendar are being donated to the Starved Rock Foundation. The volunteer-run foundation supports the state park through educational programs, guided hikes, exhibit updates and more. Limited 2023 calendars remain, so be sure you act fast.

Anderson House Frontier Soups

Based out of Gurnee, Illinois, Anderson House Frontier Soups has been making bags of DIY soup mixes since 1983. The family-owned company has grown to turn out to be a serious name within the specialty food industry, selling their fan-favorite transparent bags of soup ingredients throughout the U.S. and Canada. The unique brand of “fast-scratch,” comfort cooking combines quality ingredients and straightforward prep with versatile recipes you possibly can personalize for uniquely delicious, healthful meals.

Recently added flavors being sold on the Gift Shoppe include Cajun Gumbo, Chicken & Rice Soup, and Mushroom Barley Soup. Stop in on Saturdays and Sundays through the winter to sample one in all the exciting soups. Moreover, you’ll receive 20% off your purchase of any item from Anderson House or any dessert sauces from Grown Up Kid Stuff.

For a limited time, should you spend greater than $30 on the Starved Rock Country Welcome Center and Illinois Made Gift Shoppe, you’ll receive a special, complimentary gift. Shoppers can choose from a Heritage Corridor automobile blanket or a Heritage Corridor ice scraper mitt, each excellent gifts for any wintertime travelers – yours free with a purchase order of $30. Offer is nice while supplies last.

Whilst you’re in Utica, be sure you explore more of what this picturesque village has to supply holiday shoppers. Situated two minutes from the doorway of Starved Rock State Park, and just a brief drive from I-80 and I-39, you’ll find that Utica is a real hidden gem for anyone who loves boutiques. The canal town, steeped in wealthy history and scenic nature, also features a few of the very best pub-style dining, an award-winning winery and a fascinating local history museum.