Written by Kip Caswell

Artie’s independent business pick

“During our homebound time we have been supporting many neighborhood restaurants and ordering takeout.  We have patronized these establishments for years, and we want these family-owned restaurants to survive.  They are familiar, part of our lives and part of our extended family.

During the shutdown there have been those small stores on Main Street that didn’t have the option of staying open for takeout.  The local bookstores, clothing boutiques and gift shops were forced to temporarily close their doors and all that was left was an on-line store.  That is where we all can help.

I have friends who own two small retail shops in the beautiful lake town of Sparta, New Jersey.  I have been ordering gift baskets for years at Garlic & Oil partially because they are friends but mostly because the gift baskets are impressive. This year I ordered an extra special and huge Mother’s Day Basket for Mom, complete with a dish towel that reads “I love how we don’t have to say out loud that I’m your favorite.” That will really get my brothers.

There are babies about to be born in our family and that’s when I’ll patronize their children’s store Ava & Jack. I’ll also order on-line or call them and have the gift sent out.  It is an important time to patronize small businesses and we can all do our part.  Let’s all try to make this Summer the Summer of Small business.”

Garlic & Oil https://garlicandoil.com/ Garlic & Oil is a flavor boutique specializing in great gourmet food and gifts located in the wilds of Sparta, New Jersey. We have everything you can think of and much more than you ever knew existed!

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Ava & Jack https://avajack.com/

Ava & Jack is a specialty children’s boutique featuring fun fashion for infants through girls and boys size 5T including environmentally friendly organic clothing.

We choose only the softest of materials, the cutest of designs and the easiest-to-wear clothing to make life safe, comfortable and fashionable for your little one.

We also carry gifts and accessories for baby, hard-to-find books, toys and jewelry for all ages and gifts for Moms, Dads and Grandparents. Shop with us on-line 24/7 or visit us in our charming boutique located in beautiful, rural Sparta, Sussex County, New Jersey. Our boutique is situated just about an hour outside NYC and we look forward to serving you, either on-line or in-person!