There’s a certain section of Water Street in downtown Peterborough, between Hunter and Simcoe streets, that’s long been known for the locally owned independent small businesses that line the street.
Whether you’re doing your Christmas shopping or hosting a holiday get together with family or friends, you can find anything from yarn and fibre arts accessories, handmade items from local and Canadian artists and makers, vintage clothing, fresh cut flowers, Belgian cuisine and beer, classic cocktails, and more.
When you head to downtown Peterborough this holiday season, make sure to stop in at the eclectic businesses along Water Street, including Needles in the Hay, Watson & Lou, The Neighbourhood Vintage, Sweet Fern Floral Studio, and St Veronus and Bijoux Bar. You might be surprised how many things you can cross off your shopping list.
Needles in the Hay
One of the longest-running shops in downtown Peterborough, Needles in the Hay is a haven for the crafters and fibre artists you’re shopping for this year. Founded and owned by Deanna Guttman, the store is stocked with premium natural fibre yarns that come in a range of colours and price points, alongside hooks, needles, and other accessories for fibre art crafts.
This holiday season, shop the curated collection of “Great Gifts for Makers” featuring guidebooks, stitch markers, project wallets, and so much more made by quality small businesses located across Canada. If you know someone whose New Years Resolution is to learn a new activity, gift them the joy of a beginner knitting or crochet class. In the new year, Guttman will be hosting the beginner classes in the workshop space above the store called The Hayloft to support fibre artists and create a supportive community.
Needles in the Hay is open at 385 Water Street in downtown Peterborough from Mondays to Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Browse the holiday collections at needlesinthehay.ca.
Watson & Lou
If you’re hoping to wrap locally made gifts to put under the tree this year, make sure to drop in to Watson & Lou, a boutique shop and studio space owned by Katie Küntz that supports and celebrates the local arts community. The store stocks a wide variety of handmade products made to be gifted, from bath products and candles to jewellery, glassware, artwork, and so much more.
Not sure what to get? Find gift-giving inspiration through the boutique’s curated gift guides being posted on Facebook and Instagram throughout the holiday season.
Watson & Lou is also your one-stop shop to get you all decked out for the holidays, with collections of seasonal decorations and essentials from cards and wrapping paper to candies, scented candles, and ornaments. Shopping the collection will undoubtedly put you in the Christmas spirit.
Located at 383 Water Street, Watson & Lou is open daily throughout December, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday. You can also shop online at www.watsonandlou.com.
The Neighbourhood Vintage
Do you want to ensure you give someone a truly unique gift this year? Head to The Neighbourhood Vintage, where you will find one-of-a-kind vintage clothing.
Vintage gift giving has become more and more popular in recent years, and you never know what you’ll find at this vintage consignment shop founded by Jacquelyn Craft. The store represents a range of eras and styles of high-quality clothing that’s at least 20 years old, making for some unique finds — some of which are coming back into style.
Not sure what to pick out? You can give the experience of vintage shopping by purchasing a gift card to The Neighbourhood Vintage so your loved one can search for their own undiscovered treasures.
The Neighbourhood Vintage is open at 391 Water Street from Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To browse the curated collection, visit theneighbourhoodvintage.com.
Sweet Fern Floral Studio
When you’d like to liven up your home for festive gatherings or gift fresh cut flowers, visit Sweet Fern Floral Studio. Coming from a family of florists, owner and head designer Angela McDonald has crafted a boutique studio that’s blooming with premium flowers pre-arranged in bouquets and arrangements suitable for any occasions.
From designs ordained with ornaments, pine, and dogwoods to gift boxes that pair blooms with Canadian-made goods, you’ll find stunning floral holiday gifts made with care, attention to detail, and a creative eye.
Potted plants, faux greenery, holiday centrepieces, and custom wreaths will help you deck the halls with the holiday spirit ahead of your gatherings, while the home décor, sweet treats, and locally made artwork will bring the cozy vibe to your home all winter long.
Sweet Fern Floral Studio is open at 387 Water Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. To learn more about Sweet Fern Floral Studio or to shop online, visit www.sweetfernfloralstudio.com.
St Veronus Café and Tap Room and Bijoux Bar
When you need a break from your Water Street shopping spree, warm up by stepping into St Veronus Café and Tap Room for lunch or dinner or its annex bar Bijoux Bar for a relaxing beverage or two. Owned by husband-and-wife Roland Hosier and Shannon Mak, both businesses bring a taste of Belgium beer culture to downtown Peterborough.
St Veronus serves up authentic Belgian cuisine and rare ales that each come with a story staff would love to share with you. Bijoux Bar is a cozy space inspired by the warm “brown bars” of Antwerp where you’ll find an extensive wine list, Belgian beer, and classic cocktails with a twist — everything, from the fresh-pressed juice to the bitters and syrups, is made from scratch in house.
As well as treating yourself, St Veronus and Bijoux Bar are also ideal for hosting a sit-down dinner with visiting family or an intimate holiday cocktail party with friends. To book a group or party, email roland@stveronus.com. For larger groups of up to 30 guests, private dining is also available at St Veronus.
Located at the corner of Water Street and Hunter Street West, St Veronus is open 5 to 11 p.m. on Monday and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday (the kitchen closes at 10 p.m.). Bijoux Bar is located at 399 Water Street and is open 5 to 10 p.m. on Wedesday and 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday to Saturday. Visit www.stveronus.com
Shop The Boro is a branded editorial feature series about locally owned independent businesses in downtown Peterborough, created in partnership with the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).
With a Boro gift card, supporting locally owned businesses in downtown Peterborough has never been easier. Buy a Boro gift card for your family, friends, or co-workers and let them choose their own adventure. Whether it’s a delicious meal and a night out, a one-of-a-kind find, or a day of relaxation, it’s truly the gift of possibility. You choose the value, they choose the gift.
With a Boro gift card, you are giving more than just a gift — you’re also supporting the people and places that make Peterborough/Nogojiwanong a truly special place to work, live, and play. Shop, dine, and explore the core with Boro gift cards, available online at theboro.ca/product/the-boro-gift-cards/.
