12 days of local love: celebrating the small businesses that make our community shine
The holiday season is the perfect time to shine a light on the incredible small businesses that make our community feel like home. Over the past twelve days, I’ve featured one local business each day—each with its own story, passion, and impact. Below is a roundup you can browse all in one place, whether you’re looking for inspiration, gift ideas, or a reason to shop local and support the people who keep our towns thriving.
Day 1: Lady Vixen Nails & Spa
As a wheelchair user, my nails take a beating, but Lady Vixen does such a great job that they last weeks...WEEKS. They have one location up by Tuscan Village in Salem, New Hampshire. I go to Lady Vixen II on South Broadway in Salem.
➡️ Follow them on Instagram @ladyvixennailsandspa
➡️ Visit them: www.ladyvixennailsandspa.com
Day 2: Samantha’s Gardens
Samantha’s Gardens does Christmas right with a hot cocoa bar, a vintage truck, s’mores by the fire, lots of photo opportunities, and beautiful trees, wreaths and other decor. They have a special place in my heart because I visited the first time and the next time I showed up, they had a ramp so that I could get into the florist building. How amazing is that!?
➡️ Follow them on Instagram @samanthasgardens
➡️ Visit them: www..samanthasgardens.com
Day 3: Mexica Burrito
Mexica Burritos in Tewksbury is where I get my regular burrito fix. Outside of Cambridge these are the best burritos we have found since moving north. They have locations in Tewksbury and Burlington and you can order online, which is always a win for me!
➡️ Follow them on Instagram @mexica_burrito
➡️ Visit them: www.mymexica.com
Day 4: Branch Olive Oil Co.
For the best infused oils and balsalmics, go no further than Branch Olive Oil Company. I’m obsessed with their garlic infused olive oil for cooking and dipping. Also obsessed with their lemon cucumber, balsamic vinaigrette. You can’t go wrong getting great Christmas presents here. So treat yourselves and others
➡️ Follow them on Instagram @thebrancholiveoil
➡️ Visit them: www.thebrancholiveoil.com
Day 5: Donna’s Donuts
I never thought I liked donuts until I tried Donna’s. They are heavenly. What a wonderful treat over the holidays. If you get there early enough, they have a daily special, like fruit loop or something else fun. Walk-in or drive-through in Tewksbury.
➡️ Follow them on Instagram @donnasdonutsma
Day 6: Mahoneys
I’ve been going to Mahoney’s since we moved in 2016. It was the first wheelchair friendly garden center I found and I have to say it’s now my “happy place” all year long. We’ve created so many flower beds with their plants. Even during the holidays, there is no shortage of evergreen trees, wreaths, and other decorations to get you in the spirit.
➡️ Follow them on Instagram @mahoneysgarden
➡️ Visit them: www.mahoneysgarden.com
Day 7: Mack’s Apples
I’ve been going to Mack’s for decades. I love the atmosphere of fresh fruits, veggies, and baked good. The apples, pumpkins and cider donuts are the best. They have a wonderful corn maze too! This is a great tradition for our family and we will continue to go throughout the season.
➡️ Follow them on Instagram: @macksapplesnh
➡️ Visit them: www.macksapples.com
Day 8: Mac’s Dairy Farm
Mac(k)s two days in a row! It’s never too cold for ice cream and Mac’s Dairy Farm is open year round. It’s delicious homemade Richardson’s ice cream with so many flavors. Cash only!
➡️ Follow them on Instagram @macsdairyfarm
➡️ Visit them: www.macsdairy.com
Day 9: Dog Nanny
We have a mini golden doodle, Coco, and she needs regular grooming or the poor thing turns into a big mat. They do such a good job and take good care of our fur baby at Dog Nanny, I just love them. They also know I’m in a wheelchair, so if I’m flying solo, they come out to the car and get her for me or deliver her back. Amazing service!
➡️ Follow them on Instagram: @thedognannyandover
➡️ Visit them: www.thedognannyonline.com
Day 10: Dar Rafiki
I think I came across one of their reels on their square croissant and had to go! We were lucky enough to have a few cross country meets down the street, so not only did we go a few times recently, we got our friends AND our friends parents hooked! Amazing, beautiful pastries. They even have the ones that look like a real piece of fruit, like an apple, but it’s pastry!
➡️ Follow them on Instagram: @dar_rafiki
➡️ Visit them: www.darrafikis.com
Day 11: Nick’s Comic Strip
Nicks Comics has a great selection - comics, toys etc. - something for every kid or kid at heart. My son and husband visit regularly.
➡️ Follow them on Instagram: @nickscomicstrip
➡️ Visit them: www.nickscs.com
Day 12: Wamesit Lanes
They have a great bowling alley, one of the best local arcades (and best prizes-see picture), and the Fireside Tavern has really great food! I’m a picky salad eater but their BBQ chicken salad is worth the visit!
➡️ Follow them on Instagram @wamesitlanes
➡️ Visit them: www.wamesitlanes.com
Call to Action
Supporting local isn’t just good for the economy—it strengthens community, creates connection, and keeps our towns vibrant. If you have a favorite small business I should feature next, drop it in the comments or message me!
