Ridgefield during the holidays is always a wonderful place to be.
Last weekend's Holiday Stroll, rain and all, was right out of a Norman Rockwell painting; and was even more fun for me, because I was the receipent of Books on the Common's Holiday Stroll Stocking! It was brimming with all sorts of "bookish" goodies and a treat for me during the holidays. That said, in my opinion, adding Thursday to the Stroll was a great idea!
Now on with the Round-Up, a new shop also opened its doors during this year's Stroll: Renew, an art cottage and consignment shop, is ready for business in the old Ridgefield Bicycle Shop location on Catoonah Street. The Variety Shoppe will also be opening soon on Main Street ~ making it easy to shop for milk, newspapers, batteries, all those quick items you might need without having to go to a large store!
Retail:
Renew is an art cottage and consignment retail shop. Unlike other consignment shops, Renew is not like your grandmother's attic. Your grandmother might have had great treasures, which Renew will gladly consign; but those old, sometimes thought worthless, objects, will be re-purposed at Renew into new items. Look up at the galvanized wash bin/ceiling light at Renew, and you'll understand the store's concept!
Besides "treasures," Renew has a wide selection of new smaller items for purchase.
Their commission structure is also different than other consignment businesses... when you stop-by ask for an explanation and you'll be right back with some "treasures" to consign.
The art cottage will work with children and adults to help them explore their own creativity. Children's programs are designed to encourage the joy of self-expression while building social, physical and cognitive skills. Through creativity, children can learn a sense of self, confidence and contentment. Adult classes will be a fun and expressive exploration ... some over 21 nights will have wine to drink while you paint! The art cottage will also be available for birthday parties, girls' night out and other private events.
At Renew, they believe that it's "their responsibility to make the planet a better place, and what is better than teaching the beauty of art to our children while enjoying art as adults."
Their holiday hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays, and Sundays 12 Noon to 5 p.m. For questions, their email is renewartconsign@gmail.com.
Restaurants:
Gallo Ristorante is open. 850 Degrees Wood Fired Restaurant had a pizza tasting during the Holiday Stroll (and I heard nothing but rave reviews). And there's a rumor that BareBurger will be opening their doors for customers in the next week or two. All is good in the Ridgefield restaurant scene.
Addresses and Information:
Renew, 22 Catoonah Street, 203-829-3461, Facebook page
The Variety Shoppe, Main Street
Gallo Ristorante, 5 Grove Street, 203-431-7726, Facebook page, website
850 Degrees Wood Fired Restaurant, 424 Main Street, 203-894-5393, Facebook page, website
BareBurger, website
Special Events:
This weekend while in Ridgefield, you might notice merchants wearing green ribbons. It is there quiet way to honor the first anniversary of the Newtown tragedy. To learn more, click HERE.
Editor's Note: We received so many positive comments about our "Retail and Restaurant Round-Up." Thank you. Please remember when out and about, if you see changes to existing businesses, comings and/or goings, fundraisers, celebrations or something unique, please email us at terri@hamlethub.com. We'll do some research and report what we find in our weekly "Round-Up."
Photo: Galvanized wash bin/ceiling light at Renew.