The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

A great thing about small towns is knowing the shop owners. They are our neighbors, our family, and friends. 2020 has been hard for everyone, and many small shops and businesses feel the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically.

If Waitsburg, Prescott, and Dayton are lucky to have one thing, it's a long list of great businesses. This year, The Times team encourages locals to check out their hometown shops before browsing sites like Amazon for stocking stuffers, care packages, and unique gifts.

Don't see something that fits your gift-giving needs? Check out the Dayton Chamber of Commerce for a full list of Dayton and Columbia County businesses at http://www.historicdayton.com. For Waitsburg businesses, visit http://www.cityofwaitsburg.org. Prescott Happenings, on Facebook, has a running list of area businesses, as well.

Align Massage

108 Johnson Hollow, Dayton

(206) 650-2410

Align Massage is a quiet little escape less than ten minutes outside of Dayton. Owner Kahla Harrington, LMT, focuses on therapy work, with many of her clients coming to her with chronic pain. Align Massage offers a great selection of CBD products that help with sleep, anxiety, and much more.

To check out a complete list of services and products, check out http://www.alignmassage.care, or follow Align Massage on Facebook by searching the business name.

Beka's Pick: The CBD Pain Relief Ointment, Level 05 (this was also Kahla's pick). Perfect for pre and post-workout pain relief, this ointment delivers two high-potency painkillers, and the relief lasts for hours! The 7.05oz jar sells for $90, and a little bit goes a long way!

Chief Springs Fire and Irons Brew Pub

148 E Main Street, Dayton

(509) 382-4677

A must-stop in Dayton, Chief Springs Fire, and Irons Brew Pub has a great selection of hand-crafted beers and some of the best pizza in the valley, not to mention their breadsticks! Chief Springs has gift cards, apparel, bottles and growlers of beer, and then some!

Stop by the pub or check them out online at http://www.fireandironsbrewpub.com, or on Facebook by searching the business name.

Beka's Pick: For the hard-to-shop-for person, I highly recommend the Chief Springs Mug Club. For just $40 per year, Mug Club members get exclusive invitations to special events, brew days, keg tapping, dinners, and an annual appreciation dinner. On top of that, members get a custom 22 oz mug, kept at the brew pub for use at each visit.

Moose Creek Cafe and Bakery

330 E Main Street, Dayton

(509) 382-2215

Dayton's go-to for one-stop shopping. Moose Creek Cafe and Bakery has terrific sandwiches, pastries, and coffee, as well as rotating salads and quiches- a gift card for morning coffee makes a great stocking stuffer. The gift side of the bakery has the best selection of Stonewall Kitchen spreads, soup mixes, and mixers I've seen in Eastern Washington, Washington-made soup packages, men's products, tea towels, dishes, and heavenly candles- and that's just the start! They also feature an excellent selection of kids' toys and books- all Gracie-approved.

Moose Creek Cafe and Bakery will have a dropbox for letters to Santa and will have cookies and cocoa for the kiddos who drop off their letters. The cafe will also be hosting a Shopping Night

Beka's Pick: I love the huge selection of Stonewall Kitchen items. I'm a fan of the Maple Bacon Aioli- tastes amazing on turkey paninis! Though, I wouldn't be upset if there was a box of Moose Creek maple bars under my tree. Yum!

Mama Monacelli's Kitchen

700 Artisan Way, Suite H

(240) 899-3654

Chocolates and snacks are Mama Monacelli's specialty! These hand-crafted chocolates and snack mixes have long been a hit at farmer's markets, and the owner herself is sweet as can be. This year, along with in-store shopping, Mama Monacelli's is offering online shopping at http://www.mamamonacelli.com. Along with their tasty brittles, barks, toffees, and chocolates, gift-givers can create custom gift baskets that start at $5.00. And as always, the option to purchase gift cards for those unsure of which chocolate to pick is available in-store or online.

The shop will be open Christmas week Mon-Wed (12/21-12/23) from 10-6 and Thursday, the 24th from 10-4.

Beka's Pick: The espresso bark is to die for! An excellent balance of coffee beans and dark chocolate- I highly recommend adding this into a gift basket!

Gaudy Gals on Main

121 Main Street, Waitsburg

(509) 947-2283

If you haven't already, you have to check out Gaudy Gals on Main, located inside Town Hall in Waitsburg. From lovely scented candles to reclaimed furniture, this little shop embraces cute and quirky- but what do you expect from a shop owned and run by artists!

Gaudy Gals is open Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Follow the Gals on Facebook by searching the business name and stay up to date with new arrivals and gift ideas!

Beka's Pick: I absolutely adore the tastefully funky rooster teapots that Gaudy Gals carries- they're perfect for surprising that impossible-to-shop-for aunt. They also have wonderful candles!

Kimi Bruzas Art

121 Main Street, Waitsburg

(509) 947-228

In the same storefront as Gaudy Gals on Main, Kimi Bruzas Art thinks outside the box. Her collage pieces feature everything from road maps to images of the Train Master at the historic Dayton Depot.

Beka's Pick: Kimi's Christmas cards are way too fun! The cards are, quite literally, one of a kind, which is exactly what I look for when sharing Waitsburg with friends and family.

Laht Neppur Brewing Co.

444 Preston Ave, Waitsburg

(509) 337-6261

Waitsburg's very own brewery has beer, wine, and good eats for locals and visitors alike. Grab a mason jar or growler of hand-crafted beer (or choose from the selection of bottled beer that's readily available) for Christmas Eve dinner. Gift certificates are available, as well!

Beka's Pick: Consider giving a membership to Laht Neppur's Mug Club. Members receive a discount on beers, limited edition Mug Club mugs, and an invitation to exclusive parties and events. The Mug Club is currently on sale- $55 for a year-long membership (regularly $95) and $350 for a lifetime membership (regularly $495).

Nancy's Dream Garden Center

124 Warren St, Waitsburg

(509) 301-3858

Nancy's Dream Garden Center is a family-owned and operated garden store. Plants, soil, planters, trees... you name it! They recently received their shipment of Christmas trees and have a special going: Buy a Christmas tree and receive 10 percent off either a poinsettia or apples! Gift cards are available in-store at 124 Warren Street in Waitsburg.

Lane's Pick: Since Nancy's opened, I have taken one of their beautiful Christmas trees home each year. There is nothing like a real tree with real tree scent to make the holidays festive. As one of my dearest friends offered to a relative reluctant to have a tree, "Just think of it as a very large room freshener."

Paige's Floral and Gifts

207 E. Main St., Dayton

(509) 382-2565

I thought snow globes were a thing of the past, but not at Paige's Floral and Gifts. Paige and Laura have been working hard to create a beautifully redesigned shop with cut flower arrangements and a wide variety of gifts. There's been a fun upgrade to the old snow globe: battery-operated snow lanterns. Turn these on, and they come alive with light and self-stirring snow over a scene of a country church or snowmen with a full music-box-quality medley of holiday tunes. Two different models come with a USB connection for electric operation. See Paige's on Facebook. Gift certificates available.

Azure Mountain Botanicals

309 E. Main St., Dayton

(425) 478-3902

Art and Brenda Hall, artisan soap makers, are busy wrapping their new winter bath bombs, hand-painted with faces of happy snowmen. These all-natural products are luxurious in the bath; I know because I've dropped a few! Seasonal soap bars include one of my favorites, Frankincense & Myrrh, and a new one called Wenaha Wilderness - a rich and earthy scent of honest clean. Specialty jewelry and other gifts as well.

Lane's Pick: The scents from these products are heavenly. Real ingredients make for scents that add to your holiday décor without being overwhelming. Perfect for the guest bath or gift baskets. I have a hard time giving them away.

Dingle's of Dayton

179 E. Main St., Dayton

(509) 382-2581

Walking into Dingle's during the holidays is always a joyous playtime. Festive and packed with gift choices. This year's slipper rack is incredible! A fun variety of snug and cozy footwear for winter days or any day. All sizes. Come in and check out other seasonal items, toys, housewares, and unique gifts.

Waitsburg Grocery

200 Main St., Waitsburg

(509) 337-6641

PepsiCo is sponsoring a holiday drawing at Waitsburg Grocery! Receive a ticket with every purchase of a 12-pack or 2-liter of your favorite soft drink. The winner receives a children's John Deere battery-operated Gator! Drawing held live on December 2, 10:00 a.m. on Facebook. The Gator will be on display soon! Stock up on fresh veggies, baked goods from the hot case, wine and liquors for celebrating the season.

Dayton Mercantile

516 W Main St, Dayton

(509) 382-2563

Dayton Mercantile is Columbia County's place to go for all things grocery, but they also offer a wide selection of local wine (pair with wine gift bags from Gaudy Gals in Waitsburg, perhaps?) Dayton Mercantile also provides a great selection of spices and seasonings. Pick savory seasonings to add to outdoor grill accessories, and you've got a great gift for Dad!

Cryptid Comforts

Waitsburg

Cute and creepy don't often go together, but Cryptid Comfort's owner Lisa Russell has found the perfect blend. Hand-crafted mythical stuffies, pins, keychains, jewelry and more bring a little mystery to the Christmas tree!

Shop Cryptid Comforts on Etsy or visit http://www.cryptidcomforts.com to shop. Local pickup is available, and be sure to use discount code WAITSBURG to receive 20% off local orders.

If you use the local pickup option, be sure to include your phone number for delivery purposes.

Beka's Pick: The Bigfoot and Yeti stuffies are too fun! Gracie has one of each and loves them, along with her bigfoot necklace.

Ten Ton Coffee

216 Main Street, Waitsburg

Coffee makes everyone happy, and if, for some reason, you're not a coffee person, Ten Ton's cookies ought to do the trick! Stop by and check out the assortment of beans from Rey's Roast Coffee, coffee and tea supplies, grab a gift card or three, and enjoy a chocolate chip cookie!

New this year is a sample pack of Rey's Roast Coffee, which will feature three sample-sized bags of high quality, locally roasted beans, as well as the option to pre-order cookies by the dozen (order at least five days in advance). Ten Ton has partnered with some of their small business friends to offer unique gifts, including t-shirts, dog treats, and puzzles for purchase via front window display.

Beka's Pick: A pound of the Ten Ton roast coffee. "Wrap" a bag up in a French press and top with a Christmas bow, and you have the perfect recipe for a good morning.

Andrea Villa, LMT

131 Main Street, Waitsburg

(509) 676-9049

Tucked away on Main Street in Waitsburg is Andrea Villa, LMT, and her massage studio. Through the end of December, new clients will receive an additional ten minutes of massage, as well as aromatherapy, free of charge. Visit http://www.massagebook.com/biz/andrea-villa-lmt-waitsburg-wa to book a massage or inquire about gift certificates!

Bridget House at Embee Hair Space

242 E Main Street, Dayton

(509) 386-0937

The vivid hair color guru, stylist Bridget House is running a special on the B3 Brazilian Bond Builder Ionic Color Lock. The color lock spray keeps cuticles closed and dramatically reduces color loss, while counteracting UV fade and protects against color transferring onto fabrics. Repel dirt and pollution from hair and reduce styling time with a few spritzes and shakes!

The B3 Brazilian Bond Builder Ionic Color Lock is on sale now for only $20! Visit http://www.bridgethousesalon.com for ordering! *Bridget is currently not accepting new hair clients*

Blue Mountain Land Trust

Experience the beauty of the Blues through the lens of local photographers like Bill Rodgers, Susan Bauer, and Greg Lehman. The Blues photobooks explore the Blue Mountains, its wildlife, and rich history. Visit http://www.bmlt.org to purchase.

Times Pick: These books are beautiful and will let your out-of-area relatives and friends see why we love our home.

Blue Mountain Station

700 Artisan Way, Dayton

(509) 382-2577

Blue Mountain Station features everything local. Artisan-crafted soap by Biker B's, Humble Honey, Chesed Farms mushrooms, Verdurous Gardens produce, locally-raised meats, Farmhouse jams and jellies, and Harmony Gardens plants are just a few of the locally-crafted items available at the Station. The ultimate in shopping local and shopping healthy.

Main Street Salon

440 E Main Street, Dayton

(509) 382-2060

Christine Delp, Maura Trainor, and Rachel Barber are ready to pamper you from head to toe! Stop in and choose from a great selection of hair and skincare products from brands including Kenra and Hempz. Grab a gift certificate for a color or updo with new stylist Rachel Barber. While you're at it, ask her about the ColorStreet nail strips!

Visit Main Street Salon in Dayton or follow them on Facebook by searching the business name.

Paco's Powder Coating

521 Cameron Street, Dayton

(509) 579-6393

Specializing in powder coating and metal restoration, Paco's Powder Coating can handle everything from bumper painting to bent railing repairs.

My Dad's Place

127 E Main, Dayton

(509) 382-1112

My Dad's Place added a new take-out menu item, stuffed manicotti! What better to have warming in the oven while you decorate your Christmas tree? My Dad's Place offers curbside pickup as well as delivery in Dayton.

Mr. C's Smokin' Co

495 Preston Ave, Waitsburg

(509) 386-0562

Local shopping is just around the corner in Waitstburg. Smoked cheeses, hunter sticks, and jerky are only a few of the delicious goodies at Mr. C's! Stop by the storefront and pick up some Christmas snacks!

Blush Salon and Spa

214 Main St, Waitsburg

(509) 337-3100

Hair care? Check. Skin care? Check. Adorable beanies, jewelry and headbands? Check! Stop by Blush Salon and Spa and check out the holiday table, featuring brands like CHI, Hempz, and Kenra for hair and skin care, or browse the great selection of CC brand beanies, scarves, and gloves. Pair a new hat with one of the many necklaces in stock and look cute while staying cozy!

Keep up with Blush Salon and Spa on Facebook by searching the business name.

Beka's Pick: A gift card for hair services from Brooke or Kelsey. I'm ready to leave 2020 behind completely: What better way than to start the new year with a new look?

Country Chic Boutique

Prescott, WA

Country Chic Boutique is a small, woman-owned clothing and accessories boutique in Prescott, WA. Available for in-person shopping by appointment only, owner Jessica Ruffcorn merges country fashion and city flair without forgetting about comfort. The boutique also features a graphic apparel and accessories line! Country Chic caters to women sizes small to 3X.

Follow Country Chic Boutique on Facebook by searching the business name, or check out their website, http://www.countrychicboutique509.com. Gift cards are available in $10, $25, $50 and $100 amounts on the website.

Smith Craft

Prescott, WA

Smith Craft, based in Prescott, WA, carries unique knives, handmade jewelry, collectible rocks and minerals, soaps, and more! Follow them on Facebook by searching Smith Craft, or check out their website, http://www.smith-craft-wa.com

Ash and G Creations

Waitsburg, WA

A Mom and Daughter creating duo based in Waitsburg, Ash and G Creations specializes in custom tumblers and water bottles. To order, call Ash and G at (509) 629-2728. Shipping and local delivery/pickup are available. Be sure to check out their Facebook page!

Endeleas Aesthetics

408 Main St, Dayton

(509) 460-3675

Endeleas Aesthetics offers facial services that include traditional relaxing facials, enzyme treatment facials, microdermabrasion, and Gua Sha. They also offer a wide range of waxing services that include Brazilians to eyebrows and a range of comprehensive skincare that can help target acne, aging, pigmentation, rosacea, and sensitive skin. For booking, please call or text as the website is currently being revamped!

Follow Endeleas Aesthetics on Facebook!

Steve Henderson Fine Art

Dayton, WA

Receive $25 off a print when you order a print from local artist Steve Henderson using code FSHAEH at https://2-steve-henderson.pixels.com/. Steven focuses on local scenes, Southwest-inspired settings, romantic, nostalgic, floral, and more. To view the gallery, visit http://www.stevehendersonfineart.com.

A's Amazing Cleaning

Waitsburg

(509) 386-9435

A's Amazing Cleaning owner Ashley Katsel prides herself on delivering the cleaning service you expect with the integrity you deserve! This Waitsburg-based service offers residential, commercial, and construction cleaning and gift certificates are available! Call Ashley and book a post-holiday cleaning.