The Hardship of Grief and Loss

In an effort to bring more meaning and depth to this space, today we’re focusing on a topic that is very near and dear to our hearts: navigating grief and loss. As an innate part of the human experience, grief is something we all experience at one point or another, and even though we know that, it still hits us like a ton of bricks. Grieving is uncomfortable, stressful, painful and lonely – simply put, it’s the absolute worst thing in the world that we can feel. And yet, we prevail and continue to carry on.

Photo Credit: Kate Donovan Photography

So what sparked this post exactly? On Monday morning we woke up to an email from our founder, Katie, letting us know that her sweet 8 year old Cavalier, Hazel, was having terrible breathing issues and had been diagnosed with first stage heart failure. We were gutted.

We all chimed in with our condolences and to share our own experiences and learnings from loss. It immediately became apparent that this hardship, that felt so personal and isolating, was one we all shared. So we decided to open up our hearts and wounds to our Bryony & Birch community as a whole and share some of what we’ve learned from those we’ve lost and those we anticipate losing.

From great pain comes great growth

When it comes to learning how to appreciate our time and relationships, there is no greater teacher than grief. Of course we’d prefer to just have our loved ones back with us, but understanding that we don’t have control over that, we really have no choice but to receive the gift of growth and appreciation for what we do have. As cliche as it sounds, we can all agree that our grief has taught us to slow down and enjoy the moment: calling a parent to catch up, intently listening to our spouse’s story, watching our child play, flirting with a stranger, standing in the sunlight. These are the things that life is made of and seeing first hand that it can all be gone in an instant has given us a renewed sense of appreciation and excitement for them.

In this circle, we don’t stay silent

In America, we’re not well-versed in how to talk about death, grief and loss overall, so instead of saying “the wrong thing,” we so often say nothing. But in my own experience as a grieving person, when people say nothing, it actually makes me feel worse. Talking about my loss, who she was, how much she meant to me, how lucky I was to know her – all of those things keep her alive and close to me. They make me happier. So when it comes to the hardship of grief and loss, we don’t stay silent. We love a good grief group and we aren’t afraid to talk through the icky and uncomfortable details of loss – this is how we heal.

Prioritizing self-care has never been so important

Just 4 weeks after learning my mom died, I got shingles. 2 weeks later I had a panic attack. I had never had either of those conditions before, but my body was so stressed out over the pain and chaos of sudden loss and memorialization that it manifested in a virus and an episode of extreme anxiety. When I was finally able to take a step back from the early days of loss, I realized that my self-care game (which was previously pretty on point) would have to be taken up a notch. Hydration, limited alcohol, limited screen time, patience and grace – these were the things I needed to survive this. Prioritizing self-care while grieving is an imperative.

Find your support network

If you’re experiencing loss or anticipating the loss of a loved one, you’re not alone and it’s okay to get help. If you’re local, Market Street Baptist Church holds a weekly group at 6:30pm. If you’re looking for grief support online, we recommend seeking out a virtual therapist, grief group, or using one of the many grief support apps available for download.

In honor of Hazel

This post is dedicated to Katie’s sweet pup, Hazel, who is still with us, but is having a tough time. Please keep both her and Katie in your thoughts – they need the strength of their community to lift them up right now. <3

Thank You for Coming Out to the Ice Bar Bazaar!

Our community in Amesbury never ceases to amaze us. This past weekend, we partnered with BareWolf Brewing to throw a wintry indoor/outdoor celebration for the launch of their brand-new, locally-sourced hard cider, Dry. To say it was a smashing success would be an understatement, and we’re thinking that the Ice Bar Bazaar may need a reserved spot on our calendar every year!

Held both inside and outside at BareWolf Brewing, the event hosted a handcrafted outdoor ice bar serving their new cider, live music, a raffle, some of our favorite local vendors, food from Beefie Boys, and a hot chocolate bar in a specialty outdoor heated après-ski biergarten.

If you were able to make it out, thank you so much for coming! While we can’t wait for Porchfest to start up again, there’s something so special about everyone coming out to celebrate and relish in our local community during the cold months. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep an eye out for future events – you won’t want to miss them!

Sharing some special moments that Kate Donovan caught on camera from the day.

Happy Birthday to Our Little Hair Salon in Amesbury: 2 Years in Review!

Here at Bryony & Birch, we’re all about celebrating milestones big and small, and this month we’re celebrating a big one: 2 years of our little hair salon’s doors being open to the Amesbury and Seacoast communities! TWO. YEARS. 🎉🎊🥂

It’s a very strange and joyful thing to celebrate a business birthday. On a personal level, it’s our baby – we’ve put everything we have into making this a successful business over the last two years. Building out the space, launching our website, hiring and training our staff, hosting Porchfest, building out a second space… it’s a lot to accomplish in just a two year timespan and we’re proud of our team and leader for making it all happen.

A quick highlight reel

Before we dive in to all of the people we’re grateful to for helping us reaching this mind, indulge us as we take a walk down memory lane to honor what we’ve accomplished over the last two years.

December 2020:
We first opened the doors to our hair salon in downtown Amesbury.

Spring 2021:
We held the first yoga class in our Amesbury space.

October 2021:
We purchased Bryony Body in Exeter.

November 2021:
We officially opened Bryony Body for business!

This calls for some gratitude

Our hearts are pretty much bursting with gratitude and appreciation for our people. Clients, vendors, partners, loved ones – we’re looking at you.

To our clients: none of our success would be possible without you booking appointments to come in, re-booking before you leave, sending your friends and family members to us, and in general – putting a smile on our face and asking us how we’re doing. You are the reason we love this work and we’re so thankful that you continue to choose us over and over again.

To our vendors: it was always our mission to be more than a hair salon and yoga studio. The vision was to be a space that connected business owners and creatives with our beautiful community. Through our retail partnerships and Porchfest, our hearts have grown at least three sizes – you make us look so good!

To our partners: to our partners who help us keep two spaces designed and maintained, our sign designer, web designer, photographer and countless other contractors and businesses who work tirelessly to keep our business up and running – we salute you and wouldn’t be here without you.

And to our loved ones: it’s no surprise that running and working in a small business takes its toll. We know that we come home tired, sore, hungry and in need of a lot of things, and if it weren’t for our loved ones standing by the door, ready to take us in, keep us warm and get us fed, we wouldn’t be able to get up each day and do it all over again. Your nourishment extends beyond each of us and into this community. You are our pillars of strength.

On behalf of all of our staff at Bryony & Birch and Bryony Body, thank you for your continued support. We’re wishing you a restful holiday season filled with as much bread and champagne as your heart desires. Cheers!

With love,

Katie

Take a deeper look behind Bryony

👉 Meet the entrepreneur, hair stylist and yoga instructor behind Bryony: Katie Cavic.
👉 Hard to believe it, but it’s almost wedding season again. First step: pick a venue.
👉 In holiday mode? Read our guide to mindful holiday shopping.

A Guide to Mindful Holiday Shopping

When it comes to shopping of any kind, it’s safe to say that it’s a love/hate relationship. Here at Bryony & Birch, we’re pretty much all on the same page about this: we love meaningful gift giving and spending our money with brands where it counts, but we can’t help but feel the consumer-culture pressure of “more is more” because we know the truth: more is more… anxiety. So this year, our gift giving is all about intention: less gifts, more quality and at every budget level. Below is our guide to designing a mindful holiday shopping action plan.

Step 1: Make your list

Where are my Google Sheets ladies at? In our house, spreadsheets aren’t just for work stuff. I use one to map out exactly who I need to buy gifts for and ideas for what to give them. Keeping this info listed out all in one place keeps me in-check and organized, so I don’t accidentally over-buy or forget anyone.

Step 2: Jot down gift ideas for each person

Once I know who I’m shopping for, then I also list out how many gifts I need to give to each person. For example: in my immediate family, we give two gifts + a stocking to each person. For my extended family, we do one family gift. Once I have that mapped out, then I start listing out ideas for each gift. Planning out these gift ideas ahead of time, allows me to meaningfully source the gift, create it or to wait for a sale to strike.

Step 3: Sourcing your gifts

Buying on a budget

Making your list ahead of time allows you to keep an eye out for sales, which as we know – are rampant this time of year.

Buying used

Not all gifts need to be brand new. You can get a really nice pre-worn Everlane sweater on Poshmark for half the price of new and in excellent condition, and a brand new (but owned by someone else) fire truck toy on the used marketplace, Kidizen. And if your loved one loves tea sets, you could find a really unique vintage one at a local thrift shop. Pair it with a new box of tea and you have yourself a very thoughtful gift set.

Buying ethical

Making your list ahead of time allows you to research which ethically-minded brands to buy from. Our hot tip is to visit ethical & sustainable product marketplaces, so you can shop multiple brands at once.

Buying experiences

Sometimes the best gifts are tickets to a comedy show or a gift certificate to a nice restaurant or spa in town. What makes them so special is that they’re treats. And ones that someone may not necessarily buy themselves.

Not buying at all

My local friends and I exchange gifts every year, and ya know what? We don’t spend a dime. I’ve received DIY’d cocktail kits, jars of cookies, homemade dog biscuits and special handmade knit items. I love all of them because they’re a. DELICIOUS and b. from the heart. The best kind!

Step 4: Planning your gift wrapping

Aside from the gifts themselves, you’ll also want to plan a way to mindfully gift wrap your items. Sure, you could go to Target and pick up a bunch of new wrapping paper (no judgment – it’s too easy), but one thing I’ve started doing is buying my gift wrapping at my local thrift shop. Next time you check out your local thrift shop, look out for gift tags, wrapping paper, bags, tissue paper and unique containers that can all be used for your gift giving needs.

Intentional gift giving goes a long way

Taking a few extra steps to make your gift giving organized and thoughtful will go a long way in making you feel happy, relaxed and even excited about your holiday gift giving. It goes without saying that our favorite form of holiday shopping is buying local and we encourage you to check out our Holiday Event Round-Up to check out some opportunities to buy local and have fun while doing it!

Do your holiday shopping at Bryony & Birch

Come say hello and stay for some holiday shopping in store at Bryony & Birch in downtown Amesbury. We have a variety of wellness and self-care gifts (perfect for stocking stuffers), as well as a vintage rack filled with interesting pre-loved pieces! We’re always happy to make a recommendation and even point you in the direction of some of our favorite local business owners, who may have what you’re looking for.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy (and calm) holiday season from all of us here at Bryony & Birch and Bryony Body!

A Seacoast Holiday Event Round-Up: Shopping, Classes, Tastings & More


Photo by Kate Donovan Photography

It goes without saying that the holidays on the Seacoast are the most magical time of year. And with all of the holiday lights, shopping and food, our holiday event round-up is sure to fill up your schedule. Get out with some friends and support your local artists, makers and businesses – and get some holiday shopping done, while you’re at it!

26th Annual Open Studios

Come on out to see and support our local artist community in the 26th Amesbury Open Studios. The weekend’s events will be hosted by 100 artists and makers – all over our beautiful city!

When: November 12th, 10am – 5pm and November 13th, 11am – 4pm
Where: Multiple locations
Details: amesburyopenstudios.com

The Amesbury Holiday Parade

The most festive event of the year! The 58th annual Holiday Parade returns to Amesbury again, this time with theme: holidays around the world.

When: December 3rd, 3:30pm
Where: The parade begins at the intersection of Sparhawk and Greenleaf St.
Details: amesburyholidayparade.com

Silvaticus Holiday Makers Market

Grab a brew and shop around for some unique gifts for your loved ones (or yourself!) at this local artists and makers market.

When: December 11th, 11am – 5pm
Where: Silvaticus Brewery, 9 Water St. Amesbury, MA
Details: amyvanderels.com

Newburyport’s Holiday Invitation Night

Enjoy a night of refreshments, live entertainment and gift shopping (with 15% off) in downtown Newburyport.

When: December 2nd, 9th and 16th, 6 – 9pm
Where: Village Silversmith, 34 State St., Newburyport, MA
Details: villagesilversmith.net

SeaFestival of Trees: A Holiday Wonderland

Experience the joy and excitement of the holidays on the Seacoast with glittering trees, indoor ice skating and more.

When: Weekends from November 19th – December 4th
Where: Blue Ocean Event Center
Details: https://www.bostoncentral.com/events/seasonalfun/p70607.php

Party with Bryony this holiday season

👉 Follow us on Instagram to hear our holiday season announcements.
👉 That’s a wrap on Porch Fest! Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and support our community at this year’s events.
👉 Beat those winter blues: Invest in your wellness this winter!

Last Minute Weekend Getaways Within an Hour of Amesbury

Sometimes you don’t know how badly you need to get away for a weekend until the Thursday night before and it’s far too late to book a flight. Luckily, we live in one of the most beautiful areas of the country and have plenty of weekend getaways available to us all within an hour’s drive from downtown Amesbury.

Travel with us over to the coast and down to our beloved Beantown as we map out our favorite spots to run to when we’re looking for that last minute getaway.

Portsmouth, NH

Photo Credit: @theunplannedcreative via Twenty20

Our first stop is a quick 30-minute drive up the coast, just over the state line to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. We love Portsmouth for it’s bustling downtown area, filled with boutiques stocked with locally made goods, breweries with delicious and locally-brewed beer, and an array of restaurants.

Leave Amesbury on Saturday morning and grab lunch on the water at the iconic BG’s Boat House, before heading into downtown for some shopping. Visit Inside Out for some locally-sourced apparel and gifts, and then take a breather with a beer at Earth Eagle Brewing.

Turn in for the night at The Water Street Inn (or at your Airbnb, if the hotel doesn’t have any vacancies) and get a cozy night sleep.

Plum Island

Photo Credit: Kate Donovan Photography

Plum Island is a beautiful barrier island off the coast of Newburyport that allows visitors a little paradise away from home to play, relax and everything in between. Just 30 minutes by car, a quick visit to Plum Island whisks you away to one of those dreamy old fashioned New England beach towns that can be hard to come by these days.

Book your stay at Blue, a coastal modern inn on Plum Island Beach (if they don’t show availability on their website, give them a call to see if they have any last minute cancellations!)

Rockport

Photo Credit: Kate Donovan Photography

Rockport is one of our favorite North Shore destinations because of its simple old fashioned New England charm. Just 50 minutes away from Amesbury, Rockport is one of those quaint Massachusetts villages that offers whatever kind of experience you’re looking for: a day of shopping, a day of eating fresh lobster, or just walking around hand-in-hand, taking photos in front of quiet harbor vistas and historic homes.

If you can get in, book your stay at Addison Choate, a modern boutique hotel that perfectly reflects the coastal New England charm of Rockport.

Salem

Photo Credit: @VictoriaBaker via Twenty20

Inching a little further down the coast and only 40 minutes from Amesbury is a delightful small town favorite, Salem. Known worldwide for the Salem Witch Trials, we see it as so much more than that (the The Witch House is totally worth checking out though.) Salem has excellent breweries, restaurants and walks – all a worthwhile way to spend a last minute weekend away.

After some shopping downtown, stop in for a beer at the local favorite, Notch Brewery & Taproom and then catch a sunset on the wharf with a cocktail and plate of oysters from Sea Level Oyster Bar.

Boston

Photo Credit: Kate Donovan Photography

And if you’re looking for a more cosmopolitan weekend, drive 46 minutes south of Amesbury, down to Boston.

If you’re visiting in the summer, catch some live music and shopping in Faneuil Hall and then head over to Rowe’s Wharf for dinner on the harbor. Close out the evening with a nightcap at one of the many waterfront bars in Boston’s Seaport district, before heading back to your room at The Omni.

What to Expect at Porch Fest 2022: Music, Local Artisans & More!

Now that we’re finally settling back into “backyard barbecue and outside adventure” season, we here at Bryony are thrilled to welcome Porch Fest back for a third year! Porch Fest was started back in 2020 as an outdoor experience to draw our local community together after so many had been isolated by the pandemic, and if you’ve never experienced Porch Fest before, be sure to stop by and check it out, because there’s something for everyone, whether you like food, shopping, or music.

What is Porch Fest?

Photo Credit: Kate Donovan Photography

Porch Fest is a once-a-month event that goes through the summer into early fall, featuring live music, food and beverage trucks, and small business showcases. It’s held right on our “front porch” outside of Bryony & Birch at 48 Main Street in downtown Amesbury, MA.

Mark Your Calendar

Our 2022 Porch Fest dates are as follows:

  • Friday, June 17th, 4-8pm
  • Friday, July 15th, 4-8pm
  • Friday, August 19th, 4-8pm
  • Friday, September 16th, 4-8pm
  • Friday, Oct. 21st, 4-8pm

Porch Fest is always on a Friday, so you can plan to finish up those work projects and kick off your weekend a little early with your local community.

There’s Something for Everyone at Porch Fest

Here’s a brief sampler of some of our fantastic vendor friends that will be available for you to experience at Porch Fest:

Shari’s Sweet Shoppe

Picture Courtesy of Shari’s Sweet Shoppe

Shari Davey runs this 100% vegan bake shop, and all her goods are animal free products with gluten free options. Delicious and organic? Count us in.

Tree Owl Healing

Picture Courtesy of Tree Owl Healing

“Nature itself is the best physician.”, says Jennifer, the founder of Tree Owl, and we couldn’t agree more. Jennifer’s handmade, small batch tinctures, teas, and elixirs are made following the earth’s natural cycles, personally foraged by Jennifer herself.

Tayla David Macrame

Photo Credit: Kate Donovan Photography

Tayla David has inspirations for your mind as well as your body, offering a variety of macrame items as well as weekly yoga classes. Whether you want to practice physical wellness or create something uniquely you, Tayla is ready to connect with you.

Fits the Vibe

Picture courtesy of Fits the Vibe

Vintage is the buzzword at Fits the Vibe! Upcycling is the way to go to practice a more sustainable lifestyle, and whether your fashion flavors run to velour tracksuits or custom patchwork joggers, the crew at Fits the Vibe has a look that’s just right for you.

Board and Brush

Picture courtesy of Board & Brush

Embrace your inner DIY with a night out at Board and Brush! A step beyond your average paint n’ sip, Julie and Curt Selby and the instructors at Board and Brush provide the tools, the supplies, and the instruction to help you create a custom wooden sign to enhance your home or office space.

Polished by P

Picture Courtesy of Polished by P

Whether you’re in need of a mani or a pedi, the vegan, non toxic, and cruelty free nail lacquers at Polished by P are what we recommend. Great looking nails and cruelty free? Yes, please.

Join Porch Fest as a Vendor

What better way to get your brand out to the community than to have the opportunity to be right in the center of it all? If you’re a small business owner, we would love for you to be a part of this year’s event! Porch Fest draws hundreds of people every year, and we want to give you the opportunity to partner with us and get your business in front of the people in your community who are looking for it. If you’re interested in being a vendor at Porch Fest 2022, or if you have any questions about being a vendor, please reach out to Katie at bookings@bryonyandbirchstudio.com to request your desired date.

We had such a great time at Porch Fest last year, and this year is already shaping up to be just as much fun. We hope you’ll come by and experience the Amesbury community at one of our Porch Fest dates this summer. We’ll be looking out for you!

Continue reading The Bryony & Birch Times:

Spring Round-Up: Our Favorite Local Businesses in Exeter

Now that the weather is warming up, we thought we’d invite you to take a virtual stroll with us along the Squamscott River near our Bryony Body location in Exeter and let us introduce you to some of our favorite neighbors and their boutiques and shops that we’ve discovered since opening here back in the fall. Whether it’s trendy threads or tasty treats, we’re sure you’ll love supporting these small businesses in Exeter, NH as much as we do!

Forest + Ash Design Company


Photo via Forest + Ash

The founders of the design company, Forest + Ash, are Hannah and Robin, two ladies with a passion for “creating beautiful spaces with a fresh and modern approach.” We couldn’t agree more. The ladies offer design services for all your spaces, be it renovation, construction, or interior, and their shop is a treasure trove of jewelry, gifts, accessories, art, and home and kitchen decor.

forestandashdesign.com
24 Water St, Exeter, NH 03833
603-758-3175
hello@forestandashdesign.com

 

Laney & Lu

Photo via Laney & Lue

A lot of our staff have found their way to this delightfully modern cafe. Located right next to Forest + Ash, how could we stay away? Offering a wide variety of locally sourced and organic beverages, smoothies, salads, sandwiches, and bowls, all of which can be enjoyed on their adorable outside patio. But what really won us over is how Laney & Lu’s have partnered with the local community to serve over 3500 meals to local hospitals, police and fire departments. Hearts!

laneyandlu.com
26 Water St, Exeter, NH 03833
603-580-4952
hello@laneyandlu.com

 

Water Street Bookstore

Photo by Water Street Bookstore

We love a good stocked bookstore to go with a hot beverage from Laney & Lu’s. Whether your fancy is fiction, humor, medical musical, philosophy, poetry, science or self help, Water Street has it all, and if they don’t have it on hand, they can help you find it. The largest independent bookstore on the NH seacoast, Water Street also partners with the annual Exeter Lit-Fest and hosts local authors for talks and book signings.

waterstreetbooks.com
125 Water St, Exeter, NH 03833
603-778-9731
info@waterstreetbooks.com

 

Soleil’s Salt Cave

Photo by Soleil’s Salt Cave

When winter has clogged our noses and dried out our skin, we head for Soleil’s Salt Cave. Soleil’s features salt caves stocked with thousands of pounds of Himalayan salt that is millions of years old. Halotherapy, or the practice of breathing in air that’s been infused with salt particles, has been used as treatment for bronchitis, asthma, allergies, pneumonia, and even Covid-19! Halotherapy improves your breathing and increases the amount of oxygen in your blood. The salt can also be beneficial for your skin, helping with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Their zero-gravity chairs are perfect during a private session in one of their salt caves.

saltcavenh.com
130 Water St, Exeter, NH 03833
(603) 418-7508
info@soleilsaltcave.com

 

Lunachics

Photo by Lunachics

Right next door to Soleil’s, you’ll find a welcoming huddle of fashionista superheroes at Lunachics! The stylists at Lunachics are here to help you find your best new look with a wide selection of merchandise from ”local, ethical, and female founded brands”. We love every one of the staff, they greet every customer with a smile and thoroughly enjoy partnering with you to put together the perfect outfit to suit your unique sense of style.

lunachics.com
131 Water St, Exeter, NH 03833
603-777-9956
shop@lunachics.com

 

Cymbidium Floral

Photo by Jessica Theos Photography

Walking into Cymbidium Floral you are immediately surrounded by the color and fresh scents of spring, no matter what time of the year you visit, which is why it’s always a breath of fresh air to us. The owner, Jessica Christofersen, makes a weekly pilgrimage to the New England Flower Exchange to ensure that you, the consumer, gets the absolute best of flora every time you visit. Cymbidium also offers floral design services for intimate gatherings and bridal parties.

cymbidiumfloral.com
141 Water St, Exeter, NH 03833
603-772-1300
info@cymbidiumfloral.com

 

D Squared Java

Photo by D Squared Java

One of the reasons we’ve added D Squared Java to our list of faves is not only do they have some truly stellar coffee and tea beverages (be sure to check out the spring-themed lavender latte!), but they are committed heavily to environmental sustainability. Their coffee is sourced from local vendors, as are their pastries and baked goods, and they have a loyalty program which lets you utilize your own coffee cup or travel mug, and after ten visits, you get a free cup of coffee! We’re in.

dsquaredjava.com
155 Water St, Exeter, NH 03833
603-583-5646
dan@dsquaredjava.com

 

The Willow

Photo by HM Collins Photography

A resident of Exeter for over 20 years, the Willow has quickly become our go-to for home decor essentials. Much of their merchandise is curated from local artisans, and whether you’re looking for some extra added flair for your walls, your gardens, your tabletops, or even yourself, the Willow has something for you.

thewillowexeter.com
183 Water St, Exeter, NH 03833
603-773-9666
shop@thewillowexeter.com

 

Stillwells Riverwalk Ice Cream

Photo by Stillwells Riverwalk Ice Cream

We like to save the best for last, and we couldn’t think of a better way to finish off our virtual stroll than at our favorite ice cream shop, Stillwells. Stillwells features over fifty flavors of ice cream, as well as a variety of sherberts, frozen yogurt, Italian ice, soft serve, and even gelato! They take custom orders for ice cream pies and cakes, and it’s a good thing they sell their ice cream sliders in six packs, because you won’t be able to stop at just one.

stillwellsicecream.com/locations/exeter
190 Water St, Exeter, NH 03833
603-777-5077

 

Yoga at Bryony Body in Exeter, NH

Photo by Kate Donovan Photography

Thanks for letting us show you around downtown Exeter. We hope the next time you’re in the neighborhood you’ll stop by Bryony Body to say hello. We offer a variety of classes including yoga, strength training, and reiki and crystal healing. A list of our full offerings can be found here. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Winter on the North Shore: Where The Bryony Girls Are Keeping Warm (and Well-Fed!)

While May through October has us quite literally dancing in Amesbury’s streets, there’s something to be said about winter on the North Shore.

As boats get docked, pools get covered and the tried and trusted ankle-length coats come out, we know it’s officially the season of warm food, soul-soothing drinks and the types of crackling fireplaces that make you instinctively break out the board games or pour a glass of wine to have a life talk with a bestie.

With that being said, we can’t hibernate forever. As lovers of all things local, we’re sharing our go-to restaurants and bars that offer exactly what you need all year round!

Scroll down to learn more.

The Best Places To Eat & Drink in Amesbury, MA

Fortune Bar

The only thing friendlier than Friend Street in Amesbury is the crew at Fortune Bar. Open seven days a week serving up beer, bar food and shots, it’s our go-to for both a post-work drink or big night on the weekend. After all, is it even possible to have a Bud Light without a shot of Fireball?

Fortune Bar
12 Friend Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 388-0291
Fortune Bar Website

Barking Dog Bar & Grill

Did someone say ‘Hangover Helper Burger’? The Barking Dog did! While they have a menu that can and will cure any ailment, Barking Dog Bar & Grill is a super family-friendly restaurant in the heart of Amesbury, MA. With everything from cocktails to craft beer to fine whiskey, there’s a drop for everyone.

Barking Dog Bar & Grill
21 Friend St
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 388-9537
Barking Dog Bar & Grill Website

Phat Cats Bistro

When you have a ‘dollar oyster night’ you pretty much have our hearts. And that, our friends, is how we fell in love with Phat Cats Bistro. We also extra love eating and drinking there because they’re passionate about supporting local businesses and use farm-fresh ingredients from many of the local producers in the Amesbury area.

Phat Cats Bistro
65A Market St
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 388-2777
Phat Cats Bistro Website

Market Square Bakehouse

Open seven days a week, Market Square Bakehouse is our go-to for coffee dates, breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack. Featuring a menu with loads of gluten-free and vegetarian options, they also offer specialty brews like cold brew, kombucha and local beer and cider!

Market Square Bakehouse
5 Market Square
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 792-5237
Market Square Bakehouse Website

Crave

Couple Crave’s cocktail menu with their selection of New England Craft Beer and Italian wines and your mouth is guaranteed a party. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Saturdays, Crave is both kid and adult-friendly and has total winners on the menu such as buffalo Brussel sprouts, fish tacos, crab cake sandwiches and loads of vegetarian and GF options.

We also love that while you dine, you can take in the gorgeous artwork by Paula Estey.

Crave
32 Elm Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 834-6075
Crave Website

Brewery Silvaticus

As lovers of craft beer, we often have to remind our hearts to be still when we walk into Silvaticus. Owned by the Head Brewer, Jay Bullen, you’ll find brews such as Classic Bavarian Hefeweizens, hoppy lagers and, of course, their award-winning sour ale.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, they have a fantastic taproom for tastings and an epic beer garden overlooking the Powow River. You can stick around for delicious food and a refreshing pint or fill up a growler (or two) to-go!

Brewery Silvaticus
9 Water Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 504-BEER
Silvaticus Website

Holiday Wine Bar

Despite the name, you get way more than wine at Holiday Wine Bar in Amesbury. On top of its epic vibe and huge selection of wines from around the world, you can pop in for a whiskey, cocktails, beer and amaro. Intimate, eclectic and a must do for date night or girls night, it’s one of the North Shore’s best bars by far. And yes! There’s food!

Holiday Wine Bar
15 Friend Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 792-5498

Cider Hill Farm

A must-visit all year round, Cider Hill Farm is a place you’ll want to kick back and relax in so be sure to book your day there in advance! With numerous activities on offer and super kid-friendly, you’ll get to pick tulips, grab lunch, go for a farm stroll, pick fruit, or grab a drink at their hard cider bar.

Contact Cider Hill Farm
45 Fern Avenue
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 388-5525
Cider Hill Farm Website

Flatbread Co.

When it comes to pizza you can feel extra good about, the minds behind Flatbread Co. are the masters. Through their use of organic ingredients, clean & chemical-free meat and gluten-free/vegan options, they create some of the freshest, tastiest and photo-worthy food in Amesbury. Available for dine-in or takeaway, you need to eat Flatbread Co. AT LEAST once while in Amesbury!

Contact Flatbread Co.
5 Market Square
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 834-9800
Flatbread Co. Website

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10 Holiday Gift Ideas from Local North Shore Makers



Even though they come around every year, the holidays always manage to sneak up on us.

Determined not to find ourselves at Target at 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, we’re spending the first half of December hitting up our go-to local makers for holiday gifts!

As a collective of small business owners ourselves, we know firsthand just how much it means when someone shops local. In Amesbury, we are incredibly lucky to have wildly talented jewelers, artists, thrifters, designers and boutique owners. (To name a few.)

It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping for your partner, parents or puppy, we’ve found gift ideas for everyone!

Scroll down to learn more.

10 Holiday Gift Ideas from Local North Shore Makers

1.) Macrame Gifts

When it comes to unique macrame gifts, you’re going to want to know about Tayla David Macrame. All made locally in Amesbury, Tayla’s collection features earrings, pot holders, coasters, rugs, keychains and even yoga mat carriers.

Honestly, this woman is TALENTED. Shop now via the Tayla David Macrame Etsy Shop

2.) Jewelry Gifts

‘Simple, elegant, just the right amount of unusual.’ We’re here to say that Amy Vander Els nailed her tagline because that is exactly what her collection of handmade jewelry is.

While she won our hearts with her jewelry, we are also all kinds of obsessed with her typewriter prints. Shop now via the Amy Vader Els Website

3.) Vintage Clothing Gifts

The Greely Girls are three generations of fashion lovers and 100% the women you want to go to for vintage clothing and accessories in the North Shore. With head to toe outfits for under $40 (as well as the types of finds you’ll want to display behind glass), they have looks for every vibe.

Shop now via: Poshmark

4.) Vintage Jewelry Gifts

Vintage jewelry and accessories Indie Dawn just got even cooler thanks to the fierce and fabulous photographer, Dawn Kingston. A true citizen of the world, Dawn can often be found popping up shop around Amesbury!

Keep an eye on the Bryony & Birch IG feed for the next Indie Dawn stall!

5.) Tie-Dye Gifts

Tie-Dye is always a good idea and CARAVAN by HUM+BEE is the proof in the pudding. From hoodies to dresses to pants, they have pieces for all of your whimsical, edgy, laidback and/or #iwokeuplikethis friends.

On top of tie-dye goodness, they also have fabulous accessories, a selection of vintage clothing and home decor. Shop CARAVAN by HUM+BEE via the HUM+BEE website.

6.) Sustainable Gifts

We all have that friend or family member that can’t go anywhere without their coffee! Ripplfect is the gift you’re looking for! While it’s a sustainable alternative to single-use coffee cups, users also get discounts on coffee at participating cafes!

Shop Ripplfect via theripplfect.com

7.) Surfboard Shower Gifts

Are you trying to think of an out-of-the-box gift idea for a beach lover? Our friend, Connor, from Mulholland Surfboard Showers has the answer! Perfect for a beach house or someone who just wants to feel closer to the sea with their outdoor shower, his converted surfboards are just the right amount of quirky and cool.

Shop now via mulhollanddesigns.com

8.) Pet Gifts

‘Pawsibly’ the most ‘pawfect’ place to show for your pup or cat, Paws Amesbury has all the best local goodies you could wish for. They have food, supplements, treats, toys, clothing and more!

Shop now via Paws Pet Boutique

9.) Tea & Tincture Gifts

Self-care gifts are always a good idea, which is why 917 Heart is on our list! From herbal smudge sticks to teas and tinctures, all of their products come beautifully packaged and will make any receiver feel extra loved.

Shop now via 917 Heart Etsy Shop

10.) Amesbury Hamper Gifts

If you want to give a special someone a taste of Amesbury, you need to head to The Hedgehog General Store. Featuring everything from food to t-shirts, you can create the ultimate local holiday gift hamper in seconds!

Shop now via The Hedgehog General Store Website

Looking for a Made in the USA handbag to gift this holiday season?

If the answer is yes and it’s for you, we’re not judging at all. We were ALSO looking for a made in the USA handbag for ourselves, which is why we want to share our love for Vaalbara! With everything from clutches to backpacks, there’s a good chance you’re going to leave with more than one thing.

On top of all being handmade in the USA, a portion of every sale goes to the non-profit SurfRider Foundation, dedicated to keeping our beaches and oceans clean.

Shop now via: Vaalbara

Love What You Saw? Pop into Bryony & Birch to browse our boutique of local makers!

Located at 48 Main Street in Amesbury, MA, Bryony & Birch happens to stock quite a bit of the above! Feel free to get in touch via our contact page to learn more.

You can also browse and shop via our Instagram page.

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