Tag Archive for: amesbury

Porch Fest is Back! Here’s Everything You Need to Know

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We are thrilled to be welcoming back our favorite community event of the summer and fall seasons, Porch Fest! Starting in 2020 as an outdoor experience to draw our local community together, we’re now at the start of our fourth season and couldn’t be happier or more excited about what’s to come.

What is Porch Fest?

Porch Fest is an outdoor communal event (think: market, cookout, concert and block party – all in one.) Spanning from June to October, it features live music, food and beverage trucks, and a small business market, all held right outside, on the “front porch” of Bryony & Birch at 48 Main Street in downtown Amesbury, MA.

2023 Porch Fest Dates

Our 2023 Porch Fest dates are as follows:

  • Friday, June 16th, 5-9pm
  • Friday, August 18th, 5-9pm
  • Friday, October 20th, 5-9pm

Porch Fest is always on a Friday, so you can plan to finish up work and head out to start your weekend a little early with your family, friends and fellow business owners here in Amesbury.

What’s new at Porch Fest this year?

We are proud to welcome back so many of our fantastic vendors and are excited to have shifted the hours to 5-9pm (previously it was 4-8pm.) This later start allows for our after work crowd to drift in and not feel rushed. And a later end time gives us the chance to take advantage of that long summertime daylight that we all love so much.

Help us kick things off on June 16th!

Come on out on Friday, June 16th at 5pm to kick off the first Porch Fest of the season. For a full list of our vendors as well as any other detailed information you might need about the event, check out our Porch Fest page and share it with a friend.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Best Hair Salon Tips for Your Post-Summer Hair

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There’s no doubt about it, this summer has been a hot one. We’ve beached, pooled, road tripped, ate and drank all the things, and ultimately – had ourselves the exact kind of hot girl summer we’ve been craving the last few years. But all of the fun aside, this summer has taken a beating on our hair. Before we officially enter sherpa fleece season, a hair reset is a must. If you’re with us on that, read through our tips for repairing your sun-bleached summer hair and resetting your hair regimen for a healthy fall and winter ahead.

Get a Haircut

The best way to get rid of those crusty sun-bleached dead ends is to chop them off! At the Bryony & Birch Hair Loft, our stylists can do just that and more. If you’re looking for more than a trim, and want to change up your look, come in and treat yourself to a cut you’ll love. Get more information on cuts, colors and pricing at our hair salon in downtown Amesbury.

Get a Moisturizing Treatment

From the pool to the beach to the trail, your hair has been soaking up all of the sun, wind and salt it can handle! If it’s feeling dry and damaged from all of the adventures, you can pump some life and shine back into it with a moisturizing treatment. At Bryony & Birch, we love Electric London’s line of ultra-moisturizing products. Come into the Hair Loft to pick up one of their moisturizing hair masks or tack a moisturizing treatment onto your next haircut. Book a treatment with one of our stylists here.

Get a Toner

If you typically get a hair color service, then you’re probably familiar with your hair color starting to dull a few months after you get it done, especially if you’ve been spending a lot of time outside in the sun. To give that color a refresh and extend the life of it, book a toner with one of our hair stylists. A toner is like a top coat for your hair – it enhances your current color and gives it that fresh, polished, hair salon feel. In the Bryony & Birch Hair Loft, you can come in and get just a toner, blow dry and style, if a refresh is in order, but no haircut is needed.

Refresh Your Hair Regimen

Sometimes we get so married to a haircare product line or brand, that when the condition of our hair inevitably changes, we fail to treat it with the proper care that it actually needs and craves. That’s why we recommend taking a look at your hair regimen at least once a year and giving it a refresh. Our stylists at the Bryony & Birch Hair Loft are more than happy to give you some recommendations on product lines that can treat your hair’s specific needs. We always recommend finding a line with a shampoo, conditioner and moisturizing mask that you can incorporate into your daily and weekly regimen. Out with the old and in with the new!

Accessorize Your Hair

If you’re looking to update your look without making changes to the length or color of your hair, we always look to hair accessories for a nice bump in style. Think: butterfly clips, scrunchies, bright earrings or even a cute new beanie. All of them do the work of elevating your look without making any semi-permanent changes.

Bryony & Birch Offers Haircuts, Colors and More

Located in downtown Amesbury, Bryony & Birch is a hair salon that offers cuts, colors, toners, moisturizing treatments, extensions and more. We offer wedding party preparation services and also have a studio rental space that we rent to local entrepreneurs, creatives and anyone looking to host an event or workshop. Stop in the next time you’re in the area to browse our vintage rack, get a haircut or just say hello. We love our community and we’d love to meet you!

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

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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!

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Meet Your Yoga Instructor: Jessalynn Hudgins

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We had the pleasure of sitting down last week with Jessalynn Hudgins – yoga instructor, holistic wellness consultant and the studio manager at Bryony Body, our yoga studio in Exeter, NH. She taught us all about her journey with wellness, yoga and everything in between. Keep reading to learn more about how she’s actively changing the stigma around mental health in the workplace all while helping people find their zen.

Jessalynn sees yoga as her lifeline.

Credit: Kate Donovan Photography

Her peaceful escape from her high-functioning lifestyle. Fifteen years ago, she was in the heart of her career working in finance. She had a self-described “work hard, play hard” mindset and pushed herself to extremes mentally and physically. Yoga was a way for her to counteract any unhealthy choices she was making at the time.

After leveraging a few different roles in the business world, she found herself at the peak of her finance career working in operations for a distinguished private equity firm. This was high-producing, yet quickly became toxic and shut their doors, leaving her jobless. Jessalynn decided this was the perfect opportunity to chase one of her longtime dreams: visiting Bali and receiving her yoga certifications.

She headed straight to Bali in 2019 and began an intensive month-long yoga certification process. Six days a week beginning at 6am each day, Jessalynn learned the power and challenge of stillness in addition to understanding where anatomy and philosophy meet.

A fresh perspective on wellness

Credit: Kate Donovan Photography

Fast forward to the Spring of 2020, just as the pandemic began, she moved to Newburyport with a fresh perspective on wellness. Soon after she met Katie and was introduced to the Bryony and Birch family in, what felt like, divine timing. She began teaching through the Bryony Body studio while simultaneously creating her own wellness consulting business, Whole Health Wellness.

Jessalynn’s consulting business merges her business expertise with her passion for health. It’s been a labor of love, but extremely rewarding to work with local businesses. Her biggest challenge is getting the decision maker of each company to understand the power of providing health and wellness services for their employees. From there she works with her clients to supply services ranging from physical and emotional counseling to nutritional guides from registered dietitians, to financial security coaching. All her services are assisted by providers certified in their fields.

Jessalynn’s lifestyle has changed quite a lot since moving out of the finance realm. She finds that her yoga practice keeps her zen and centered and she keeps her hands (and heart) full by managing the Bryony Body studio.

When asked what the #1 misconception about yoga is, she tells us it’s the idea that you need to be flexible. She finds that being flexible in the mind actually trains your body to follow and you come to realize it isn’t just about the body, but the 8 limbs that yoga is built on, which becomes very spiritual.

Finding her support system

When she isn’t teaching yoga or consulting, Jessalynn enjoys having strong self-care practices. She has a green thumb with a house full of plants. She also has a white fluff-ball cat named Elle that she adores. When asked what it means to be an empowered woman, she says it all starts with having an awesome support system, which Bryony and Birch is for her. Not only as business partners but also as friends. Her favorite quote and mantra is “A rising tide lifts all boats.” To her this means staying positive and uplifting all those around her.

You can stay in touch with Jessalynn by following @wholehealthwellnessusa and learn more about Bryony Body here.

Have the Winter Blues? 5 Ways We’re Investing in Wellness This Winter

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Winter is hard. Our skin is dry and itchy, we’re vitamin D deficient and even going for a little mental health walk can seem daunting. Thanks a lot, February windchill.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the headspace that winter is never ending and our self-care isn’t as important. Thoughts can play over again in our minds, “Well if I gain these extra five pounds, no one will really notice because of all the layers I’m wearing.” “If I don’t get this pedicure it doesn’t matter because I’m in socks and boots for the next two more months.” But listen, you deserve to feel great even if the weather doesn’t. Here are some surefire ways to get back into the rhythm of your life so that the winter blues don’t keep you down.

Invest in loungewear

Sitting at home in the same old sweats can really affect our self-esteem. One of our favorite ways to spice things up is by investing in cozy loungewear sets or a new waffle knit sweater from a woman-run small business like VETTA or Darity (if you’re nursing or pumping.) Not only do they make you feel cute and comfortable, but you’re making your dollar count by supporting a small sustainable business. Get comfy!

Use a humidifier

Purchasing one of these handy little guys for the bedroom has been saving our sinuses this winter, and our plants too! You can find these for a decent price at a local big box store. As a moisturizer enthusiast, my lotions and body oils still just don’t cut it this time of year. Save your skin and your sinuses this season and find a humidifier ASAP.

Try heat light therapy

There are so many benefits to trying relaxation, muscle tension relief or detoxification in the winter months. One way us New Englanders love to relax in the dark winter months is with heat light therapy. Not only does it have positive effects on our mood, but it also provides many benefits for blood flow and cardiovascular health. You won’t have to look far for local heat light therapy, but if you have trouble finding somewhere, ask your dermatologist for a recommendation.

Relax in a healing bath

You deserve a mystical escape from your everyday routine once and a while. Treat yourself to some holistic soap and organic wellness products from our local favorite, Rooted Body Co. and set up a healing bath with crystals, candles, bath salts, a glass of wine and some soothing music. Anything that will make you feel like you’re at a spa, right from the comfort of your own home. If you don’t have a bath, hang a Eucalyptus sprig from your shower head. Calming scents, especially while bathing, nourish our minds and bodies.

Nourish with soups & stews

Are you on a rabbit hole of soup TikToks lately? No? Just us? Soup tok is all the rage right now. Invest in a Crockpot or slow cook a soup on your stove midday while you finish your work into the evening. The scent of a warm stew brewing throughout the home is no match for winter dread. And if you prefer sweet over savory, treat yourself to a relaxing CBD baked good from our local favorite, Fairy Good Organics. We’ll take their triple chocolate brownies any night of the week!

Hopefully these tips and tricks inspire you to embrace this winter with a fresh attitude. The cold months are hard, but they make the spring and summer feel that much better. Get in touch with your body and don’t forget to indulge – you’ve got this.

Galentine’s Day: 5 Ways to Spoil Your Girlfriends This Month

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You’re probably already aware of an immense pressure around the second week of February each year: Valentine’s Day. A stigma surrounds this holiday saying that we have to be in love, have the perfect relationship and shower our lovers with gifts. But why should extravagant love only be shared in romantic relationships, why can’t we spoil our platonic relationships as well? These are just as valuable relationships full of love. Continue reading for ideas on how to spoil your girlfriends this Valentine’s Day, they deserve it!

Food

There’s no better way to a person’s heart than through their stomach. Some say this only works for men, but we beg to differ. Whether it’s knowing your bestie’s favorite meal and cooking for her or taking her out to a hot new restaurant in town, share the gift of food this Galentine’s Day. Get dressed up, light some candles and have fun with it. Candle lit dinners are not strictly for romance, set the vibe right and indulge, it will bring you closer together and create the space for deeper conversations. See where The Bryony girls are keeping warm and well-fed on the North Shore this winter.

Crystals

Find a crystal that protects your friend based on her birth month or treat her to a reiki and crystal healing session at Bryony & Birch Different stones have different properties for protection and abundance that resonate with each zodiac sign in different ways. This way you can always be there in spirit, even when you physically aren’t. Not to mention… crystals and gems are beautiful decor to have in your home, so it’s a win-win.

Pamper Them

What better way to relax than knowing someone is gifting you the opportunity? There can never be enough self-care and a gift card for a manicure and pedicure appointment is a great place to start. If you have the budget to splurge a little more, a spa day including a massage or facial will really show your appreciation for their well-being. In our most recent holiday gift guide we cover all of our favorite ways to pamper our friends with gifts from local North Shore small businesses.

Cocktail Night

What’s more exciting than a cocktail night with the girls? Everyone comes prepared for the evening with a signature cocktail. You each take turns prepping your drink and presenting the cocktails with a grand entrance. Get creative with the themes of the drinks that are unique to your friendships. This is fun too because you can spread them out through the evening and everyone gets to be the star for an hour or so. February cabin fever setting in? Get out of the house to enjoy food and drinks at these Bryony & Birch favorites on the North Shore.

Flowers & Plants

Gardens and flowers raise the vibration of anyone’s home. If your girlfriend is already a green thumb, give her a new flower to plant and bring her joy. Getting in touch with our feminine energy is also getting in touch with our ability to nourish. If your friend is a little more glamorous or doesn’t enjoy gardening, a beautiful bouquet can also do the trick.

Ultimately you know your friends better than anyone else, so whatever feels sentimental to you and your crew will be special. There are so many ways to cherish love other than romance, so take a moment to celebrate all of the relationships in your life this Valentine’s Day.

 

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

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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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A Holiday Note from Bryony & Birch Founder: Katie Cavic

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As our second pandemic holiday season rolls around, I want to take a moment to say just how grateful I am for the gift that is the Amesbury, MA community.

Never in my life could I have imagined Bryony & Birch becoming what it is today: an ever-evolving collective of locals who love creating, collaborating and coming together to help each other thrive.

I knew launching a business in the midst of a pandemic would be difficult, but I didn’t realize that the numerous challenges would bring so many silver linings. (A pleasant surprise to say the least!)

Having limitations made us think outside the box, adapt the way we communicate (with our clients and with ourselves) and prioritize our values. Sometimes this meant conducting virtual yoga classes. Other times (for us hairdressers and photographers) it was finding ways to reinvent ourselves so we could still offer our craft even if weddings weren’t able to go ahead. Many times, it was finding a meditation practice that helped us stay centered and grounded.

Perhaps the thing I’m most proud of is how we managed to expand our reach. From creating Porch Fest to establishing Bryony Body in Exter, NH, the Bryony & Birch team has achieved things I thought were deep into the pipeline. (I thought these were five-year plans!) This is a true testament to Amesbury’s incredible residents and visitors.

Over the last two years, our little North Shore town banded together in the most heart-warming and soul-soothing way and I feel so honored to be part of it. It didn’t matter if it was local small businesses coming out to Porch Fest to do a pop-up stall or the generosity of those who championed our brand and mentored us – we felt like we were and ARE in a family.

I also want to thank the Bryony & Birch team near and far. We have yoga instructors, hairdressers, web designers, photographers, videographers, brand content consultants, wedding planners, reiki and crystal healing practitioners and even woodworkers making the Bryony & Birch dream a reality.

I often wonder when holidays will feel ‘normal’ again. With each Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas that I get to physically be near the people I love, I also wonder if I’ll maintain the same level of awareness and gratitude that I’ve come to have living in a world with COVID-19. Never in my life have I valued the simple gift of being in someone’s presence and vice versa.

If you’re able to be with the ones you love this season, embrace them in your arms.
If you’re unable to be with the ones you love this season, embrace them in your heart

Wishing you the happiest holiday season and the most magnificent welcome of 2022.

Bryony & Birch Founder

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10 Holiday Gift Ideas from Local North Shore Makers

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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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Bryony & Birch: Amesbury’s Porch Fest 2021 Recap

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As a collective that offers hair, yoga, photography, branding and a variety of other wellness services, the simplest way to describe what we do at Bryony & Birch is: We empower the community.

While we want to be your go-to for a fresh cut for summer, a branding package for your new business and your daily yoga practice, we mostly want to be the hub where you connect with other like-minded people to showcase what you do best (and vice versa!)

In mid-2020, we started thinking about how we could bring even more people together (especially since COVID-19 makes gathering indoors slightly tricky!) and pretty quickly, we were rapid-fire brainstorming on what’s now become known as Porch Fest.

Hosted once a month in August, September and October, 48 Main Street in downtown Amesbury, MA is the place to be! Featuring live music, food trucks, drink trucks, small business pop-ups as well as a live art auction and raffle, it’s a day to celebrate all things LOCAL. It’s also a day to raise money for local organizations and future artists’ initiatives.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to showcase, network, collaborate or simply make a new friend, we’ve also had a ‘more the merrier’ M.O. at Bryony & Birch, which has been evident at our first three Porch Fests!

Scroll down to see the highlights from our summer/fall 2021 turnout!

A Look at Bryony & Birch’s 2021 Porch Fest Season

Captured by the incredible Kate Donovan Photography.

Music, Makers & Bakers – Meet (some of) the Vendors + Performers from Porch Fest

Marina Evans – Musician

A Rockport native and brave composer, performer and traveler, Marina Evans combines strong sultry vocals with traditional folk Americana and Indie Pop to create a sound that is all her own!

Michael Bernier – Musician, Master of Ceremonies, + Founder of Enjoy Your Life Brand

To know Michael is to love him. Full of peace, love, and positivity, Michael lent his voice and insanely good vibes as MC!

Stephanie Martin – Cannabis Caterer & CBD Baker, Fairy Good Organics

Stephanie’s smile is sunshine and her cooking is amazing, which is totally why her stall had a never ending line!

Cassandra Mae – Jeweler, Not So Flatware

What started with a love of spoon rings has evolved into one of the North Shore’s most original jewelry brands thanks to Cassandra Mae!

Kali Stoddard-Imari – Musician

Until we met Kali, we didn’t even know how badly we needed someone to blend Folk Pop and Rhythm & Rock vibe with hints of Roots Rock, Blues, Reggae Fusion, and Soul! The best.

Joanna Teters – Musician, Sundub Music

When you listen to Joanna sing, you almost enter a trance-like state! Could not be more grateful to have her and the Sundub crew at Porch Fest!

Bryony & Birch Founder, Katie Cavic

“I’ve been blown away by the turnout at each Porch Fest. We’ve had adults, children, and animals of all ages! (One guy even had a bird on his shoulder.) It fills my heart with so much joy to think about the abundance of foot traffic in Amesbury. Not only has Porch Fest helped support local businesses downtown, but also in surrounding suburbs as well. If you’d like to be involved – get in touch!” – Katie Cavic

Porch Fest + Tough Warrior Princess

The minute we floated the idea of doing a street festival with a few local businesses, the number of offers to donate items and services made our cups overflow.

While we wanted to give small businesses a space to shine, we also wanted to help members of our community who are needing extra support. In October, the money raised at Porch Fest went to the Tough Warrior Princesses (TWP) not-for-profit organization. Based in Amesbury (and serving the North Shore of Boston as well as Southern New Hampshire), they provide support, comfort, love and resources to women affected by cancer.

Want to get involved in Porch Fest 2022 in Amesbury, MA?

Drop us a line via our Contact Page!

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