ARTISANAL SHOPPING IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO

The Local Artisan Guide had the pleasure to travel to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico late February and the beautiful Mexican town did not disappoint on any level!

San Miguel de Allende is a colonial-era town in Mexico founded in 1541 by 16th century friar, Juan de San Miguel and Ignacio Allende, a martyr for Mexican independence. San Miguel de Allende is located in the far eastern part of the state of Guanajuato and is about a three hour drive north of Mexico City. San Miguel de Allende has been chosen continuously as one of the most beautiful towns in the world as it is home to baroque architecture, stone lined streets, top notch boutique hotels, world class Mexican and international cuisines and multiple shops and markets that display and sell the artisanal crafts, foods and spirits from all over Mexico.

A view down Calle Aldama of the Parroquia De San Miguel Arcangel.

The Local Artisan Guide was here both for business and pleasure staying in a charming villa owned by one of the many American ex-pats who now make San Miguel their home. We stayed about a five minute walk from the Rosewood Hotel, which is one of the most prestigious and beautiful hotels in San Miguel de Allende. From the Rosewood Hotel is about a eight minute walk into the center of the town and its magnificent churches, plazas and manicured parks.

Sunset on my balcony on Calle Grillo.

A night view of San Miguel de Allende from the rooftop of the Rosewood Hotel.

After a few days of walking around you learn to get around town by using the churches as your landmarks. The villas and dwellings all have impressive and unique handmade doors that lead to magical homes with courtyards and gardens decorated with the crafts of the artisans who all throughout the towns of Mexico. The Catholic Church sought out to organize the towns and villages throughout Mexico to specialize in their own craft and skills, that way they would not be competitive with each other. From textiles, to ceramics, pottery and furniture, San Miguel de Allende is a haven for the aesthetic eye. Every corner is an Instragramer’s dream, a place where artists come to paint. As a matter of fact San Miguel de Allende has long attracted artists from all over the world, thanks to the Instituto Allende, a renowned art school where many of their students including many expats chose not to return home as San Miguel de Allende is first and foremost a community known for its art, beauty and charm.

The magnificent doors of the Museo Casa del Mayorazgo de al Canal.

The streets and homes of San Miguel de Allende are an artist’s dream.

I started first walking around February 13th and thought all the hearts I saw around town were in occasion of Valentine’s Day. However I found out the sacred heart was declared to be the symbol of San Miguel de Allende as San Miguel de Allende is considered to be the heart of Mexico. So if you are looking for a romantic place to be for Valentine’s Day you can’t go wrong with this city of hearts.

Hearts are everywhere in San Miguel de Allende.

Most of the roads are made with stones, so flat comfortable walking shoes are imperative. The workmanship to make this beautiful town centuries ago does not go unnoticed as the indigenous Mexicans were the main builders of all the churches, buildings and roads through hard physical labor and craftsmanship.

The stones of Calle Aldama are typical of the streets of San Miguel de Allende.

Although San Miguel is mostly affordable for Americans (thus why many retire there) it is an expensive city for Mexico. I found it pricey until I found the more affordable food markets and artisan mercados. Since it is such a destination for expats, wealthy Mexicans and tourists many shops thrive in San Miguel de Allende. It is also home to many galleries as the overhead to run a gallery is far less than in other art cities around the world.

A colorful selection of produce at the Mercado Ignacio Ramirez.

Shopping at the Mercado Ignacio Ramirez is a feast for all the senses.

I thoughly enjoyed myself in San Miguel de Allende as a tourist and an arts and craft lover. The town is very safe (although when traveling please exercise caution everywhere) and there wasn’t a great amount of harassment by vendors. There are some beggars in along the streets so I always have some spare local currency to give out. Most of the town is gainfully employed as there are so many shops, restaurants, hotels and private homes to work at so the population is a mostly friendly and respectful one. If you are following a Google Map watch out because the town suddenly becomes very hilly as half of it seems to be located on a steep incline. I didn’t need the gym during my visit at San Miguel de Allende as between walking and climbing the steep streets I met my Apple Watch’s exercise quota.

One of San Miguel de Allende’s many hills on the way to the San Miguel Mask Museum.

The entrance to the San Miguel Museum of Masks.

Visting in the winter during February makes dressing for San Miguel de Allende a little tricky as in the morning and evening it gets chilly. It can go from the high 30’s to 50’s in the morning/late evening to 70’s and 80’s with a strong Mexican sun shining on you. I had odd cool weather when I first arrived with some rare rain followed by very sunny days going into the high 70’s. So dress in layers if you are planning to visit San Miguel de Allende. I was advised to wear cashmere as its a great way to keep warm in the early part of the day and not be impossibly hot as the sun comes out.

Cashmere sweater for a slightly chilly start of the day.

My meals were exceptional in San Miguel de Allende with many Mexican dishes I had not heard of that were rich in moles and tortillas (the town smells like fresh tortillas which is lovely), however I have to say my favorite meals were from the housekeepers of the American homeowners that I visited in San Miguel de Allende. One can get very spoiled living in San Miguel de Allende.

Rustica is a local favorite especially for breakfast in San Miguel de Allende.

Having Molletes for breakfast at Rustica.

Panio was my favorite bakery in San Miguel de Allende.

The following is a photo diary of some of my highlights of visiting San Miguel de Allende featuring some of my favorite shops, boutiques, hotels, mercados and arts & crafts.

Antique shopping on Calle Ancha de San Antonio.

Skulls and tin art are commonly found in the shops of San Miguel de Allende.

Calle Pila Seca is great shopping street for clothing and home decor. La Modernista is a boutique I highly recommend.

La Modernista clothing boutique.

The colorful selection at La Modernista.

Mixta is another beautiful boutique on Calle Pila Seca I highly recommend for clothing, craft and home decor.

The magnificent entrance to Mixta.

Miata’s courtyard is common to the many beautiful courtyards in private homes and hotels in San Miguel de Allende.

Mixta has many rooms throughout their store with a mix of clothing, textiles, home decor, furniture and crafts.

The bells of the Parroquia De San Miguel Arcangel are hand rung by two men to a tune.

These puppets are a permanent fixture near the church.

Marquesa de Mancera was my favorite store for home decor.

The entrance to Marquesa de Mancera.

Marquesa de Mancera has beautiful arts and crafts from all over Mexico.

Olinala Boxes

Arte Huichol

The painted gourds of Marquesa de Mancera.

More objects at Marquesa De Mancera.

Trinitate Galeres de Artes is store to go to for your beautiful Mexican gardens and courtyards.

An example of their exemplary pottery.

The courtyard of Trinitate Galeres de Artes.

More amazing crafts at Trinitate Galeres de Artes.

Heading out Sabina Curandera for an art openings and posing by one of the majestic doors of San Miguel de Allende.

Inside Sabina Curandera and testing out the mezcal.

La Fabrica la Aurora is a large market just outside the center of San Miguel de Allende for antiques, art, clothing boutiques, textiles and home decor.

Here with textile artist Nelly Lorenzo at La Fabrica la Aurora.

Nelly’s loom for creating her textile art.

Nelly Lorenzo’s textile art.

Cantadora Antigrasavedades Antique Store

Alligator Candelabras

The selection at Cantadora Antigrasavedades.

A new spin on the iconic skulls of Mexico at Galeria Vandiver.

The Mercado de Artesanias is a fabulous artisan market with affordable crafts, textiles, pottery, ceramics and more.

The many shops of The Mercado de Artesanias.

Affordable textiles from Oaxaca.

Mexican Barbieland?

Mexican toy store.

Affordable pottery and ceramics galore.

Enjoying the company of Avocado the mule.

I caught a Big Fat Mexican Wedding with a horse and carriage, a mariachi band and ten caballeros on horses.

And a smaller wedding. San Miguel de Allende is a popular wedding destination.

Had an evening cocktail at a friend’s home watching the sunset on their beautiful house on the hill.

Having another evening cocktail at another amazing home on the hill the next day.

La Parada had great Peruvian food. Here is a gigantic amethyst at the table.

Casa Dragones is an incredible place for mezcal, but lots of $$$.

Just a few of the doors of San Miguel de Allende.

The door knockers were quite unique too.

San Miguel De Allende I will be back! Actually I will be back next year as I was invited to speak at a seminar next year at the El Instituto Allende on a talk on artisans and the lost arts which I will let you know when I have dates.

I hope you enjoyed my photo album of San Miguel de Allende. I had such a lovely time I took over 800 pictures so doing this edit wasn’t easy. I will have this week a video on our YouTube channel on an artisan walk through town. I do encourage you to visit if you appreciate artisan craftsmanship, beautiful architecture, good food, mezcal, amazing weather and friendly people.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY ELEVEN: FOOD

It’s the eleventh day of our Holiday Gift Guide and today we focus on a gift category that every loves and can use and that is food. Whether you are gifting a seasoned gourmand or a beginner, we have five artisanal food gifts that will help built any chef’s kitchen whilst making for unique, affordable and useful gifts.

SULLIVAN STREET TEA & SPICE COMPANY, “DOUBLE HAPPINESS FLOWERING TEA”, $26

Just one of Sullivan Street Tea & Spice Company’s hand-sewn Double Happiness flowering tea balls will brighten any pot. A long leaf green tea, which has been delicately hand-tied with chrysanthemum, amaranth and jasmine flowers, will unfurl into a beautiful floral display. Use a glass tea pot or small glass bowl for a perfect visual centerpiece. Steep one tea ball in 16 oz. of water at approximately 170 degrees. Each ball makes 2-3 cups. Nine tea balls are packaged in a beautiful recycled glass cork jar. Region: Yunnan, China.

THE MEADOW, “HOME SET ESSENTIALS SALT KIT”, $75

Bitterman's Home Chef Essentials Salt Kit includes everything an aspiring or seasoned home chef needs to season to perfection. These salts are truly the foundation of good cooking, and will last you a full four seasons of cooking. You can use these salts everyday, they include:

Bitterman's Fleur de Sel is hand harvested from solar-evaporated salt ponds by skimming just the finest crystals from the surface. This Fleur de Sel is made in Guatemala from salt pans in an area famed for supplying the Mayan Empire at the height of its power. The salt has delicate crystals, luscious moisture, satisfying crunch, and a rich, balanced mineral taste. It's our go-to cooking, baking, brining and all-around finishing salt.

Biiterman’s Flake Salt is the snow of the sea, with a soft, crispy texture and a salinity so other-worldly it will transport any dish it touches. This salt loves spring and summer. Gently scatter the flakes on lightly dressed green salads, raw or freshly grilled vegetables, fish and other seafoods.

Bitterman's Sel Gris is a classic French gros sel (coarse salt) and makes an tremendous replacement for all coarse industrial kosher and sea salts. The culmination of two millennia of salt making experience on the exquisitely pristine coastal waters Île de Noirmoutier, this gros sel gris is truly historic. Use mostly for all-around cooking and finishing hearty foods, like steaks, roasts, beans, soups and stews. This salt has coarse, moist crystals with impeccable balance and surprising suppleness given their heft!

Himalayan Pink Salt is a pure, hand-mined salt found deep inside the pristine foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. This 250 million year old, Jurassic era pink sea salt is known for its healing properties and is used as an all-around cooking salt. Sprinkle generously on popcorn, use in brines and pickles, frying potato chips, French fries and fritters, or when making homemade baked goods.

Biiterman’s Grinding Salt is a course, mineral-rich sea salt from fresh seawater off the coast of New Zealand. This pantry staple is the ideal grinding salt for everyday cooking. Fill your salt mill and grind this over everything from sauteed vegetables to lean, gamey meats. If you're feeling bold, leave this salt whole and sprinkle over the bold and powerful foods, think tomahawk steak over a firepit in the heat of the summer with herbaceous roasted potatoes and a rich hunters sauce.

EATALY, “TRADITIONAL BALSAMIC VINEGAR OF MODENA DOP AGED 25+ YEARS GOLD 3.4 OZ” $169

The Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP Aged 25+ years Gold from Acetomodena is obtained from cooked grape must of selected Trebbiano and Lambrusco grapes from the countryside of Modena. This extraordinary product is slowly aged for more than 25 years decanting and refilling six antique series of old barrels in various wood: cherry, mulberry, juniper, oak, ash, or chestnut. This product has a glossy, dark brown color and an intense full-body flavor.
Flavor: rich and full in taste, sweet and with impressive strength and persistent ending. Harmonious with a nice and balanced sweet bitterness.
Pairings: Parmigiano Reggiano DOP, steaks, fish, gelato and strawberries.
Ingredients: cooked grape must.
Amid the mists of the fascinating Modena countryside, icy in the winter months and very hot in the summer months, you will find the Società Agricola Aceto Modena - the Modena Vinegar Agricultural Company. The company has been producing the exquisite Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena DOP for years, the truly excellent balsamic vinegar that most characterizes the traditions of the Emilia region of Italy. Hard work and dedication has led to the passing on of the traditional recipe for a condiment loved and appreciated worldwide. Available at Eataly.

MARIEBELLE, “16PC HOLIDAY CHOCOLATE GANACHE RED BOX” $54

Sixteen signature MarieBelle New York chocolate ganaches artfully arranged in an elegant box. Each ganache combines the finest single-origin chocolate with eclectic ingredients and artisanal techniques. A memorable gift for any occasion.

SPICES AND TEASE “THE MOROCCAN SET”, $16.95

Best Gift for Moroccan Culture Lover; The Spices and Tease set features their 5 best Moroccan Spices which include:

-Tajine Mix

-Cumin Mint mix

-Spicy Sausage:Merguez blend

-Ras El Hanout

-Couscous Mix

These foodie holiday gifts are so first rate you will end up gifting yourself for your kitchen. We recommend exploring these artisanal brands to fill up your kitchen supplies. They also make for tasty affordable and thoughtful holiday gifts that will be greatly appreciated.

By Natalie Rivera

THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE'S TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - DAY SEVEN: GIFTS/ART/STATIONARY

On the seventh day of our Holiday Gift Guide we are looking at gifts for the holiday that are more affordable and perfect for friends, family, work colleagues and stocking stuffers. These range from art to stationary to holiday decor and are quite affordable (we did however add some extravagant gifts). Most important you are supporting small local businesses and local artisans.

GOODS FOR THE STUDY, “HiDE LEATHER PERSONAL ORGANIZER”, $222.95

Goods for the Study is a boutique and online store dedicated to all the accoutrements that you will find in an exceptional study. This luxury leather organizer features a beautiful, practical design with tangible craftsmanship and attention to detail. Keep all your daily essentials at hand in one place with two full-size interior pockets for notebooks and papers, three small storage pockets for cards and small accessories, a pen sheath, and loops to secure a charging cable. Fits a standard A5 size notebook or diary. The smooth, supple leather is stitched by hand and will weather beautifully with time. Available in nude or dark olive. Measures 6.4" x 9" (16.3cm x 23cm.)  Proudly made in England.

JOHN DERIAN “VULTURE TREE CHRISTMAS TOPPER”, $395

John Derian is a home decor brand that first achieved prominence with his celebrate glass decoupage. The brand has since grown into many categories and holiday ornaments are included. We chose this Vulture Christmas Tree topper as an unorthodox tree topper however it still has a vintage touch to it. The ornament is handcrafted in Poland. 8" W x 18" H.

GLOBAL GOODS PARTNERS, “PIZZA RAT”, $12

We love this ornament so much its not only on our tree but one of our most popular holiday gifts. Arguably the most humorous component of their highly anticipated NYC Ornament collection, the Felt Pizza Rat Ornament is the holiday decoration that bonds New Yorkers together in the coldest and most disgruntled time of the year. Modelled after the Pizza Rat meme that brought joy to New York City, this ornament is the perfect gift to place on a Christmas tree, mantle, or keychain for fun. The cute subway rat features a cheesy anchovy pizza and curly tail so any side of this ornament will bring joy. For the true New York lover and meme lord, Global Goods Partners present “our best ornament ever”. Each ornament is dyed, cut, and stitched by hand in Nepal. Felted Wool

  • Azo-free dyes, eco-friendly and non-toxic

  • 1.75”W x 2”H

  • 3" hang

STUDIO !), DRAWING CULT POP UP ART SALE, $200

What is more special and unique to give as a gift than an original piece of art work? If you live in the NYC Tri State area please visit “Drawing Cult” a pop up art sale from December 17th to the 19th, 2021. The artists involved are Michael Ballou, Wendy Klemperer and Kurt Hoffman. All three are successful contemporary artists and are offering their drawings for $200 each which is an amazing affordable price for original art from established artists. The pop up will be at STUDIO10, 56 Bogart Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206. Opening Friday, 12/17/21 6 to 8pm, Sat 12/18; 12-6pm and Sun Dec 19th 12-6pm.

LEROY’S PLACE, “HOLIDAY CONFETTIGRAM”, $6.50

Leroy’s Place is an art gallery in Brooklyn, NY that supports local artists and has a great eclectic art shop for unique gift giving that is perfect for holiday gifts. More important is that Leroy’s Place has extremely affordable gifts and stationary which is also great for stocking stuffers. We chose a very original piece of stationary as our gift choice, its the Holiday Funfettigram. You can deliver a party to their mailbox! This Pom Poms Confettigram comes filled with sparkly, hand-mixed confetti inside! Inside the clear envelope is a folded card (blank inside) with hand-mixed confetti that floats around your message. Mail it just like this.4.5" x W 5.75" x H 0.25" Made in United States of America.

All the choices above have many more choices to look through, they all (except the pop up art show) have online shops for you to see their wide range of perfect holiday gifts that are unique and very affordable (with the occasion extravagant gift).

By Natalie Rivera

The Local Artisans of Tobermory

Recently whilst on holiday in the Scottish Isles, besides admiring the spectacular beauty of Scotland and the Inner Hebrides, The Local Artisan Guide was lucky enough to stumble (okay we took a ferry to the Island of Mull) upon the town of Tobermory. 

The picturesque town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.

The picturesque town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.

Tobermory is a picturesque town on the Island of Mull (part of the Inner Hebrides) with colorful houses, restaurants and shops lined up on a marina with rolling green hills and trees all apart of an incredible vista. Tobermory Bay was originally a fishing port that has since become home to small businesses, restaurants, small hotels and artisanal shops that offer a range in products including; jewelry, chocolates, soap, pottery, cheese, leather goods, a distiller, art, local fashion, stationary, baked goods and more. 

As you get off the ferry you follow the crescent shape road known as Main Street around the marina with multicolor buildings dotting the landscape. While walking down the street and entering the various shops one observes that many of the shops not only carry local products but many of the products are produced in the shop itself. There are also many products made from local artisans near by on the island.

After exploring Main Street here are some of the highlights in Tobermory:

AN CAMUS

An Camus

An Camus

Slightly off Main Street as soon as you depart the ferry you will come upon the studio and shop of An Camus where Stuart and Helen Orr can be seen working on their glass products, knick-knacks and stationary.

The workshop of An Camus is located in the shop itself where you see many items in the process of being made.

The workshop of An Camus is located in the shop itself where you see many items in the process of being made.

An Camus offers many representations of the sea and wildlife.

An Camus offers many representations of the sea and wildlife.

Its typical to see Stuart and Helen hard at work creating their wares.

Its typical to see Stuart and Helen hard at work creating their wares.

A small example of An Camus’s beautiful glassware.

A small example of An Camus’s beautiful glassware.

ISLE OF MULL SOAP CO.

Isle of Mull Soap Co.

Isle of Mull Soap Co.

Isle of Mull Soap Co. is a quaint soap shop founded by husband and wife team Stu and Sophie who create soap inspired by the culture of Scotland and all the many natural and native ingredients you can only find in the Scottish Isles. Soaps, soap bombs, candles, bath and body, gifts and accessories can be found in this shop along with beautiful packaging and always a friendly welcome.

Isle of Mull Soap Co. has a large selection of soap and bath products.

Isle of Mull Soap Co. has a large selection of soap and bath products.

With such scents as Hot Toddy, Cinnamon & Citrus and Rose & Patchouli, shopping here makes for great souvenirs.

With such scents as Hot Toddy, Cinnamon & Citrus and Rose & Patchouli, shopping here makes for great souvenirs.

Isle of Mull Soap Co. also offers bath bombs, bath and body and great gifts to remind you of your stay in Tobermory.

Isle of Mull Soap Co. also offers bath bombs, bath and body and great gifts to remind you of your stay in Tobermory.

TOBERMORY DISTILLERY

The visitor center for Tobermory Distillery.

The visitor center for Tobermory Distillery.

Tobermory Distillery, where the magic happens.

Tobermory Distillery, where the magic happens.

Established in 1798, Tobermory Distillery is the only distillery on the Island of Mull and one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland. The distillery is unique not only because of its picturesque location but because they offer not one but two distinctive single malts.

The shop in the visitor center of the distillery offers their entire selection of scotch and whiskey.

The shop in the visitor center of the distillery offers their entire selection of scotch and whiskey.

There is even a formal tasting room that you can make an appointment to experience.

There is even a formal tasting room that you can make an appointment to experience.

Tobermory Distillery offers more than just whiskey at the visitor center. Here you can purchase, hats, t-shirts and even soap made with whiskey!

Tobermory Distillery offers more than just whiskey at the visitor center. Here you can purchase, hats, t-shirts and even soap made with whiskey!

Is there such a thing as a “wee dram”? We think not, especially after you taste their whiskeys.

Is there such a thing as a “wee dram”? We think not, especially after you taste their whiskeys.

THE LAUNDRY

Is it a Laundry or a store? It’s both and both are well done.

Is it a Laundry or a store? It’s both and both are well done.

The Laundry is a laundry service with a twist. The twist being that The Laundry is also a boutique that offers products made from local artisans from the Isle of Mull which include fashion, handbags, gifts, candles, bedding and more.

The Laundry offers a selection of fashion, accessories and gifts made on the Isle of Mull. Oh and exceptional laundry services too.

The Laundry offers a selection of fashion, accessories and gifts made on the Isle of Mull. Oh and exceptional laundry services too.

The Laundry offers bedding, which comes in handy for all the Airbnb’s on the island.

The Laundry offers bedding, which comes in handy for all the Airbnb’s on the island.

Handbags made from local leathers are one of the key products you will find in The Laundry.

Handbags made from local leathers are one of the key products you will find in The Laundry.

ISLE OF MULL SILVER & GOLDSMITHS

You can’t miss Isle of Mull Silver & Goldsmith’s cobalt blue storefront on Main Street.

You can’t miss Isle of Mull Silver & Goldsmith’s cobalt blue storefront on Main Street.

Founded in 1975 by Phil Campbell, Isle of Mull Silver & Goldsmiths provides jewelry made by local designers and features Scottish jewelry which includes quaichs, kilt pins, cufflinks, silver spoons and more traditional and contemporary designs.

Jewelry to wear for your kilts to represent your clans is a feature at the Isle of Mull Silversmith & Goldsmiths.

Jewelry to wear for your kilts to represent your clans is a feature at the Isle of Mull Silversmith & Goldsmiths.

The shop also offers a wide selection of traditional silver spoons.

The shop also offers a wide selection of traditional silver spoons.

There is also a wide selection of traditional and contemporary jewelry designs made from local artisans.

There is also a wide selection of traditional and contemporary jewelry designs made from local artisans.

ISLAND BLUE TOBERMORY

Island Blue Tobermory is great place to shop for children’s gifts and art from local residents.

Island Blue Tobermory is great place to shop for children’s gifts and art from local residents.

Photographer Martin Guppy founded Island Blue which includes art from local artists, toys, skincare, candles, scarves, mugs and more.

Colorful mugs and coasters have imagery of the local sea and wildlife.

Colorful mugs and coasters have imagery of the local sea and wildlife.

Many scents made from local ingredients are displayed in the store.

Many scents made from local ingredients are displayed in the store.

Island Blue Tobermory offers a fun, eclectic array of souvenirs from Tobermory.

Island Blue Tobermory offers a fun, eclectic array of souvenirs from Tobermory.

Wood carvings of bird life and mugs of local cattle are a favorite at the store.

Wood carvings of bird life and mugs of local cattle are a favorite at the store.

MULL POTTERY

The welcoming storefront of Mull Pottery.

The welcoming storefront of Mull Pottery.

Mull Pottery was established over 25 years ago using their own recipe for clay ceramics. The shop also offers pottery made by skilled craftspeople including the popular and stunningly beautiful Iona Range. All pieces are handmade, making each piece unique.

The selection of mugs with abstract vistas is a popular sell at Mull Pottery.

The selection of mugs with abstract vistas is a popular sell at Mull Pottery.

Sea and wildlife imagery is a great choice for souvenir gift giving.

Sea and wildlife imagery is a great choice for souvenir gift giving.

The incredibly beautiful (and affordable) Iona Range ceramics make Mull Pottery an amazing stop on your trip to Tobermory.

The incredibly beautiful (and affordable) Iona Range ceramics make Mull Pottery an amazing stop on your trip to Tobermory.

ISLAND CRAFTS

The sea-green shop of Island Crafts.

The sea-green shop of Island Crafts.

Island Crafts Tobermory offers a wide selection of work predominately from artists living and working or with connections with the Isle of Mull.  They sell walking sticks, books, jewelry, stationary, antlers, gifts and more.

Island Crafts offer a unique selection of walking sticks made locally for that favorite of all activities in the Hebrides, walking the hills.

Island Crafts offer a unique selection of walking sticks made locally for that favorite of all activities in the Hebrides, walking the hills.

Beautiful home decor objects made from shells and pairing knives made with natural materials are show stoppers at Island Craft.

Beautiful home decor objects made from shells and pairing knives made with natural materials are show stoppers at Island Craft.

Island Craft also offers accessories, throws and caps made from wool from local sheep that help keep crafts alive and well in Tobermory.

Island Craft also offers accessories, throws and caps made from wool from local sheep that help keep crafts alive and well in Tobermory.

TOBERMORY HANDMADE CHOCOLATE

Just look for the chocolate colored building for Tobermory Handmade Chocolate.

Just look for the chocolate colored building for Tobermory Handmade Chocolate.

Founded in 1991 by husband and wife team Keith and Rhoda, Tobermory Handmade Chocolate offers artisan handmade chocolate with a variety of flavors native to Scotland and the Scottish Isles along with more traditional chocolates. There is also a cozy cafe and well stocked gift shop that offers more than local chocolates to take home.

The shop at Tobermory Handmade Chocolate offers an array of gift giving besides chocolate.

The shop at Tobermory Handmade Chocolate offers an array of gift giving besides chocolate.

Lots of home decor items available at the shop.

Lots of home decor items available at the shop.

Besides being able to buy their chocolates, there is a cozy cafe to settle in and taste and drink all Tobermory Handmade Chocolate has to offer.

Besides being able to buy their chocolates, there is a cozy cafe to settle in and taste and drink all Tobermory Handmade Chocolate has to offer.

Walking down Main Street in Tobermory will have you experiencing more than artisanal shops. There is a multitude of restaurants, bars, churches and more to explore. Then when you are done exploring Tobermory, feel free to travel throughout the Isle of Mull and find even more local artisans honing crafts passed down to them from generations of living in the Scottish Isles.

Can’t miss The Tobermory Hotel in all its pink glory!

Can’t miss The Tobermory Hotel in all its pink glory!

Arnos Hall is community owned facility that hosts events and markets all year round.

Arnos Hall is community owned facility that hosts events and markets all year round.

This former Gothic church is now home to a gallery for local souvenirs and a popular cafe for both locals and visitors alike.

This former Gothic church is now home to a gallery for local souvenirs and a popular cafe for both locals and visitors alike.

It is easy to understand how these vistas inspired so many beautiful depictions in the souvenir shops in Tobermory.

It is easy to understand how these vistas inspired so many beautiful depictions in the souvenir shops in Tobermory.

By Natalie Rivera