Wintry Winner: Loaded Lumber’s Outdoor Holiday Market
The co-owning ladies of Loaded Lumber, Colleen Pandy and Jillian Cannan, have created a free and festive Holiday Market for 2021 – and beyond. It’s an outdoor place of commerce and fun, an excellent addition to Buffalo’s holidayscape. Expect a rotating roster of local businesses populating the dozens of wooden sheds set up along two lanes.
Loaded Lumber, a franchised business, has made a name for itself with its DIY classes that incorporate some light sipping of adult beverages, and their other, months-long, warm-weather market at the same spot. Their year-round, standalone shop serves as a nice, bright, and large warming hut. Inside, yet more vendors are selling handiworks.
Located at 223 South Park Avenue, Holiday Market is a snowball throw from downtown and an easy 20-minute destination from many points south, north, and east. Near the corner of Michigan, the market is in proximity to Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino (directly across the street), next-door to Ballyhoo, and around the corner from Swannie House. Parking is available in an adjacent lot off of South Park, and on Moore Street down the block.
Edible wares by several bakeries, and businesses mean snacking-while-shopping is possible, perhaps nearly mandatory at holiday time. What’s Pop-in’ sells a limited number from their line of bagged popcorn and savory and sweet creations by Blue Eyed Baker are also a big hit. Brooke Sardina, manning the shed, says “We switch it up every time we’re here. We just ran out of croissants. On Saturdays, we also sell several different sandwiches.” Park Edge Sweet Shoppe, a South Buffalo confectionary mainstay, has set up shop in the market, selling sponge candy and other chocolate goodies.
The Market is a happy hodgepodge of prepared food items, craft, and other handmade things like candles (seek out the stalls of Bred in Buffalo and One of a Hive), framed art pieces, and knitwear. Pieces by Korri’s Home, Needle, Nail & Wreaths, and Comfy Bandits sell homey signs, colorful front-door accessories, and pet bandannas, respectively. On a recent visit, a few CBD vendors were onsite.
Jewelry-buying options abound with pieces by Fleur de Lis, and Birdies Beads & Boutique, and more. Vintage clothing, new fashions, and mittens, hats, and gloves (716 essentials) are in abundance. Just as warming and plentiful are beverages for sale: hot cocoa, warm cider, and coffee. And, staying on brand, adult beverages are sold from the wee camper-turned-bar, Traveling Tipsy Trailer Co.
Plan on a leisurely visit, with time to wander and visit with the vendors, and the other shoppers. As with all things Queen City, Loaded Lumber’s Outdoor Holiday Market is rich in hospitality.
The Outdoor Holiday Market runs through Dec. 23, 2021.
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Buffalo Holiday Market by Loaded Lumber, 223 South Park Avenue, Buffalo
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