Celebrate Independents Month this July with The Local Crowd (TLC) Monadnock and Monadnock Food Co-op, a time to recognize the importance of all independent and locally owned businesses in our region. Let’s appreciate all the community values independent business owners embody and their spirit of entrepreneurship. We’ll also acknowledge all the ways these individuals give back to our community with their time, talents, goods, and services, making us healthier and wealthier. Thank independent business owners and their staff throughout July!
One perfect way to celebrate Independents Month is to take our Staycation Challenge. Pledge to make all your purchases at locally owned businesses -- for one day, one week, or the entire month of July.
Sign on to the Indie Month Staycation Challenge today!
“I’d like to see if I can make some changes to how we buy things as a family,” said one challenge taker, Sadie Stehlik from Marlborough. “I’ve started buying more and more online, and it seems like a good time to assess those purchasing habits and find local alternatives.”
In addition to the Indie Challenge, take a Staycation. Instead of traveling far from home to get away, vacation here and experience all the Monadnock Region has to offer. You’ll save money at the gas pumps and make new connections to nurture throughout the year. Keep reading for some July Staycation ideas.
Where you spend your dollars matters. Your choices create a ripple effect that starts with you and extends to our entire community and local economy. Choose an Indie Local (independent and locally owned business), and the positive ripple effect magnifies!
“I want to keep my money local and support the vibrant communities I want my children to experience far into the future,” said another challenge taker, Rachel Patterson from Nelson.
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One lucky Indie Challenge-taker will win our Independents Month Staycation Giveaway. This year’s Staycation Giveaway includes a two-night stay at the Bridges Inn Whitcomb House in Swanzey, one $250 gift card to Monadnock Food Co-op in Keene, a Badger Balm Gift Basket from Gilsum (chocked full of summer necessities), one $25 gift card from West LA Beer Company in Swanzey, and one $25 gift card from Frisky Cow Gelato in Keene.
We’ll announce the winner in early August.
See All the Details!
Last year’s Indie Challenge winner, Josephine Russell, took her staycation at the Inn at East Hill Farm in December during the Inn’s Christmas on the Farm Day. “It was a great time to go. We invited two of our children, along with their children, to join us. All three generations enjoyed the day,” said Josephine. “The rest of our staycation was quiet. We took long walks over the land and visited the animals multiple times. They have the most friendly goats.”
The Inn at East Hill Farm, at the base of Mount Monadnock in Troy, offers an authentic farm stay experience and many activities no matter the season. Learn more!
“We were served our meals family style, and we felt like a part of their family,” continued Josephine. “Everyone seemed to know our names and showed a desire to make our stay there the best possible. What a luxury to have a private suite! In the living room, our family gathered on Saturday to have private time together around the fireplace. The rest of the time, my husband, JC, and I read, journaled, and chatted in our private living room. The commute was without a long drive. But it felt as if we were far away in another world. The weekend was relaxing and fun.”
Independents Month reminds us to recognize our locally owned and independent businesses for the community values they embody and their spirit of entrepreneurship. Also, we acknowledge all the ways they give back to our community with their time, talents, goods, and services, making us healthier and wealthier. Thank an independent business owner and their staff today!
“I have seen the value and care that locally owned businesses bring to their communities,” shared Nathan B. from Harrisville. “Our local businesses support important work that needs doing and help to provide valuable services and opportunities for our young people!”
Looking for some Staycation ideas? Here are a few events in July to add to your Staycation plans.
“Since 2012, I have been honored to be your ambassador for Find Waldo Local initiatives in over 520 cities across the US,” shared Waldo, the star of the Where’s Waldo book series. “More than 575 indie bookstores have participated, and more than 14,500 local merchants have been involved.” Get ready! Waldo begins hiding in Downtown Keene from July 1 to July 31. Pick up a passport at Toadstool Bookshop in Keene and start your search at twenty-five participating stores.
Find Waldo (a six-inch version of him, that is!) at ten stores and get a coupon and a temporary tattoo. Find him at twenty stores and get entered into a raffle for Waldo books and other goodies supplied by participating stores. Save the date for a party at Toadstool Bookshop in Keene on Sunday, August 4 at 3 pm.
Learn More!
Wizarding Week returns in July. What's Wizarding Week? Locally owned businesses in Downtown Keene host the annual Wizarding Week -- bigger and better than ever! So much fun for all ages. “Where magic classes are real, menus are elaborate, and fun is never in short supply.”
Stay Tuned!
Paddle or meander with the Harris Center. Check out their events list and sign up for one (or more!) excursions this month: harriscenter.org/events. Stroll around downtown Keene’s public art murals painted in 2019 by The Walldogs -- a group of over 200 sign and mural artists from around the world. If you prefer a guided tour, register for the July 1 event at 10 am with the Historical Society of Cheshire County (tickets are $10 per person): hsccnh.org/event/walldogs-mural-tour-july-2024.
Traveling during Independents Month? Enjoy what locally owned businesses have to offer wherever you are. Ask locals where their favorite independents are and look for local economy networks at amiba.net/our-network. Think independently and act locally this Independents Month and beyond. Together, we’ll boost the positive ripple effects our community receives when we spend more of our dollars at locally owned, independent businesses.
The Local Crowd Monadnock - Keene, NH
