Unique Gift Shops
This section is dedicated to shops where looking is as much fun as buying. They don’t quite fall into the folk culture category because what they carry is not all locally made hand-crafted items. But they are still worth the trip.
Carriage House Antiques
Carriage House Antiques is located in downtown Oakland, next to Fox’s Pizza. The shop may look small from the outside, but it carries a host of unusual antiques that you might not see elsewhere. It is definitely worth the visit.
If you are interested in folk culture, you will find many items there from the days gone by here in Appalachia, in addition to antiques from around the country.
This store is a true gem that you won’t want to miss even if you are not an antique buyer.
Carriage House Antiques, 257 N 3rd Street, Oakland, MD
Schoolhouse Earth
Schoolhouse Earth is located on Friendsville Road, headed from McHenry toward Friendsville.
It is comprised of several buildings loaded with gift items, many of which are unique and fun.
In warmer months, it also offers a petting zoo.
You can get some idea of what they carry from the Schoolhouse Earth website.
It seems like many gift shops around the country seem to carry the same types of items these days, and you will see those here too. But, in addition, you will find some unique finds. It is worth the trip.
Schoolhouse Earth, 1224 Friendsville Road, Friendsville, MD
Favorite Things Corner Gift Shoppe
This little shop is located right in downtown Oakland on Alder Street.
The store is small, but they rotate items by the season or holiday, so it is always something fresh.
It is a good place to find children’s clothes and toys, in addition to other gift items.
Make it a day and visit the other shops downtown and grab a bite to eat at Alder Bistro, which is located close to the store. You’ll find Alder Bistro outlined in our section featuring local restaurants that serve fresh local produce.
Favorite Things Corner Gift Shoppe, 200 E Alder Street, Oakland, MD
Garrett Soil Conservation District Fruit Tree & Bush Shop
This is fully online, except pick-up in mid-April in Mt. Lake Park, MD. But if you are wanting to purchase fruit trees or bushes, you will find high quality trees at extremely reasonable prices.
They don’t ship, so you will need to pick up.
Trees are 5′ to 7′ bareroot. Blueberries are 2-year plants in #1 containers. They also have raspberry and elderberry plants. All of the trees and bushes are specific to northern areas, so you won’t want to plant them in the south. But they will grow well in any Maryland, or surrounding area location.
Visit the GSCD Fruit Tree and Bush Shop website for more information and to order. You will also find a wealth of information on the site about planting and care of fruit trees.
