AMHERST — Handmade goods, gift items and other unique products will be available to buy at a Makers and Artisans Market at The Inn on Boltwood, the centerpiece of the fourth annual Sip and Shop Stroll Thursday.
Running from 5 to 9 p.m., the event will include horse-drawn carriages bringing people to local shops and restaurants throughout downtown Amherst, and Santa Claus will be on hand to visit with children at the 50 Boltwood Ave. inn.
The event is put on by the Amherst Business Improvement District.
Amherst BID Executive Director John Page said the evening is one that should capture what people love about downtown Amherst.
“It is warm, lively and genuinely local,” Page said. “You can get dinner, find meaningful gifts, and enjoy a carriage ride through downtown, all in one evening.”
The market, being held at The Inn on Boltwood for the first time, remains a centerpiece of the event, with a curated lineup of more than 20 regional makers and artisans.
A list of participating businesses in downtown and what they are offering will be posted at amherstdowntown.com/downtown-in-december. These will include various specials and in-store surprises, though attendees are also encouraged to pop into other businesses.