Features

2023 Guide to local holiday shopping

The coming season of gift buying and preparation for the holidays is a good time to visit and support the many local businesses that contribute to the life and economy of our town and region. Forget Black Friday; think Small Business Saturday.

Press staffers have contacted and, in most cases, visited shops throughout the area to compile the most comprehensive list of unique and locally available holiday gifts you’ll find anywhere. Many of these businesses are Press advertisers, helping sustain the town’s independent paper. We encourage you to pay them a visit and let them know you learned about their offerings in the Press.

The following alphabetical guide directs Press readers to area businesses providing goods or services that make great gifts while supporting the local economy.


Anita’s Shoe Boutique

262 Great Road, Acton, 978-523-4010, anitasshoeboutique.com

One of the few places to try on shoes in the area, Anita’s Shoe Boutique offers quality footwear for men, women, and children. It offers popular brands like Birkenstock, Brooks, Dansko, Ecco, Florsheim, Naot, Olukai, and many more. According to owner Anita Optiz, “Our focus is to guide each customer to find the right fit for any occasion—from dressy to casual, to wear at home, to work, or out and about.”

Bee’s Knees

566 Mass. Ave., Acton, 978-429-8090, thebeeskneesbritishimports.com

Just around the corner from Silver Unicorn Bookstore, this British import shop in West Acton, across from Acton Pharmacy, is a browser’s delight, offering a variety of gift-worthy items from Emma Bridgewater, Dunoon, Burleigh, Cornishware, and Silverwood Bakeware. The store also offers beautiful tins and biscuit barrels, cards, scented candles, lotions, oils, cookbooks, slate and wood boards and coasters, Advent and holiday comestibles, and Bronte Moon woolen scarves and throws made in Yorkshire, England.


Bodylines Pilates

325 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-772-2394, bodylinespilates.com

Bodylines is offering gift certificates for livestream classes and for classes at its studio at 325 Ayer Road. Bodylines Pilates is the fitness and wellness solution for busy adults trying to juggle the demands of life and still create time to rejuvenate and take care of their bodies. To see a full list of classes, visit their website at body linespilates.com. Contact them directly to purchase gift certificates or send email to bodylinespilates@yahoo.com.


Carlson Orchards

115 Oak Hill Road, Harvard, 978-456-3916, carlsonorchards.com

Harvard is known for apples, and Carlson Orchards is the place to find apple-themed gifts, including apple salsa, smoky apple barbecue sauce, and mulled cider tea bags. Custom gift baskets can be made to order with items from the store, including Carlson’s T-shirts, sweatshirts, and drinking glasses, and a variety of jams, jellies, and soup mixes. Carlson also sells products from local producers, including coffee from Muddy Water roasters in Harvard, candles with scents like “Apple Maple Bourbon” from Kenney Kandles in Arlington, cheese from Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon, and meats from Dom’s in Malden. Local honey from Maxant and Hudson Hives is available, as are maple syrup and other maple products from Ben’s Sugar Shack in Temple, New Hampshire.

Pies for the holidays can be ordered in advance. Frozen pies and crisps are available in the store. Apple cider comes in several varieties and sizes, and five styles of Carlson’s hard cider are available in 16-ounce cans. Apple gift boxes can be shipped anywhere in the continental U.S. Hard cider 4-packs can be shipped to states that allow alcohol shipments to private residences. See the website for shipping details. Holiday orders are due by Dec. 15.


Cherrystone Furniture

160 Ayer Road, Littleton, 978-486-9846, cherrystonefurniture.com

The shop offers hardwood furniture, including desks, cabinets, dressers, kitchen, dining, and occasional tables, chairs, hutches, beds, bookcases, and more. The furniture is manufactured on the premises, and there are many pieces to look at in the shop. Cherrystone will build furniture to your specifications, too. To get a gift card, call the store.

Cherrystone Furniture makes all of its own products on site—from dressers to dining room sets. Paul Thompson finish-sands a shelf.(Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)


Colonial Spirits of Acton

87 Great Road, Acton, 978-263-7775, colonialspirits.com

This Acton store offers specials on its extensive wine, beer, and liquor selections throughout the holidays. Online ordering with in-store pickup is available, and delivery to Harvard is available on large orders for a fee. Shipping within Massachusetts is also offered. Gift cards are available in any amount and can be ordered over the phone or online and sent directly to the recipient.


Daigneault’s Liquors

285 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-391-1177

The current owners of this store are the third generation of their family to operate Daigneault’s. The shop is bright and open and organized in a way that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. It offers a variety of wine, including organics, and an assortment of beer, canned cocktails, and hard seltzer and cider. It also offers hard liquor, from high end to moderately priced, including an extensive variety of whisky. Boxed gift sets, mixers, cocktail garnishes, and snacks are also on offer at the shop, formerly the site of The Grape Vine.


Dragonfly Wellness Center

176 Jackson Road, Devens, 978-487-7181, dragonflywellnesscenter.net

Electronic gift certificates are available and can be redeemed for massage, classes, and workshops. Please check out the website for all offerings at this holistic health center in Devens.


Eve & Murray’s Farm to Home

525 Mass. Ave., West Acton, 978-429-8381, eveandmurrays.com

This shop is located in the lower level of the building that houses True West Brewing Co. Eve & Murray’s is primarily a gourmet cheese and charcuterie shop, with platters made to order. It also offers condiments, jams, cocktail mixes, barware, pottery by local artisans, hand-poured candles, hand-crafted serving pieces, and wood and slate serving boards. The shop carries natural wines, craft beers, and nonalcoholic spirits, and also chocolates and holiday treats. Online gift cards are available.


Feens Country Living

955 South St., Fitchburg, 978-829-0099, feens.com

Feens has been in business since 1975, selling everything for the fireplace and hearth. It carries grills; wood, gas, and pellet stoves; fireplaces, fireplace inserts, and glass fireplace doors; gas logs; hearth accessories; and outdoor kitchens. For gift cards, call the store.


Fiber Loft

9 Mass. Ave., Harvard, 978-8669,  thefiberloft.com

The Fiber Loft offers materials for both the enthusiast and the casual crafter, with fibers for knitting, spinning, dyeing, felting, and weaving in all colors and textures. In addition to its selection of fibers, the store features gifts for knitters, such as knitting bags, bowls, and kits. There are gifts for non-knitters too, like handmade soaps and lotions. Special items are locally made large leather bags. New this year are finished articles of clothing–hats, scarves, cowls and mittens handmade from old sweaters. For kids’ gifts, the store carries craft kits and potholder looms. The upstairs offers weaving, spinning, felting, and dyeing supplies. In-person classes are ongoing, as are private lessons. Gift certificates are available.

Head to the Fiber Loft this holiday season to pick up one of these crocheted animals, or better yet, pick up all the supplies you need and a how-to guide to make your own. (Photo by Thomas Kilian)


Flowers at Westcott Barn

46 Westcott Road, Harvard, 617-771-0433, flowersatwestcottbarn.com

Custom floral designs for gift-giving or the holiday table can be ordered from Harvard resident and owner Richard Gioiosa. Contact him by email at richard.gioiosa@gmail.com or by phone.


Fruitlands Museum Store

102 Prospect Hill Road, Harvard, 978-456-3924, thetrustees.org/program/fruitlands-museum-store

Fruitlands Museum will hold a Holiday Open House and Craft Fair on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2 and 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local artisans in the museum store building and the Wayside Gallery will be selling jewelry, pottery, glass, wood, fiber arts, photography, mixed media, and more. Admission is free for members; $5 admission fee for nonmembers (children under 5 free) includes museum admission. Advance tickets are strongly suggested; buy tickets at thetrustees.org/program/fruitlands-holiday-market.

The museum store is open every weekend through Dec. 31, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, with over 1,000 items, including handmade clothing, Shaker items, framed fine art, and a wide selection of jewelry, glassware, pottery, books, toys, and much more.


Glimmerbug online gifts and art

361 Old Littleton Road, Harvard, glimmerbug.com

This unique art and gift shop offers handmade art, adult art classes, creative workshops, paintings, gifts, and cards. Check the website to see some of the items available, including a wide selection of Christmas ornaments. For in-person shopping, contact the shop through the website.


Great Road Farm and Garden

687 Great Road, Littleton, 978-486-9200, greatroadfarmandgarden.com

The shop, just down the road from Littleton’s Market Basket, offers a wide selection of products for pets, livestock, and bird-feeding, including bird houses and seed, hay, and feed of all kinds. It also sells, rents, and repairs (with pickup and delivery) power equipment, including lawn mowers, snowblowers, utility vehicles, and chainsaws. Call the store to arrange curbside pickup and delivery or to arrange for gift cards.


Harvard Alpaca Ranch

58 Old Mill Road, Harvard, 978-391-1247, harvardalpacaranch.com

The online and in-person shop at the Harvard Alpaca Ranch offers a selection of super-soft, warm alpaca products, including apparel for men, women, and kids; socks, hats, mittens, and scarves; a variety of alpaca fur stuffed animals; and other toys. Also available are skeins of alpaca yarn from the resident alpacas, cat toys, dog coats, holiday ornaments, and 12-month calendars featuring photographs of the ranch’s herd, taken by owner Matt Varrell. For the gardener, the ranch offers bags of “magic beans,” a low-odor, effective fertilizer of alpaca manure. There are lots more gift options on the website, along with eGift cards. Open Thursday to Sunday. Harvard Alpaca Ranch will also be selling its wares at the Fruitlands Holiday Artisan Fair Dec. 3 and the Fivesparks Artisan Fair Dec. 9.


Harvard General Store

1 Still River Road, Harvard, 978-430-0062, harvardgeneralstore.com

The General Store is well stocked with gift items, almost all of them made locally. There are Potager soaps and bath products, Kitchen Sink candles, and various kinds of jewelry. In a cozy corner are alpaca hats and socks and super warm, colorful, handmade mittens. Lined up on the cupboard shelves are adorable, soft, crocheted and plush animals, from dinosaurs to whales to piglets. In addition to crocheted animals are crocheted shoulder bags in bright designs. On other shelves are books by Harvard authors and on the wall, paintings by local artists. There are homegoods like woven cotton throws, hooked rugs, and throw pillows. Harvard-themed caps, T-shirts and sweatshirts in a variety of colors are available. A revolving rack holds a good selection of cards for various occasions. Always welcome are gift-ready comestibles such as honey, maple syrup, jams, coffee beans, and gourmet treats, including C.B. Stuffer peanut butter cups. Owner Scott Hayward’s carefully selected wines and limited but distinctive hard liquors will not disappoint. Gift certificates are available.

From unique pens to fleece-lined wool mittens, the General Store is the perfect place for that last-minute gift. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)


Harvard Historical Society

215 Still River Road, Harvard, 978-456-8285, harvardhistory.org

The Historical Society has a number of items for sale that pertain to the town. There are colored prints of buildings in the old Shaker Village and note cards of “The Beach Bums” painting and also from four Luke Pollard paintings of different views of the town center in the late 1880s. Also available is red and green gift wrap with folk art of town buildings and the 1831 Holman map of town center. Several books are available about the history of Harvard: “The Harvard Album,” “Directions of a Town,” “A Common History: The Story of Harvard’s Identity,” and “History of Harvard 1880-1940: Enter the New Century.” The curator’s office is open Monday and Tuesday, 1 to 5 p.m.


Harvard Outdoor Power and Equipment

289 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-772-2005, harvardpower.com

For stocking stuffers, the store offers a wealth of mini tools, flashlights, pocket knives, and gloves. Larger gifts include carbon steel fire pits made in Massachusetts by Fancy Firepits, leaf and snow blowers, battery-powered brush cutters, generators, and chainsaws. For gift certificates, call the store.


Harvard Sweet Boutique

25 South St., Hudson, 978-562-5938, harvardsweetboutique.com

This bakery, founded by Harvard resident Sue George, offers gourmet cakes, cookies, brownies, bars, and pastries. Orders can be placed online and picked up in the store. A multitude of gift boxes are available and can be picked up in the store or shipped anywhere in the country. The bakery has gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb offerings.


Harvard Therapeutic Massage

280 Ayer Road, 978-732-3438, www.htmassage.com

Give a great, healthy gift—massage decreases muscular pain and increases the sense of well-being. Harvard Therapeutic Massage is a group of highly skilled massage therapists with a wide range of massage modalities, including relaxation, pain relief, deep tissue, sports, prenatal, Reiki, and Ashiatsu Barefoot. Gift certificates are available online.


Jo Karen Fine Lingerie and Activewear

340 Great Road in Great Woods Plaza, Acton, 978-263-1330, www.jokaren.com

The shop features many brands of lingerie and loungewear. Now in stock are warm, cozy pajamas, nightgowns, and robes for cold winter nights. Their small gifts such as jewelry, socks, lotions, and scented candles are perfect for seasonal stocking stuffers. Gift cards are also available. To schedule a bra fitting, call the store for an appointment.


Kate Wool Photography

kate@katewool.com, 907-388-5663, katewool.com

Harvard resident Kate Wool is a nationally and internationally known photographer with more than 30 years’ experience. Her work has a broad range and has been published, exhibited, and collected around the globe. She is available for editorial or photojournalism assignments, portraits, landscapes, commissions, copywork, web and graphic design, art for change, and other creative digital services. 


Kathryn Costello Photography

 info@kathryncostello.com, 978-257-0862, www.kathryncostello.com

Harvard resident Kathryn Costello is well known for her photographs focusing on dance and creative portraiture. She also works with clients to develop personal branding images and headshots. Visit her website to see her portfolio or to contact her to give the gift of a portrait session. 


Kitchen Outfitters

342 Great Road in Acton Woods Plaza, Acton, 978-263-1955, kitchen-outfitters.com

Another great shop for browsing is this very well-stocked kitchen shop, which carries an array of quality items including cookware, cutlery, cookbooks, gadgets, and kitchen towels. A few of the brands offered at the shop include Emile Henry table and bakeware; All-Clad, Staub, and Le Creuset cookware; Simon Pearce glassware; and Ekelund linens. It also carries all manner of coffee, tea, and bar accessories; and baking supplies, including decorative sugars and flavorings. Gift cards can be purchased online and mailed to the recipient; call with inquiries.

Looking for stocking stuffers? Kitchen Outfitters in Acton has hundreds of ideas. They sell everything you need for holiday baking or outfitting an entire kitchen.(Photo by Thomas Kilian)


Koko FitClub

285 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-772-5656, harvard.kokofitclub.com

Surprise your friends or family with a guest pass to Koko FitClub of Harvard, which specializes in creating individualized fitness programs. The pass entitles the recipient to a comprehensive workout demonstration or a customized strength and cardio workout by a certified personal trainer. Get the pass from the website or call the studio.


Lancaster Gardens

35 Lower Bolton Road, Lancaster, 978-365-2579, lancastergardens.net

This family-owned and operated garden center has holiday arrangements; white, red, and red-white poinsettias; indoor winter bulbs including giant amaryllis; soon-to-bloom Christmas cactuses and a variety of other cactuses; and houseplants, bird baths, and ceramic and terra cotta flowerpots. The staff will wrap holiday plant pots in decorative foil, too. The new gift section features holiday decorations of all kinds and Corinthian Bells, outdoor wind chimes made in the U.S. Gift certificates are available online. The store is open year-round and will host an open house the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Apart from seasonal plants and decor, Christmas curios, like these festive hedgehogs, abound at Lancaster Gardens. (Photo by Thomas Kilian)


Lisa Aciukewicz Photography

lisa.a2z@gmail.com, 978-456-6880, www.lisaa2z.com

Press photographer Lisa Aciukewicz shoots corporate events, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, portraits, sports, and lifestyle photography. She also maintains an archive of Harvard Press photography from 2007 to 2023 at a2z.smugmug.com/Harvard-Press where you can purchase reprints of town life—Bromfield sports, Fourth of July, first day of school, graduation, and more. Photos can be downloaded or made into quality prints. Lisa offers gift certificates for portrait sessions, a holiday gift that will last a lifetime. Visit her website to see her portfolio 


Little Bee Bookshop

40 Main St. , Ayer, littlebeebookshop.com

This shop is owned and operated by Devens resident Debra Rivera. It features carefully selected used and new books for kids of all ages. The fact that about three-quarters of the books are gently used is reflected in their low prices but not in their condition, which in almost all cases is near-pristine. Rivera really knows her books and is happy to make recommendations for different ages and interests. The shop has a wide variety of cards and small gifts made by local artisans as well as Folkmanis puppets, games, and puzzles. Rivera has set up the Little Bee Giving Tree in cooperation with family shelters in Devens and Ayer, and shoppers may purchase a book for a child in one of those places for Rivera to wrap and deliver. Gift cards are available, as are special orders.


Marigold

145 Main St., Prescott School Community Center, Groton, marigoldroots.com

This combination studio-retail shop features the handmade clothing and jewelry of artist Sharon Correnty, a retired Harvard schools art teacher. She uses vintage quilts and linens, flannel, wool, and a variety of other textiles to make her one-of-a-kind, comfortable dresses and shirts. Last year, Correnty and her creations were featured in an article in British Vogue, and she was recently filmed for an upcoming segment of Chronicle on WCVB-TV. For special holiday hours and events, see the website.


Periwinkle Art & Glassworks

145 Main St., Prescott School Community Center, Groton 508-341-4740, www.periwinkleglassworks.com 

Periwinkle Art & Glassworks features quality, hand-crafted works by dozens of local artists. Classes and workshops are offered year-round for all ages and skill levels in the Groton studio. Check the website for current class offerings and hours.


Pinard’s Florist Gifts and Coffee Cafe

120 Central Avenue, Ayer, 978-772-3883, pinardsfloristandgifts.com

This Ayer shop offers a variety of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa arrangements. It also carries a variety of other gift options, including chocolate truffles from the Happy Chocolatier in Acton, scented candles, body lotions, and hand creams. The shop also sells coffee from Red Barn Coffee Roasters in Upton. Order floral arrangements online, by phone, or in the store in Ayer; other gift items are available only in the store.


Silver Unicorn Bookstore

12 Spruce St. , West Acton, 978 274-2757, silverunicornbooks.com

This independent bookstore carries a wide selection of books and games for all ages, with an extensive section of children’s books. The shelves, arranged by genre, hold both hardcovers and paperbacks, classics and the latest bestsellers. In addition to books are board and travel games, puzzles, sticker books, journals, art supplies, and cards. A room at the back of the store has gifts such as plush animals, soaps, and candles. Additional gift items are hats, spice mixes, Harbor Sweets chocolates, ornaments, and town magnets. Gift cards are available in the store or online.


Swymfit

90 Swanson Road, Boxborough, 978-635-0500, swymfit.com

Just over the town line in Boxborough, Swymfit offers gift certificates that can be used for a variety of classes or use of its facilities. It offers water fitness classes, swimming lessons for all ages, small-group exercise classes, and personal training. Lap-swimming and use of the exercise room are also available by reservation. Gift certificates can be purchased at the facility.


Teddy’s Honey Hut

27 Harvard Road, Ayer

Located just across the town line into Ayer and across from Alltown Fresh, Teddy’s Honey has an outside kiosk for the sale of honey and beeswax, open 24/7 on the honor system. The inside is generally open during daylight hours. The mission of owner Ted Maxant is to sell honey from the different seasons, from light to dark, and to sell honey produced by local beekeepers, with their own labels attached. Maxant’s own brand of honey is sold in glass jars of several sizes and in large wide-mouth plastic jars. Maxant also sells his honey at Carlson Orchards and Willard Farm in Still River.


Three Seasons Garden Store

264 Ayer Road, Harvard, 978-772-5415, threeseasonslandscape.com

Longtime landscaper Three Seasons will keep its garden store—newly stocked with gifts and stocking stuffers—open through Dec. 24 and will reopen in the spring. The shop now offers birdbaths, birdhouses, seed, and suet; numerous garden implements and soil amendments; flowerpots; scented soy candles from Blackstone Candle; Harvard-produced honey; and whimsical wooden garden decorations, including reindeer. Christmas trees, wreaths, and greens will also be available for the holiday season.


Toreku Tractor and Equipment

4 Littleton Road, Ayer, 978-772-6619, toreku.com

The shop, just off the Ayer rotary, has been in business since 1977, offering equipment for sale and rent, refilling propane tanks, and offering repair services and more. Gift-giving options range from the grand—such as whole-house generators and a wide array of equipment and tractors for farm, commercial, and residential needs—to stocking stuffers, such as Harvard trash bags. Leaf blowers, snowblowers, and chainsaws are also popular gifts, according to owner Lisa Shaw. For gift certificates or other inquiries, call the store or email owner Tony Shaw at tony@toreku.com.

Looking to clean up your yard without expanding your carbon footprint? Lisa Shaw of Toreku Tractor has just the thing: an electric chainsaw. Toreku also sells electric trimmers and leaf blowers as well as many gas-powered options. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)


True Devotionals Gift Shop

271 Still River Road, Harvard, 978-456-8296, shop.saintbenedict.com

The gift shop, owned and operated by the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, features inspirational books, Advent calendars, artwork, music, rosaries, statues, and other Catholic-oriented religious gifts. The shop is scheduled to be open a few days each week, but call ahead before heading to the shop.


Two Friends Chocolates

629 Mass. Ave., Boxborough, 617-906-6838 twofriendschocolates.com

The long glass case at Two Friends features bonbons and truffles, handmade on the premises, as are all its sweets. On a recent visit by the Press, shelves were filled with novelty chocolates such as Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas trees, tins of hot chocolate mix, chocolate bombs and bars, and pates des fruites in mango and strawberry. Special orders for weddings and other events are welcome.


Unique Boutique

Now in its second year, the Unique Boutique is housed downstairs in the fellowship building of the Congregational Church on Still River Road. It is open Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or by appointment (contact Sharon Soong, 617-833-3948 or ssoong@charter.net). The shop will be open during the Christmas Fair at the church Dec. 9, and in the new year the boutique will add the first Saturdays of the month to its usual hours. The shop sells collectibles and new or gently used linens, glassware, dishes, paintings, frames, antique dolls, costume jewelry, and many other treasures. New items are donated every day, and everything is affordably priced. Shopping at the boutique truly is “shopping for good” as items are recycled and all proceeds from sales go to the church’s missions and outreach.


Westward Orchards

178 Mass. Ave, Harvard, 978-456-8363, westwardorchards.com

The gift shop at Westward Orchards carries items you won’t see gathered at any other store in the area. Many are made in the United States and some are made locally, including apple-shaped wooden cutting boards from Bare Hill Woodworks, candles from Blackstone Candles, and handmade potholders, all produced in Harvard. There are goat milk soaps from Stow, American Stonecraft coasters and food slabs from Lowell, and toffee from the New England Toffee Company in Acton. Westward also sells honey from Simon Hartwell House in Boxborough, meats from Lilac Hedge Farm in Rutland, cheese from Smith’s Country Cheese in Winchendon, pies from Joyce’s Bakery in Leominster, and pasta from Deano’s Pasta in Somerville,

Westward’s annual open house will be held Dec. 1, 2, and 3. Holiday pies and cider doughnuts are available by advance order. Custom-made gift baskets are also available, and eGift cards can be purchased online. The store is open daily until Dec. 31 (closed Dec. 25 and 26).

Stop by Westward Orchards for a gift this year, whether it be a color-changing candle or a delicious apple pie. Westward has a variety of items for everyone on your list. (Photo by Thomas Kilian)


Yoga mats

When yoga enthusiast and Harvard resident Donna Lee noticed that traditional yoga mats retained germs and bacteria even after being wiped down with cleaning products, she invented an alternative. The R-Yolo mat is a machine washable and dryable mat for yoga, Pilates, or other mat-based exercises. Made in Holyoke, the padded, nonslip R-Yolo mat and gift cards are available for purchase online at r-yolo.com.

 

Dining in the busy season

Some of the Press’ favorite places for dining in or taking out—especially during the busy holiday season—are listed here.

Bolton Orchards, at 25 Still River Road (at the junction of routes 117 and 110) is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; coffee is available at 8 a.m. The store also offers prepared food, grocery items, a deli counter, produce, and apples—including utility apples. Download the menu of entrees, sandwiches, and soups from their website. boltonorchards.com,  978-779-2733

Bravo Pizza, at 1233 Mass. Ave. in Boxborough, offers pizza, calzones, subs, salads, side dishes, and entrees for delivery or pickup at the store. Baklava is available daily. Weekday specials are offered Monday to Friday until 2 p.m. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 9 p.m. Online ordering and delivery to Harvard is available. View the menu on the website. 978-635-0637, bravopizzaboxboro.com

At the Harvard General Store, prepared foods including wraps, soup, salad, and quiche are available whenever the store is open: Sunday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The kitchen is open for breakfast and lunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily; pizzas are available Friday and Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. Custom bakery orders are available. View the menu online or stop in for a look at the chalkboard. www.harvardgeneralstore.com/grill-to-go, 978-430-0062

Lucia’s Tavola on Main Street in Ayer offers indoor dining and takeout specializing in fresh seafood, handmade pasta, fresh breads and mozzarella, and classic Italian dishes. Hours are 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Gift cards are available. luciastavola.com, 978-391-4837

Marty’s Corner Cafe, next to Dragonfly Wellness at 176 Jackson Road in Devens, is open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. From breakfast burritos, acai bowls, and waffles for breakfast, to salads and hot and cold sandwiches for lunch, the cafe offers an appealing selection of dishes and has both indoor and outdoor seating. See the menu to order online. martyscornercafe.com, 978-796-5181

Services offered by Root to Table include catering for private parties, cooking classes, and personalized, weekly meal preparation. Classically trained personal chef Samantha Byington specializes in customizing meals to the nutritional needs and preferences of her clients. Gift certificates are available from the website. For more information, contact the chef at sam@roottotablechef.com or 860-928-0000, or visit the website roottotablechef.com.

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