Thinking of renovating your home? There are shops to supply all your building materials – paint, flooring, furniture, draperies, appliances and much more.

One of the many valley mechanical and auto parts businesses will take care of your car, truck or boat.

There are retail shops for clothing new and gently worn, home decoration, gifts for every occasion, books new and used, jewelry, arts and crafts, toys and more.

Food stores range from supermarkets with names you recognize to family-owned and operated neighborhood grocery stores, delis and health food stores. Eat-in or take-out, local food stores have what you need. You can find a quick ready-to-bake pizza to make an easy meal for the kids, exquisite gourmet food to grace your next dinner party, or fantastic steaks from local ranchers if you plan to light up the barbecue. On a hot summer day, why not stop to enjoy some locally-made ice cream or gelato? Give a gift of hand-made, gourmet chocolates to someone special.

Have you thought you might want to try your hand a making your own beer or wine someday? Now’s your opportunity to sign up at a local u-brew where a friendly shop owner will help you create your own signature spirits? What a thoughtful gift for a housewarming, for the favorite folks on your holiday list or to make a dinner for two into a romantic occasion.

If you are a crafty person or a wannabe knitter or quilter, there are shops that carry irresistible hand-dyed yarns or beautiful quilt fabrics. Now might be the perfect time to get started on that crafting project on your to-do-someday list. Find scrap-booking, beading, jewelry-making supplies in a Columbia Valley retail shop. And if you get stuck along the way, there’s usually a shop owner who will gladly assist you as you learn.

Flowers are always in vogue for special occasions and local florists can help you decide on the perfect bouquet or potted plant to say “I love you” or “Get Well Soon.” If you are planning a wedding or family reunion, beautiful floral table centerpieces in your color scheme will take a good theme and make it a really great one.