Debbie Taylor, Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce executive director.

Did you know that tourism in Oregon is a $4.5 billion dollar industry? Why not shop like a tourist right here in Jefferson County? In the heart of downtown Madras, we have quaint shops that offer amenities that you may not have to travel to Deschutes County to make that special purchase for.

Perhaps you’re looking for some Oregon swag, cute gifts or a satisfying warm beverage on a cool morning. Then stop at MidTown Coffee, order a beverage and take some steps around the shop while you wait. Gift items like puzzles, books, sweet and savory treats and Oregon souvenirs abound as the aroma of fresh brewed tea and coffee fill the air. Stop in for a to-go beverage or stay and gather with friends in a home away from home welcoming atmosphere. 

Stepping out of MidTown Coffee and onto the Fifth Street sidewalk, you’re sure to breathe in the delightful aroma of the hand-crafted candles and soaps at Penelope’s Soaps and Such. Born out of a home kitchen, this cute shop is a perfect place to find something special to treat yourself or a loved one to that will make someone feel appreciated. For those who enjoy a warm relaxing bath, you’ll find bath bombs of various colors, scents and health properties in stylish shapes and sizes. There are soaps with Legos inside to inspire kids to wash their hands too. It easy to find sophisticated glassware that holds the perfect candle for ambience or aroma inside Penelope’s shop. Gift-wrapping is available too.

Maybe your sweet tooth is craving a little something while you’re out shopping? Yara’s Cakes shop has a cooler of ready to-go items for just that sweet craving you may have. Cakes, cake pops, cupcakes, pastries, cookies, Boba Tea and custom orders of all the above will truly satisfy your need for a sweet treat. If you’re planning for a party or celebration, then place a custom order or catering order and experience the love that went into creating your custom order by Yara.

If hardbound and paperback literature is more your style, then step into Black Bird Magical Tea & Tales store. If the window display hasn’t caught your interest already, then the store will as it welcomes you with a variety of reading materials, gifts, decorations and costume pieces. Maybe you need a good tea blend to brew at home? The rack in the middle of the shop is sure to make you give it a spin as you read the brew you desire to drink. Authors do stop into the store for book signings or readings of their published works. Be sure to follow them on social media so you don’t miss out on events.

On the opposite corner across D Street is a quilter’s dream. Sew Dee-Liteful Quilt Shop is a gem of a find for those who enjoy sewing, quilting, crafting and learning. Whether you need more batting, precut squares, a pattern or a kit, a notion you’ve run out of in your sewing box, or are looking for that special fabric to create or complete a blanket or tapestry, you’re sure to find it at Sew Dee-Liteful. The wide array of seasonal fabrics is also sure to inspire your artistic side. So, before you think you have to make a lengthy drive, why not stop in and pick up what you need right in Madras. 

White Buffalo Boutique will invite you in for that one-of-a-kind sophisticated piece or western styled attire that is trending. Cute shoes, scarves, sweaters, tank tops, overalls, jackets, capri jeans, dresses, bracelets, earrings, and even the sales rack will entice you to keep coming back to see what’s new. Local models are even photographed wearing those sought after pieces that you won’t want to miss adding to your wardrobe with. Stop in on a First Thursday evening and you might even find a pop-up shop of permanent jewelry by a local artist in-store as well. 

The Urban Home is the newest shop in downtown Madras with all-the-things for your home, gifting and for your clothes closet. Furniture, clothing, gift items, candlestick holders, baby items, women’s clothing, decorative pillows and throw blankets, beverage mixers, candles from Penelope’s, craft kits and more are to be found inside the Urban Home. Every way you turn in this shop you’ll discover an area styled by themes or by an inspired decor trend that is sure to give you joy. The window display may draw your attention but you’re definitely going to want to step into the Urban Home and see what you can’t from outside the window. Invite a friend or family member to go with you and share in the joy of what you’ll find on every shelf and display area of this shop. 

Looking for that upcycled top or shoes to complete your “fit” (outfit)? Step into The Wild Tribe for a vast selection of new and upcycled women and children’s clothing. Perhaps you need a themed outfit for a holiday or a trendy version of jeans you’ve seen, then take some time to check out the racks throughout the store. Have a little one helping you shop? There’s a sweet little play area to keep their attention while you spend time flipping through hangers throughout the store. Have some items you’re ready to replace? Instead of donating them, check in about receiving store credit for items in good clean condition and stretch your dollars locally a bit more. 

On Culver Highway, King Office Designs has opened a showroom for office furniture. This local Madras store front offers a selection of seating, desk furniture, rugs, floor mats, poufs, and custom pieces for your home or office. Whether you’re looking to refresh the lobby of your office, redesign the workspace of a department in your building, provide sustainable fabrics on furniture, or customize a desk to your space, King Office Designs has what you need. In the last year, they’ve worked hard to assist large businesses and organizations within our community in purchasing new affordable workplace furniture. 

Just a little further west you’ll find Hummingbird Junction. This shop is a unique, eclectic boutique you’ve got to take some time in. You’ll discover vintage collectibles, countless gift items, clothing, accessories for your attire, items for your home, man-cave or she-shed, children’s room and so much more. 

All of these stores are in the core of downtown Madras. Look them up and check them out, and support your local merchants. 

The Madras Downtown Association, the chamber and all our downtown business owners encourage you to Shop Local First. This is our opportunity to support the backbone of our local economy. We are sad to see four wonderful small businesses close in the last year in downtown Madras. Additional businesses, those downtown and beyond downtown, need our local support. By working together, we can create a thriving environment for local businesses beyond the holiday shopping season. Together, we can foster lasting connections within our community and make a collective effort to prioritize the unique offerings that make our area so special. Shop Local First.

Debbie Taylor is the executive director of the Madras-Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce.