Since you can’t really partake of most of Haverhill’s downtown shopping unless it’s before 5pm or not Sunday, my first visit to Garand’s Discount had eluded me for far too long. You can’t even imagine how much I’ve been dying to get in this place.
I mean, its average window display is a line up of plastic gorillas next to a pyramid of packets of Korean Tide flanked by two suits of armor. This had me more than a little intrigued about the potential of its offerings.
Also, I could tell just from the outside that Garand’s was going to be serious about saving me money, because if you look really close, in place of the S in discount, there’s a dollar sign.
Garand's Di$count 192 Merrimack Street
Lucky for me, Garand’s is true to its outward appearance, and is a veritable smorgasbord of bargains. I took it easy on my first go around and limited myself to just some paint rollers for a couple bucks, but I can already see several of the store’s “departments” coming in handy if I’m in a pinch on a Saturday morning and need masking tape, a “tobacco only” pipe, wrapping paper, or a belt made out of sequins. (or, you never now, this is me after all…could be all of the above!)
Wow, that pig in the bottom row really is blue. Look at how disenfranchised he looks.
But that’s not all Garand’s offers! The variety of merchandise at such wallet-friendly prices would be enough for most shops, but Garand’s has the audacity…no, the commitment to unadulterated bargainry, to offer even the intangible for a low low price:
Anything more than just pure love'll cost you extra.
This store represents the America I was promised as a child: A land of opportunity where anyone, no matter their race, creed, or background, can afford their own Phillie Blunts sweatshirt.
Conveniently located next to Haverhill’s foremost bepper emporium, Jennie’s Inc. unassumingly occupies 133 Merrimack St., its humble exterior barely hinting at its interior largess- which is, like, absolute junk store heaven.
If you’re like me, which is short and pretty unassuming, you probably often find yourself in the unfortunate predicament of being walked into in crowds. Or, how about those times when you’re walking down the sidewalk and you feel like turning but someone is walking sort of beside you but behind you at the same time? Awkward!
Well, if you’re anything like me, then you will be thrilled to know that there’s a revolutionary product, available right here in Haverhill, that will change your life forever.
I’m talking about pedestrian turn signals.
Seriously: haven't you always wondered how much fun it would be if only your ears would light up?
Yes, you’re seeing what you think you’re seeing right now. It’s 2010 here, people. If you’ve waited your whole life for a LED light rig that affixes to your head so people around you know where you’re headed your time is NOW.
Now, I’m sure you’ve already noticed the price tag and are thinking “that truly is an amazing product, Amanda, and totally worth the $99!”
Well, be prepared to have your mind blown again, my friend, because there is a decimal point you can’t quite see and, in fact, these light-weight, high-impact noggin blinkers are only 99 cents! Best of all, they’re available right now at Jennie’s Inc. at 133 Merrimack St.
Now, let’s see these babies in action:
Impressive!
I’m sure I don’t need to convince you to immediately run not walk down to Jennie’s and grab your own set, but hurry! because supplies are limited. (at least I only saw a couple more pairs last time I visited)
Few things in Haverhill are as divisive as the graffiti downtown. Where some see urban blight, others see colorful expression. But, don’t think Haverhill’s alone in this. These two viewpoints are universal, and their respective camps have been duking it out in major cities across the globe for decades.
Urban blight? Or "Outta Sight!?"
I guess I fall somewhere in between urban art love and graffiti hate. While I was truly bummed to see the colorful backside of Woolworth’s was no longer, I feel that same pang every time I see a haphazard tag on the front of the businesses and homes that people work hard to maintain. And, I wish as an alternative to all this spraypainting we had some wheatpaste artists running around, plastering the city with their more ephemeral and environmentally-friendly art. Still, I happily take what I can get, street art-wise.
The other day, an argument broke out on one of my Flickr photos between a graffiti supporter and a detractor. In the end, though, they both agreed- a potential solution to this problem is to set aside a legal space in Haverhill for graffiti artists to do their thing. Cambridge and Beverly have embraced this concept, and don’t even get me started on the street art of San Francisco’s Mission District. (I just went out and bought not one, but two books on the subject.)
But if in Haverhill, where should it be?
Following up on a tip from my fellow graffiti fan, tonight I drove back behind Building #19 to check out what was described as “seriously like the very best spot” for urban expression. Tucked back there is a mini urban art oasis. It’s surprisingly tidy back there, and there are no abutting neighbors to cry eyesore. Very interesting. Here are a few snaps:
Finding a home for graffiti in Haverhill? Easier sprayed than done.
I love this grumpy guy.
I call this one "Snake waving hankerchief." Ohhh...it's a WHAT?
Monster face.
Haverhill is a city that has most awesomely embraced the arts, and I think that street art and graffiti could and should be considered just another facet of that. If I can do just one thing for the city of Haverhill, I’d love for it to be becoming the facilitator of this. Of course, this is only the beginning of my exploration of this subject, so I’m all ears if anyone has any ideas or suggestions.
Ice cream is one of those rare things in life. It is universally adored – and a simple scoop can brighten anyone’s day.
Also, when your little league team wins the coach is supposed to buy everyone some.
If you live anywhere near Haverhill then no doubt you’ve tried some of the delicious concoctions offered up at England’s MicroCreamery right in the heart of downtown. So we put together a set of questions for owner Jane England so we could we learn the secrets behind the deliciousness.
109 Washington Street
HF: First off – the important stuff. What is your favorite ice cream topping?
EM: Chocolate Jimmies – our Jimmies are made from real chocolate and they melt on your tongue (yes, in Massachusetts we call them “Jimmies”, not “sprinkles”).
Side Note: Believe it or not, I am actually a purist – I prefer our ice cream without any excessive mixins that may mask the quality flavor of the ice cream, but if I HAD to pick my favorite topping, it would indeed be the Jimmies.)
HF: Tell us a bit about how the company got started – what’s your story?
EM: My husband (then boyfriend) bought me my very first ice cream maker for my 18th birthday. The rest is history.
HF: What’s your best-selling flavor of ice cream?
EM: Vanilla. Even with the extensive offerings that we have available, the all time best selling ice cream flavor is always vanilla. I tend to think vanilla is so popular because it is so easily accented by any number of our mix-ins. For example, even your basic Chocolate Chip ice cream begins with a base of vanilla ice cream.
HF: What’s the biggest amount of ice cream you’ve ever seen someone eat in one sitting?
EM: We actually had a couple of teenagers purchase a Mile High Ice Cream Pie (over 3 lbs of ice cream) and they grabbed two spoons and proceeded to eat the whole pie right here in the shop.
HF: How many kinds of ice cream do you offer at one time? Do you you have a rotation or a set line-up?
EM: We currently have 20 flavors of ice cream on the menu, not including the ice cream and mix-in combination possibilities. We are constantly rotating flavors with the seasons. In the summer months you can expect to see a lot of our fruit flavors: cantaloupe, cherry, blueberry, strawberry, banana, black raspberry, mango sorbet, margarita sorbet, coconut, etc. In September we have Apple Ice Cream and Caramel Ice Cream, October: Pumpkin Ice Cream, November: Cranberry Ice Cream, December: Eggnog, Peppermint Stick, Rum & Ginger Snap, Valentines Day: Kahlua, Cheesecake, St. Patrick’s Day: Bailey’s Irish Cream & Guinness (yes, made with real Guinness) – so you never know what flavors you are going to find!
HF: Cup or cone? Sugar or waffle?
EM: Always a cone (ice cream is meant to be licked). I always choose sugar or waffle, but never wafer – just my personal preference.
HF: Would win in a fight – Ben or Jerry?
EM: Neither. They would settle it over an ice cream.
HF: On a scale of 1-10 – how much do you like ice cream?
EM: I go to 11!
HF: How come all of your employees don’t talk with an English accent?
EM: Heck, I don’t even speak with a British accent. “England” is for my last name: Jane England. Most people think the name is supposed to be “New England” or that there is something British about the ice cream – NEITHER it is just my name – heck I am Portuguese! However, a few years ago, the staff did speak like pirates on National Talk Like a Pirate Day.
HF: Are there any plans for vegan or non-dairy ice cream options? Do you already have some available?
EM: We do offer sorbet which is a non-dairy option. One of our very first staff members was vegan and he ate the sorbet all of the time. I do not have plans to make a vegan ice cream – ice cream just by its definition is not vegan.
HF: What are your hopes for Haverhill’s downtown? What else would you like to see there?
EM: I have high hopes for Haverhill’s downtown. I am extremely optimistic with the renovations with the Hamel Mill Lofts, the Cardovan and the soon to be completed Hayes Building. The restaurant district is thriving. I would love to see the addition of a children’s toy store!!
Be sure to fan England’s Microcreamery on Facebook and stop by this summer for what is honestly, probably the best ice cream you’ll ever have.
Have you RSVPd to Haverhill’s Biggest Bar Crawl on June 11th yet? It’s promising to be a pretty epic event, with a crowd of 105 (and growing every day) traveling to 7 different bars around downtown Haverhill. This is happening all within 3 1/2 hours, and with all proceeds of the $10 cover going to the Haverhill High Althetic Department.
There will be free food, a performance by Merrimack Delta Dub Set, and even…drumroll please…the unveiling of THE FEVER CUP, the first Haverhill Fever inspired cocktail.
I know, right!?
The evil geniuses behind this concoction are (of course) Haverhill Fever’s own Chris and his love for Pimm’s, and Patrick McCarthy, owner of Lounge 59 at 59 Washington St. downtown Haverhill. I recently caught up with Patrick at the bar and he gave me a run down of their awesome in-house infused liquor selection. Check out this video, shot by Andrew Firg:
As we were packing up I asked Patrick who would win in a fight and before I even got to name the combatants he boomed “ME!” I don’t doubt it! I also hear Lounge 59 has some pretty incredible homemade desserts, including tiramisu and boston creme pie. Anyone tried them yet?
Be sure to come by Lounge 59 for a Fever Cup during Haverhill’s Biggest Bar Crawl and say hi to me and Chris! We’ll be there with Haverhill Fever bumper stickers for all, and we’ll be giving away some much-coveted Haverhill Fever t-shirts.
(And hey, what do you think of the video? I know the upload’s a bit wonky, but if you like the content, let us know and we’ll make some more!)
Has anyone else noticed this prime spot up for lease on Washington St? Well, I did, and I just had to snap a few photos because this shop has super cute curb appeal and looks like it has a lot of potential inside for something great!
Cute downtown shop for rent! (sadly, I don't get commission for posting this)
And here’s a peek inside:
Interior of 15 Washington St. now available for lease
Insert your amazing ______ business here!
Previously, 15 Washington St. was the home of Leaf and Ladle (circa 2008), followed by Ava’s Salads and More, although when we peeked in the windows it looked like it may have been a bakery even more recently than that.
So, I’m thinking maybe another food-centric business at this location isn’t such a hot idea. And no offense, Haverhill, but I think we have enough hair salons and barber shops. So, what to put in there?
I’d kill for a cool vintage clothing store like Modern Millie in Salem and Newburyport. Or maybe some sort of home decor/gadget shop where I could run to and grab a nice gift in a pinch. Wine shop? Yarn store? Another coffee shop? Art house movie theatre? (not sure how big that second room is) Why, the possibilities are endless!
