Shop Small. Find Joy. Celebrate the Spirit of Mountain Maryland.
As winter settles across the mountains and our downtowns glow with holiday lights, there’s no better time to shop local in Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland. Every gift in this guide is handcrafted, locally sourced, inspired by our region, or created by a member of our small-business community, and each item can be purchased right here in Allegany County.
Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the season, these gifts bring together the creativity, heart, and heritage of Mountain Maryland.
FOR THE LOVER OF LOCAL ART & HERITAGE
Gifts that celebrate our mountains, stories, and sense of place.
Cumberland in a Mint Tin – Fort Cumberland Emporium
📍 55 Baltimore Street, Cumberland
Price: $24
A tiny treasure packed with hometown pride, “Cumberland in a Mint Tin” by artist Meg Romero features miniature paper cut-outs of 14 historic buildings from Downtown Cumberland, Washington Street, and Canal Place, plus our iconic mountain backdrop. A pocket-sized keepsake perfect for anyone who carries Cumberland in their heart.
Why it’s a Mountain Maryland gift:
“As you venture out into this great big world, slip Cumberland in your pocket and take it with you!”
Hand-Thrown Pottery by John McGirk – Main Street Books
📍 2 E. Main Street, Frostburg
A limited run of cozy mugs, ornaments, ring dishes, magnets, and small ceramic treasures — all hand-thrown by Main Street Books’ own bookseller and potter, John McGirk. Every piece is crafted in his home studio and fired with care, making each one truly unique.
Why it’s a Mountain Maryland gift:
Like a good book, no two pieces are alike — a perfect pairing for Frostburg’s literary and creative spirit.
FOR THE ADVENTURER & OUTDOOR LOVER
Gifts shaped by our mountains, wildlife, and spirit of exploration.
Black Bear Christmas Ornaments – Wheelzup Adventures
📍 14 Howard Street, Cumberland
Price Range: $12–$16
Celebrate the shy, curious Black Bear — an iconic resident of our local mountains — with these ornaments crafted for those who love the outdoors. A charming reminder of Allegany County’s wild beauty.
Why it’s a Mountain Maryland gift:
“A gift that keeps on giving… passed down to remind future generations of the Queen City and where their roots remain.”
FOR THE FOODIE & LOCAL FLAVOR FAN
Small-batch, Appalachian-grown, and locally crafted.
All-Organic Roasted Tomato Bruschetta & Pasta Sauce – Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant
📍 11 Bowery Street, Frostburg
Price Range: $12–$20
Made with organic produce from Savage Mountain Farm, this roasted tomato, garlic, and parmesan sauce is perfect for pasta night or topping a crusty baguette. Also available in a bright Lemon & Feta variation. Locally sourced, artisan crafted and made with decades of Frostburg culinary pride.
Why it’s a Mountain Maryland gift:
“Support Artisan, Local & the Art of canning in one gift.”
Pearl Revenge Hot Sauce – Sabroso Tacos
📍 40–42 N. Centre Street, Cumberland
Price Range: $14–$20
A mild, sweet-spicy hot sauce made from locally sourced peppers. Perfect for everything from chips to chicken and created right here by a local maker who wanted to bring big flavor home.
Why it’s a Mountain Maryland gift:
It’s a true taste of local goodness — crafted in small batches with Appalachian-grown heat.
FOR THE HOMEBODY & COZY-CORE CROWD
Warm, welcoming, and perfect for winter nights.
Soy Blend Candles, Car Diffusers & Room Sprays – Wix and Wax Candle Bar
📍 105 E. Main Street, Frostburg
Price Range: $25–$60
Locally made scents inspired by the mountains — plus a candle-making experience perfect for friends, families, or visiting guests. A warm, glowing reminder of your time in Mountain Maryland.
Why it’s a Mountain Maryland gift:
“Take home a handcrafted candle that reminds you of your trip to the mountains.”
Handmade Mountain Ornament – Muddy Creek
📍 26 W. Main Street, Frostburg
Price Range: $25
A handmade ornament inspired by the hills and contours of our mountain landscape. Simple, classic, and rooted in the place we call home.
Why it’s a Mountain Maryland gift:
A reminder of the mountains that shape our everyday views and seasonal traditions.
FOR THE SENTIMENTALIST
Gifts that preserve memories, stories, and Appalachian heritage.
Custom Laser-Engraved Recipe Cutting Boards – Mountain Maryland Trading Post
📍 60 Baltimore Street, Cumberland
Price Range: $18–$28
Transform a handwritten family recipe into a meaningful heirloom with a custom laser-engraved bamboo board. Also available in holiday or monogram designs — a way to preserve the heart of Appalachian family traditions.
Why it’s a Mountain Maryland gift:
“Our history is written in the recipes passed down through generations of family kitchens.”
FOR THE SPIRIT SAVOR
A true taste of Mountain Maryland to share this season.
CUMBERLAND – 5-Year-Aged Single Cask Bourbon – Charis Winery & Distillery
📍 16 Howard Street, Cumberland
Price: $54
Distilled and aged right here in Cumberland with heirloom grain corn and Appalachian oak barrels, this five-year single cask bourbon is as local as it gets. Smooth, warm, and perfect for gifting (or sipping by the fire).
Why it’s a Mountain Maryland gift:
“A taste of Appalachia made by locals, for locals and visitors alike.”
Explore. Shop. Celebrate.
Bundle up, hit the downtowns, and discover the magic of holiday shopping on the Mountain Side of Maryland.
