We're Heading to a Backyard BBQ

   Entering into the depths of summer, we are reminded of many familiar pastimes - American flags billowing left and right, the sweet and smoky scent of backyard barbecues, fireworks, pool parties, baseball … just to name a few. If that doesn’t shout, “America,” I’m not sure what does!

   Opposite to our winter season, July brings many families and couples to Ellicottville to enjoy their summer homes or retreats. Whether it’s for the summer in its entirety, or merely to enjoy a weekend of leisure on the golf course or to take advantage of one of our festivals downtown, the village shares the same hustle and bustle during the summer that it does in the winter. In fact, I think it would be safe to say that some prefer our summer season over our winter season.

   With that being said, I find it only appropriate for us to travel Around the Block starting at The Red Door, your summer clothing and accessory headquarters, and ending at the Village Wine Rack, your local libation station. Planning on attending an outdoor cookout?  Travel with me and let’s get you dressed in one of several fashionable outfits (many great choices for both men women), and we’ll grab a bottle of vino that you can offer as a gift to your host when you head to that summertime party.

 

 

   The Red Door, which is traditionally known to many EVL locals and guests as a ski shop, transforms into a bright and colorful clothing hub during the summer months, for men and women alike. Upon entering the store, I was not only greeted by Store Manager Liz Boberg’s big smile, but also by the array of summer, sports, fitness, casual and dress attire surrounding me.

   Not to be mistaken as a “Ladies Only” store, The Red Door offers a slew of men’s clothing as well. According to Liz, “Whatever can be packed into your busy weekend schedule or suitcase, you can find at the Red Door.”

   In fact, the first item that Liz showed me was an extremely soft and somewhat luxurious rack of men’s Hawaiian shirts, made in Honolulu, Hawaii. They ranged from very flashy, traditional Hawaiian prints, to more subdued and natural colored patterns.

   “We make a very conscious effort as a company to ensure that a majority of our products are made in the USA or Canada,” said Liz. Which rang true in the next display of items we pondered - the Libra line of ladies clothing from Canada. The best part about this line is that it can be transformed from casual dress work wear right into cocktail hour. With many outfit combinations in the store, a fancy sleeveless top could easily be paired with an over-the-shoulder piece and a skirt or pants. With the removal of the over-the-shoulder top and an accessory change, that same “work day” outfit can carry you pleasingly into the evening.  A similar company stocked in the store is Clara Sun Woo, which offers a variety of light casual and work wear made in the USA.

      For a chic, super summer look, The Red Door also carries a fun line called Dream Dance Dresses. Each piece is made from light, synthetic fabrics and detailed with a little bit of “bling.” These dresses would be the perfect outfit for a summer wedding or cocktail party - casual, with a little bit of sass.

   For the avid outdoors person, The Red Door is an exclusive carrier of Columbia sportswear. The store is stocked full of golf attire, casual hiking and camp wear, running wear, athletic accompaniments and waterproof jackets.

   “We are more than thrilled to carry the Omni-Freeze Zero Cooling Performance and Apparel line from Columbia,” said Liz.  “These shirts literally cool you off as you sweat.”  According to the Columbia website, the Omni-Freeze Zero’s “blue rings” capitalize on your sweat to lower the overall temperature of the material, accelerate the wicking process and provide an instant and prolonged cooling.

   Another interesting piece made by Columbia for both men and women is the Insect Blocker Jacket. Ellicottville, sometimes known for its humid summer temperatures, can be accompanied by flying pests. This lightweight jacket is made from a breezy mesh outfitted with Insect Blocker technology, providing a powerful bug-stopping capability, making this hyper-breathable layer a powerful ally for anyone.

   The Red Door also carries ladies, men’s and children’s footwear, from casual bopping-around-town styles to running, hiking and water sports selections. Forgot your child’s raincoat? No worries, you will also be able to find a nice selection of children’s waterproof jackets as well.

   “We’ve been in Ellicottville for approximately 27 years and consistency has always been key,” said Liz.  “With Ellicottville turning into such a destination, it only makes sense for us to be here for our guests year-round.  We’re open every day!”

   Don’t hesitate to stop by The Red Door in downtown Ellicottville and peruse through the many selections - for both winter and summer apparel.  If you have questions about any of the merchandise, feel free to call Liz at the store, 716-699-2026 or email her at msbizyliz@yahoo.com.

 

 

   Boasting a fresh, updated space with seemingly unlimited parking, the Village Wine Rack relocated this past March after being in the same building for approximately 30 years. Their new location, next to EVL Ink and Kwik Fill (across from Tops supermarket), offers owners Candy and Joe Clark an opportunity to cater to their guests just a little bit more.

   “We are heading into summer with a lot of our Canadian customers already coming in and making requests as to what they want us to stock, and we love that. Our goal is to offer a friendly, fun and trendy new store that appeals to beverage connoisseurs of all ages. There is something here for everyone and for every price range,” said Candy.

   Aesthetically, the new store follows suit of a NYC or Toronto loft, which is very appealing to both the traditional and new generations of alcohol consumers. In time, Candy and Joe want their store to be the “Premier” wine and spirit shop of Ellicottville - both fun and affordable.

   The sheer convenience of their new location is undeniable. Upon venturing to your summer party or barbecue, the new store is so accessible that you can easily stop by Tops to stock up on food, Kwik Fill to gas up the vehicle, and immediately walk right over to the Village Wine Rack to stock up on your party supplies.

   For your July fun in the sun, Candy has a ton of interesting new packaging options - both wine and liquor. “For summer safety and convenience, I always keep a variety of disposable pouch wines in stock,” she said. Not only do pouch wines veer away from using glass bottles, but they often offer more product in the pouch. This way, they last longer and you get a little more bang for your buck.”

   “Favorably,” she continued, “many major liquor retailers, such as Captain Morgan and Svedka Vodka, are offering the option to order product in plastic bottles, rather than glass. This makes it significantly easier to hang around the pool with your favorite libation, or take your beverage to a place that has glass bottle restrictions.”

   Another big hit has been Dr. McGillicuddy’s “Fireball,” an incredibly smooth, cinnamon flavored whiskey. “People are coming from all over to pick this up. I have customers that drive all the way from Jamestown, NY just to grab a bottle,” Candy exclaimed. Some popular ways to mix this drink include with cola, cranberry juice, “straight up” as a shot or on the rocks.

   Within its new location, the Village Wine Rack offers a wine tasting presentations each weekend. “A wine representative comes directly to the store and offers an informative speech to our guests regarding the grapes and vineyard locations of our featured wine,” Candy explained.  “If you decide to purchase the featured wine, you’ll receive a discount.”

   Coming for the 2013-‘14 winter season, Candy hopes to have her Vinotemp chilled bottle wine tasting system in place. This system will give you the opportunity to sample a three ounce pour of up to 20 different wines. These units are capable of chilling, storing, preserving and dispensing.

   “As for now, we are just so thrilled to be in our new location,” Candy said.  “We moved to make it more convenient for our customers - we want you to come in, hang out with us, and let us know what you want and we will try our best to get it stocked for you.”

   Whether you’re on your way into town or out of town, take a quick moment to stop by the Village Wine Rack. You can’t miss it!  “Like” them on Facebook to keep tabs on new inventory and specials being offered.