Gray merchants may not have experienced the rush of Black Friday as did stores in larger cities, but shoppers may be surprised to find the variety and quality of items available in their hometown.

All it takes is a trip to Gray and a few hours to browse through the shops on the streetscape downtown, the Carriage House, Treasures by the Tracks, Kema’s Hobby Bookstore, and Kayden’s Place, which is across the railroad tracks. Less than half a mile from the streetscape is Miss Dottie’s, located on the Bill Conn Parkway, Ace Hardware, which is next to Ingles Supermarket, and Gray Jewelers in the Gray Station Shopping Center.

It is important to note that money spent in Jones County means the 1-percent sales tax collected goes directly to the county’s general fund and is the biggest single factor in reducing property taxes.

Likewise, the 1-percent Education Special Local Option Sales Tax goes directly to the Board of Education general fund and will in turn reduce taxes needed by the school system.

Shopping in the stores in Gray is no sacrifice, and the friendly service is certainly a bonus. For example, the Carriage House, located on the corner of Gray Highway and Georgia Highway 11, has recently expanded and has two new rooms, including a baby room filled with clothes and gifts for infants.

The Carriage House has 22 vendors displaying merchandise and offers jewelry, a wide assortment of purses including Miche Bags, baked goods, glassware, dishes, candles and fragrances, children’s clothes, crafts and paintings by local artists, and much more.

The baked goods are from All About the Cake owned by Kim Weeks.

Store owner Gail Manis said she is pleased with the expansion and has room for more vendors. The stores on the streetscape are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Treasures by the Tracks, owned by Paige and Rick Childs, is also on the streetscape. The shop has 10 booths tended by local entrepreneurs containing new items and antiques. The merchandise is restocked daily, and Paige said she currently has a vast assortment of upscale designer Christmas decorations that are very reasonably priced.

The store has a café in the rear that is open during its business hours featuring a menu filled with hot and cold deli-type sandwiches with a large variety of meats, cheeses, and breads, in addition to salads and homemade soups. The café has tables for dining in, or all the items may be packaged to go.

Kema’s Hobby Bookstore literally offers thousands of books in every genre with something to interest everyone. Store owner Kema Clark said her bargain area books are free through next weekend, and a different category will be 10 percent off each day through this weekend. Clark said she has a broad assortment of local history books, which are a good idea for Christmas gifts, and gift certificates are available.

In addition to books, the bookstore carries handmade book markers and handcrafted jewelry. The owner takes special orders and can order any book wanted by her customers.

Clark said she encourages everyone to plan to attend the Hometown Christmas celebration sponsored by Gray Station Better Hometown Dec. 12. She is collecting new toys for needy children in the community, and the toys may be dropped off at her store.

The Meat Shoppe at the corner of the street is the perfect place to buy ham, pork chops, chicken, or turkey for holiday meals. The meat is cut to order and the store also sells a variety of groceries.

Kayden’s Place, located across the railroad tracks, is a new addition to the downtown shops. The store is operated by attorney Ashley Mackin, her mother, Diane Wade, and grandmother, Myrtice Roberts, and has gifts for every family member, including the family pet.

Mackin said all Christmas merchandise is currently on sale so it may be enjoyed this year. She said she doesn’t want to be like other stores that only put Christmas items on sale until after the holiday.

“People are decorating now. I don’t want them to have to go to Target,” she said.

Merchandise in the shop includes hand-painted glassware, jewelry, dishes, picture frames, candles, gifts for babies, weddings, anniversaries, and much more. Christmas items are all 20 percent off.

Mackin said the store has a registry for special occasions such as Christmas. She invites ladies to come in and choose several items that they would like and then tip off their husbands, kids, or significant others.

She said the system works and has already been utilized.

“It’s a way for women to get what they want, but because they have picked out several things, they are still surprised,” Mackin said. “This also makes it easier for the shoppers.”

Miss Dottie’s is located on Bill Conn Parkway and boasts the best selection of Brighton jewelry, and accessories; Vera Bradley; Pandora; and Kameleon jewelry in Middle Georgia and the most extensive collection of University of Georgia memorabilia this side of Athens. Miss Dottie’s offers ladies apparel, home décor, a wedding, baby, and wish list registry, inspirational gifts, and free gift wrapping.

The store has a new product, delicious and creamy homemade fudge prepared on-site with 12 flavors available daily. Business hours for the store are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Upcoming holiday events at Miss Dottie’s includes a Kamelon trunk show Dec. 4 – 5, pictures with Santa Dec. 12 and in the spirit of giving the store is collecting Toys for Tots and welcomes contributions.

Ace Hardware carries men’s, women’s, and children’s hunting clothes and outer ware in addition to every conceivable tool and household repair item. The store stocks many small appliances and electronics and has a full garden center with plants and their accompaniments. A full service florist is located inside the store in addition to a gift shop with purses, collectables, children’s toys, picture frames, and other items too numerous to list.

Gray Jewelers carries fine jewelry, and the owner, Georgia Heard, is a full service jeweler and has prices better than those found in larger venues. The store has many engravable items with engraving and repair done on site.

Express Imaging, located behind Piedmont Community Bank and beside Fred’s, offers full service printing services, office supplies, and is a Fed Ex shipping center.

For the more frugal shopper, Gray has two thrift shops, Dogpatche on Highway 18 East next to the Gray Police Department, and Peddlers, located on Gray Highway across from Ingles Supermarket.

Supporting local merchants is a gift that will keep giving all year, especially during tax season.