When we travel, we aren’t merely visiting a dot on the map; we are immersing ourselves in the nuances that create a destination’s character. The neighborhood restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, and hidden gems are the beating heart of the communities they serve. It’s no wonder we find ourselves delighted by unexpected artwork, wandering into amazing shops, or sampling delights from a specialty grocer.
These kinds of experiences are the reason we explore unfamiliar locales – and for that, we have independent business owners to thank.
That’s why we teamed up with Lenovo in support of its Evolve Small initiative, which champions small businesses across the US and Canada by providing financial aid, technological resources, and mentorship programs. In the spirit of supporting these local mainstays, we reached out to travelers across our social media channels with one request … to tell us their favorite small businesses. They delivered. Here, we’ve rounded up six can’t-miss businesses that represent the best of what a small business can do for its customers, community, and visitors alike.
The Culture Candy
New York City, NY
The Culture Candy is a woman- and POC-owned arts organization based in NYC that works to promote underrepresented and minority artists by showcasing their work and providing networking opportunities. It was created by Lee Lee La Cubana and Zalika Zeni to preserve urban culture and provide more exposure for visual artists – especially women of color and other minorities. The collective launched in 2020 with a pop-up event at a park in Long Island. When the turnout hit 300 people, they knew they were onto something special. Since then, The Culture Candy has created opportunities for more than 200 artists and small businesses to be seen throughout the city, with more than 35 events and public curations.
Cubana said she loves making a difference in artists’ lives and showing them they have real career options.
“We’re here to support local artists and grow our art family,” she said. “We believe buying local art is really beneficial and can change someone’s life. Even if you don’t buy anything, you can support artists with a like or share on social media.”
With so many projects going on at once, The Culture Candy relies on mobile technology to keep it all running smoothly. “It’s amazing to look back and see that we coordinated and marketed our first event using our smartphones,” Cubana said. “Technology has allowed us to continue to grow our business remotely, making it easier to be several places at once when we have multiple curations going.”
The Veganist
Chilliwack, British Columbia
Five years ago, when Logan Bryan and his partner, Brian McQuade, became vegan, they struggled to find high-quality plant-based products at the markets near their home in Chilliwack. Their solution? To open their own specialty vegan grocery and boutique with everything from vegan calamari made from mushrooms to hair products and shoes. They want to make the vegan lifestyle attainable for anyone who is living a full or partially plant-based lifestyle.
“We enjoy helping people discover veganism, but we believe strongly in not pushing anything on anyone,” said Bryan. “The store has a friendly, relaxed vibe, and good playlists so everyone feels welcome.”
Many of their customers are gluten-free or vegetarian and moving toward veganism while some are simply trying to eat healthier. Their biggest seller is a locally-made vegan fried chicken burger that is popular among meat-eaters and vegans alike. They also help supply vegan products to regional restaurants and local vendors.
Margie’s Book Nook
Susanville, CA
Margie’s Book Nook is a local landmark in Susanville, California – a hub for local events and knowledge of this small community located about 85 miles north of Reno, Nevada. Margie Teeter, the irrepressible owner, has been an avid reader since she was six years old.
In 1983, Margie bought the sole bookstore that was closing down in town. Since then, with her family, she has been selling new, used, rare, unusual, and banned items at her shop on the town’s main street. The store also serves as the town’s event manager, making it a popular place when shows go on sale. Margie delights in knowing almost everyone in town and relishes her role in the community, often fulfilling special requests for hard-to-get items.
Island Hardware and Market
Put-in-Bay, OH
Island Hardware and Market is a small family-owned store located in Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Brothers Jason and Chris Cooper have been running the shop for almost 20 years, making it a community anchor for both year-round residents and summer visitors.
Housed in a two-story barn, the store serves as a one-stop-shop for everything from automotive parts and lumber to groceries and gifts. “We seem to know everybody because, at some point, everyone comes through our doors,” Jason says. If there’s something they don’t have in stock, they will special order it. Whether you need a case of coconut milk or a box of boat fenders, the Coopers can get it.
Ode
Toronto, Ontario
Located about two miles west of downtown Toronto in the Dundas West neighborhood, Ode is a family-owned boutique hotel that revels in its ties to the community. Four siblings opened their unique accommodation as a tribute to the spirit of Dundas West in 2022.
Each of the eight unique rooms has its own personality, decorated with furnishings and rotating artwork exclusively from community creators. A rooftop deck offers guests access to yoga classes and performances, or simply a great place to hang out during warmer months.
Aunny’s Country Kitchen
Georgetown, SC
Cooking comes naturally to Andrea Johnson, who grew up in the kitchen making recipes passed down from generations. After her husband became the reverend of their small church in Georgetown, she started cooking for the congregation, which quickly led to opening her own restaurant.
Fourteen years after she opened her doors, Andrea’s famous pork chops and bestselling pancakes are still flying out the door. Georgetown – a lovely waterfront town filled with Southern charm – makes her the unofficial expert for travelers. Andrea also loves to give back, serving a big Thanksgiving meal to the community every year since her restaurant opened.
Whether it’s for fresh new accommodations, community connections, or local knowledge, there’s no match for a good small business. In serving residents and visitors alike, they form the backbone of their locations – and the heart of the community.
