Alternatives to mall shopping offer unique gifts, less hassle

Published 8:13 pm Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Shopping on Black Friday can be a grim outing when you consider the crowds, the traffic and scrambling for the most popular gifts of the season. The fun frenzy can turn into frazzle within an hour or two.

For a more relaxed and personalized shopping experience, consider visiting small businesses in the area that are off the beaten path and have gifts that you might not see at a big-box store.