Coarc's retail store Tradewinds is my absolutely favorite gift shop. In fact, it recently was voted Best Gift Shop in Columbia County for 2016! If I need a special, unique gift for a birthday, wedding, or Mother's Day, Tradewinds is the first and last shop I visit. They have numerous handcrafted, exquisite items. I love that they have fair-trade and socially conscious products, and many local items as well. The manager, Tammy, is so helpful and friendly and she provides great advice when I'm looking for a specific gift. Many items are crafted by individuals with disabilities. One of the best things about Tradewinds is they provide employment training and opportunities to people with disabilities. Tradewinds is part of Coarc, the largest nonprofit organization in Columbia County, NY that provides services and support to individuals with disabilities. Some items I've purchased at Tradewinds...a colorful, one-of-a-kind hand-blown glass ball for my aunt to hang in her window, a cute birdhouse made from a gourd, handmade hair pins for my friend, and gorgeous blue and flowery ceramic coasters for a Mother's Day gift. read more