Smile Politely. Speak Directly. A Champaign-Urbana Culture Blog

The holiday shopping season is well underway. And sure, everybody loves a sale with extra discount coupons, right? But how about purchasing from stores that are locally owned or operated, affordable and unique to our two towns? Some of them even have their own sales going on right now! Where are these places, you might ask?

Well, we here at Smile Politely have put together a small list of local joints that are chock-full of great gifts for a variety of those who made your "nice" list. We even found a place in town for those who've made the naughty list too!

So, get out your preferred method of payment and shop away! Your local economy will thank you.

Ask anyone from Champaign-Urbana about Vriner’s Confectionary, and the answers you receive will vary, as does the history of the local company itself. Most townie folk remember it well, as it has not been that long since the nationally renowned candy makers had their own building in Downtown Champaign to work out of and create their sugary canes and brittles.

As recently as 1997, Vriner’s was open at their East Main Street location. The building, now occupied by Memphis on Main, is a country music-themed bar.

I fell into an invitation to come and see how candy canes come to life by accident. I wanted to see and hear about what goes into the candy cane making process, and to find out about where the company has been and where it is going.