The Chronicle’s Cindy Johnson highlights some of her favorite businesses in Batesburg-Leesville.

You don’t want to miss Christmas in Leesville on Dec. 4 from 6-8 pm.

There will be a Gingerbread House Decorating Contest (with up to 4 people on the team). First prize is $100, 2nd prize is $50 and 3rd prize is free ice cream from Truly Scrumptious. The Gingerbread House Decorating contest is from 6-7 pm Dec. 4, with the Winners announced at 7:15.

To register for the contest, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BSNRXTS .

The merchants, along with everyone else, are excited about this once a year event! There will be a parade, classic cars, a marshmallow roast and much more. Children would not forget this festive time in Leesville. There are huge Christmas trees in downtown Leesville and Batesburg. The shops are getting decorated for Christmas and smell good, too.

Mae’s is known by everybody in Batesburg and Leesville. Her store is full of all kinds of goodies and beautiful things. She has a sale going on now and what a fabulous sale! Mae eats at the Root Cellar everyday and loves the soup and sandwiches. It is right across the street from her store. The Root Cellar has old pictures of downtown Batesburg and a window seat that you can sit on, if you need to wait.

The Oak Street Vintage Mall was getting decorated while I was there this week, and they have some lovely Christmas items for sale. If you are looking for a unique gift, these vendors will have just the ticket. I enjoy walking around and talking with the “experts.”

Generations is doing well and seem to have adjusted to the new “normal.” Residents are outside when the weather is nice. It is in the heart of Batesburg and decorated for Thanksgiving. This is a caring home to many seniors.

Patients love Dr. Craig Swisher, and yes he is a Doctor and Physical Therapist. He plays an important part of the success of each of his clients. Batesburg-Leesville is fortunate to have him.

I spent some time with Dora this week at Palmetto Crest Sundry, CBD and more, in Leesville. I got sour gummies for my son, but ate some. I also got strawberry jam and honey with elderberry. I am feeling mellow! Dora’s friend Honey was in the store and took a large order to the beach for a long-time customer of Dora’s. Coffee again was great. She has some beautiful music boxes filled with sweet smelling soap for an amazing price. She is planning to have a “sample” day soon, but loves giving out samples everyday.

Economy Furniture in downtown Leesville has terrific furniture and is owned and run by a local family – the Shealy’s. I like the accessories, which would give any house a “homey” feel for the holidays. They have been in business since 1939 and give all their customers a personal touch. Economy could get me ready for Christmas and time with my children. This family has been doing a lot of things right for a long time.