The Gift Shop on Franklin Street That Keeps Bringing the Whole Downtown to Life
The Shop That Takes Over the Sidewalk
Blue Heron Gifts & Boutique doesn't just sell things. Co-owner Megan Moore Hubbs and her next-door neighbor Sabrina of Marie + Rae Boutique co-host a string of community markets that have become part of the Havre de Grace downtown calendar: the Mother's Day Market, Fall Fest, and Merry Marketplace. Local makers get a platform, foot traffic comes to the whole block, and a portion of vendor fees goes to a nonprofit. Past partners have included animal shelters, women's shelters, arts organizations, and the local chamber. What started as two neighboring shop owners teaming up has turned into something the whole town shows up for. The next one is coming up soon. Blue Heron's Mother's Day Market is May 9th, with local makers, vendors, and plenty of gift ideas you won't have to order off Amazon.
A Family Behind the Counter
What most people don't realize is that the entire operation runs on family. Megan handles the shop floor six days a week along with social media, the website, merchandising, and event planning. Her mom Lisa manages all the accounting with 30 years of bookkeeping experience. Her husband fills whatever gap needs filling, whether that's running the register or washing windows. There are no outside employees. What you see is genuinely them.
Open Through Everything
Megan and her family purchased the business just months before the COVID shutdown in 2020. She was 20 years old. Seven years of ownership this August, with two record-breaking sales months last year. Those market events aren't just community goodwill. They've been a real part of what's driven Blue Heron's growth. The shop also picked up back-to-back Ice Fest wins for their themed installations, a Friends scene one year and a full Stranger Things tableau the next.
What to Look For
First-time visitors should ask to see Megan's favorite picks. The gourmet section is a go-to for hostess gifts or last-minute entertaining. The Mudpie collection covers home décor, baby, bridal, and pet, and right now it's stocked with spring arrivals in coastal blues, greens, and whites. If you can't make it in person, the shop ships nationwide and offers free local delivery in Havre de Grace and Perryville.
Find Blue Heron on Franklin Street
Blue Heron Gifts & Boutique is open every day except Tuesday (seven days a week through the Christmas season). Hours change with events and seasons, so check Google or Facebook before heading over. Call or text 410-939-6129, email [email protected], or shop online at blue-heron-gifts-boutique.square.site. Find them on the ShopHDG directory alongside the other downtown merchants worth your afternoon.
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