Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, there’s the inevitable rush of deals, ads, holiday music and pleas to spend ever-increasing amounts of money all over the place. Here’s some places where you can go to keep your money local, and find gifts (or just things for yourself) for the nerdy among us.

Books
The Book Garden, Montpelier
Our favorite bookstore in Central Vermont, Rick Powell’s small Montpelier store is loaded with a number of great titles, from YA fiction to an impressive, curated collection of Graphic Novels and used SF/F hardcovers and paperbacks. In recent months, he’s broken into the gaming field as well, and sells a good number of RPG and tabletop games as well. Website

The Country Bookshop, Plainfield
Set back in Plainfield, The Country Bookshop is a bit of an experience. Loaded to the gills, this old farmhouse looks as though it could burst with the number of books that they’ve got. When it comes to Science Fiction and Fantasy literature, there’s a fairly small collection, but there’s some great gems there as well. Website

Crow Bookshop, Burlington
If you’re not in Central Vermont, there’s a couple of places to go. The Crow Bookshop on Church Street in Burlington is a must-stop location for their fantastic selection of books. Their SF/F selection is off in the corner, and fairly limited, but it’s a decent one, with a good selection. Website

Phoenix Books, Burlington
Pheonix Books in Essex and Burlington help to fill the void from Borders leaving Church Street. The new Burlington location is fantastic, spacious and offers an incredibly good selection of new books. Website

Earth Prime Comics, Burlington
Not looking for novels? Earth Prime Comics at the base of Church Street in Burlington is Vermont’s best comic book shop, with a good range of monthly and trade editions.

Looking for something a little different? Here’s two genre publishers that reside in-state:

Candlemark and Gleam, Bennington
This small press is totally focused on speculative fiction literature, publishing a good couple of novels every year, first as e-editions and then as a print copy. They’ve got some good books out right now: Debris Dreams (which I need to review soon), Mr. Blank, The Spark, and a bunch of others. Website

Choose your Own Adventure, Waitsfield
Did you know that the classic Choose Your Own Adventure books are based out of Waitsfield? They’re selling their books at 20% off for the holidays. Website

Toys
Looking for things to play with?

Woodbury Mountain Toys, Montpelier
My favorite toy shop in the world is Woodbury Mountain Toys in Montpelier. It’s a tiny store, filled with a lot of things, and throughout my childhood, was the location of choice for picking up new Lego kits. They still have Legos, as well as games, puzzles and other non-action-figure toys. Website

Vermont Toy & Hobby, Essex Junction
I’ve only been here a couple of times, but the Vermont Toy and Hobby store is a fantastic place in Chittenden county. Wide selection, although I’m sad that they’re no longer in the University Mall.

Better Planet Books, Toys, & Hobbies, St. Albans & Bristol
This place was up for sale earlier this year, but it seems like they’re still up and running, at least on facebook. It’s looked like it’s an interesting place.

Tech
Computers?

Small Dog Electronics, Waitsfield and South Burlington
What else comes to mind in Vermont when it comes to tech stuff? Best Buy? Small Dog is the best place to go. Website

Film
I’m a big fan of the movie theater, despite the onslaught of loud movie-goers, mobile phones and commercials. Tickets to films are something that I can always find a use for, and the following theaters are some of the best in Vermont:

Essex Cinemas, Essex
These guys have a good thing going for them, with either new or old films, and that they seem to understand that going to the movies can be an event to be anticipated. They’ve blown us away with their Thursday Throwback series, midnight openings and marathons. Plus, their T-Rex Theater is one of the best places to catch a film. Website

Majestic 10, Williston
The Majestic 10 theater is the other great major theater in the region. A continual, wide and good seats, these guys are a bit easier to reach, and their screens are pretty fantastic most of the time. Website

Merrill Roxy, Burlington
For some of the non-blockbuster films out there, I’ve had good luck with the Merrill Roxy theater in down town Burlington. I’ve caught some of my favorite films here: Moon, District 9, and others over the years, films that wouldn’t typically be seen at the bigger theaters. Website

Big Picture, Waitsfield
Outside of the Burlington area, there’s the Big Picture theater. It’s a small, two screen theater, but one that hums with a great lineup of science fiction and fantasty films as they come out. Website

Gaming
Gaming fan? Modeler? Vermont’s got some great locations for you:

Quarterstaff Games, Burlington
Look no further than Quarterstaff Games if you’re anywhere within a 1-2 hour drive. This place (along with Earthprime Comics) is the ultimate location for the gamer, from models, RPGs, tabletop games, dice and quite a bit more. Website

Gamer’s Grotto, Bennington
Not in the Burlington area? Southern Vermont gets some love as well with the Gamer’s Grotto. They’ve got quite a selection in board games, RPGs, Tabletop gaming and more, plus a busy calendar of events. Website

Triple Play, West Lebanon NH
Or, if you’re on the other side of the state and want to take advantage of New Hampshire’s taxes, cross the Connecticut to West Lebanon, where you’ll find Triple Play, where they carry a nice selection of all sorts of gaming things. Website

Locations
Maybe going out to various places around the state is more up your alley? Most places are supported by the generosity of members, and a yearly membership is a very good gift for friends and family. Here’s some places to take up your day:

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich
Have kids? The Montshire Museum of Science is a fantastic place for kids to learn about science of all types. The museum has a robust events schedule and some fantastic, hands on exhibits. Website

Fairbanks Museum, St. Johnsbury
The Fairbanks Museum is a fantastic place to visit for interested parties of all ages. With an impressive display on astronomy and specimens of all manner of beasts and birds. Website

Shelburne Museum, Shelburne
Plan on more than an afternoon to see The Shelburne Museum. There’s a lot there, from a steam-powered ship, print shop, and other historical buildings from all over New England. Last year, they had a huge thing on Science Fiction, and hopefully, they’ll do something just as interesting in the 2013 season! Website

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington
The ECHO center is a brilliant science center in downtown Burlington, focusing on the natural world of Lake Champlain. Website

Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Ticonderoga NY
The rebuilt and preserved Fort at Fort Ticonderoga is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. While you’re out there, hit up Mount Independance and Crown Point for the complete military history of the immediate area. The Fort is an important location in American history, and well worth a visit. Website

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Vergennes
This museum looks at the Maritime history of Lake Champlain, with preserved boats. One neat tour is to explore some of the ship wrecks in the area via robot. Website

Hildene House, Manchester
Did you enjoy the film Lincoln? Abraham Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln, ended up living in Vermont, and his home is preserved in Manchester, the Hildene house. Quite a bit of history, with tours! Website

What/Where would you recommend?