Holiday Gift Guide: Some Ideas for Your Athlete or Outdoorsman

From cyclists to anglers, local businesses offer a variety of gift ideas for the athlete or outdoorsman in your life.

Why travel great distances to purchase gifts this holiday season? The Bloomingdale-Riverview area has a wealth of small businesses that carry a unique array of gifts for every member of the family, including some great gifts for cyclists, runners, tennis players and outdoorsmen. Here are some of my favorites: Joe Kennedy at Just Ride Bicycles including Trek, Gary Fisher and Mirraco BMX bicycles. "Children's bikes, especially the 20-inch, are our biggest seller this time of year, and we've got a great variety," said Kennedy. From now until Christmas, shoppers will receive a free bike helmet with every bike purchase, a $45 value. "That way you can give two gifts," said Kennedy. Just Ride Bicycle is also offering 50 percent off its jerseys …

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Flint Creek Outfitters Collects Boots for Homeless

The store in Lithia will give a $25 discount on new hiking shoes in return for a gently used pair.

News Report Flint Creek Outfitters announced that, for the month of April, it will give a discount of $25 on new hiking shoes when a gently used pair are brought in and donated for the homeless. Locally owned and operated sporting goods store Flint Creek Outfitters, with stores at 13425 FishHawk Blvd., Lithia, and Ocala, knows that everyone will be getting the spring cleaning bug. It’s time to clean out the closet and find that pair of hiking boots that just did not fit just right and trade them in for a $25 discount on a new pair. While quality hiking boots are made to last many seasons, there are times  that what you think will be the perfect pair just are not fitting right. Flint Creek Outfitters wants to give customers the opportunity …

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What's Biting

Here's a Father's Day Gift List for Dads Who Like to Fish

Father's Day is Sunday, June 19, and though your dad might not admit it, he'd appreciate a fishing-related gift.

 Some fathers will say they don't care much about Father's Day. Especially when you forget to even call. “Don't worry about it,” he might say, “it's just another day.” Then he hangs up the phone and daydreams. In the vision, he's positioning the boat so your bait dangles over the part of the ledge that is not holding fish. “I don't know why you're not catching anything,” he says in his fantasy, “same tackle, same bait, same spot, same technique … must be the angler.” Dad also won't admit the oil that just spat out of the frying pan and scortched his forearm stings. He points to his skin. "Teflon, son."  He'll tell you it's not about catching fish — it's just about getting “out on the water.” Little bothers this sort of dad. Do you know the…

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Last-Minute Gifts to Save the Day

If you are running out of ideas for those last-minute gifts that you haven't found yet, check out some of the unique ideas that are still waiting for you.

We have come to that dreaded time of year. It is a couple of days before Christmas, and there are last-minute gifts to buy. Panic sets in as you try to figure out exactly what you are going to come up with for those last few, hard-to-buy-for people on your list. Here is a quick roundup of last-minute ideas that will make your shopping easier. 1. The Green Boutique – Visit The Green Boutique to find Christmas gifts you won't find anywhere else including all the newest Brighton and Vera Bradley designs.  The Green Boutique boasts purses, jewelry and home décor that makes it easy to find the perfect gift for whoever you are looking for. 2. AJs Bikes and Boards – The perfect place to shop for the serious biker or skateboarder on your list. AJ'…

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