Shop Local For Small Business Saturday in the High Country
Saturday, November 25, is Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate and support small businesses and brick-and-mortar stores across the country. Spending your money at a small business generally puts more of a return back into the local economy than if you’re spending that money in a chain store. As an added bonus, many local shops will use this day to offer seasonal discounts—another great reason to get out and celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship in our community.
BOONE
This High Country university town has some of the best local shops. From antiques to boutiques to record stores and general stores, you are guaranteed to check some gifts off your holiday list. Retail options in Boone include downtown King Street, The Shoppes at Farmers Hardware, and the Boone Mini Mall.
VALLE CRUCIS
Valle Crucis is the home to the original Mast General Store. Built in 1883, Mast General Store offers everything from outdoor gear and clothing to barrels of candy and toys. There are also traditional country stores in this National Historic District as well as a number of markets and galleries. This town may be small, but they are packed with places to shop.
BLOWING ROCK
In 2008, the readers of Southern Living magazine voted the Town of Blowing Rock as a Favorite Southern Destination (we think the shopping might have a little something to do with that). There are over 100 shops in this small mountain town. If you are looking for a truly unique shopping experience, Traditions Pottery Studio will have their Annual Thanksgiving Kiln Opening. Plan to be there promptly at 10 a.m. for the best selection of handmade pottery items from the wood kiln.
BANNER ELK
Surrounded by some of the highest mountains east of the Rockies, including Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountain, Banner Elk features a lovely pedestrian shopping district with great boutiques and restaurants. If you are looking for a shopping experience the whole family can enjoy on Saturday we suggest two fun options:
- Christmas Mini-Tours and Shopping at Apple Hill Farms for a family-friendly experience with alpaca themed gifts and holiday greenery.
- Holiday shopping at the indoor Beech Mountain Holiday Market which will host a variety of craft vendors at the Buckeye Rec Center.
It’s going to be a long day of shopping—get the morning started off right by supporting a local coffee shop in the High Country for a hot cup of coffee and a pastry. Don’t forget to fuel up with a burger or pizza midday and a cold beer after a long productive day.