When you’re making those lists and checking them twice and searching for one-of-a-kind gifts for the people you love, you needn’t search any further than the main streets, markets and galleries right here in our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain communities.
In downtown Marion you’ll find an eclectic collection of boutiques, galleries, jewelry, antiques and breweries, each with its unique styles and offerings of and handmade goods, sure to thrill the special people in your life.
Visit the Blue Ridge Artisans Craft Show at the McDowell Arts Council Association to shop the work of local artisans working in pottery, woodworking, jewelry, textiles, and other fine arts. Every item is handmade right here in McDowell County! Open Tuesdays-Fridays, noon-6p, from November 24th through Christmas Eve.
Don’t miss Marion’s Shop Small Main Street Crawl on Small Business Saturday, November 25th. Shop dozens of vendors specializing in jewelry, pottery, baskets, woodwork, ornaments, and gifts.
The 35th Annual Appalachian Potters Market will take place on Saturday, December 2nd, from 10a to 4p at McDowell High School. You are sure to find unique handmade one-of-a-kind gifts. All proceeds benefit the arts council. What a great way to double your holiday giving!
The Vintage Market in Marion is a must see for the antique and vintage lovers on your gift list. You never know what you’ll find with every charmed trip.
Flavors on Main General Store will help you cover all sorts of shopping ground. A very eclectic shop, you will find artisanal olive oils, balsamics, spics, seasonings and teas. Talk about creating a holiday spread to delight the senses! Plus, it’s an ORVIS Fly shop! Sounds like a winning combination.
In Old Fort, stop by the Arrowhead Gallery & Studios to shop for handmade items from more than 40 local artisans. Add the Holiday Open House to your calendar on December 2nd from 5-7p for fun holiday shopping, plus the extras that make this time of year feel special - cocoa, music, treats and Santa!
Stop by The Davis Country Store and Cafe to pick up those locally sourced and created goodies which are great for making gift baskets. Plus, you can gift yourself for all of the hard work you’re doing (shopping = work) with something delicious from the cafe.
Check out the Old Fort Ride House for a gift for the outdoors enthusiast in your life. Take a nice break at the Catawba Vale Business HUB and enjoy a specialty coffee beverage and the friendly service you expect in these Blue Ridge Mountains.
Throughout the holiday season, Mountain Gateway Museum's gift shop features locally crafted tree ornaments, local authors' books, and a variety of items specific to the Old Fort community and western North Carolina.
