We were on vacation in the area and it was raining; a perfect time to visit the Mast General Store!…read more We slowly walked through the entire store, picked out a handful of our favorite candies and a cold bottle of pop. We sat on the front sidewalk and watched the clouds roll by. I noticed a section of the wall at the front entrance that showed the water lines at different times in history (see picture). That is the kind of history that only an old building has seen. The people that work here are glorious! Very helpful! They made our visit that much more memorable. This is a must visit location for all ages when you are visiting the area! Most Sincerely, Dayla

The Original Mast General Store is located in Valle Crucis, NC. It was opened by Henry Taylor back…read morein 1883 as the Taylor General Store and has been operating ever since, so they are definitely doing something right! The landmark is on the National Register of Historic Places and is quite a popular place. While you won't be able to park right out front as they did in the past, there is plenty of parking located conveniently behind the store. W.W. Mast bought a half stake of the business in 1897, then bought the other half in 1913, changing the name to Mast General Store It was truly the Amazon of its day, offering everything you could possibly need with the motto, "goods for the living, coffins and caskets for the dead," which prompted the local phrase, "If you can't buy it here, you don't need it ." When the economy changed and the original store closed in 1977, it was thankfully saved and reopened in 1980 by preservationists John and Faye Cooper The front corner of the store features an active town post office The store spans two levels with beautifully creaking floorboards that instantly let you know you are in a nostalgic place filled with history. A lot of the original advertising posters from Mr. Mast are still mounted on the walls alongside the vintage counters and fixtures The original cast iron potbellied wood stove is still used to heat the store, the functional wooden trap doors in the floorboards still remain from where chickens historically were traded for store credit, and you can even get a cup of coffee for just 5 cents. You will find a massive variety of cast-iron cookware, old-fashioned candy in barrels, postcards, books, high-quality clothing, footwear, toys, and traditional mercantile goods. I even bought a delicious fried apple pie! The historic Little Red Schoolhouse sits right behind the main building and offers clearance merchandise, though I just enjoyed looking at the older architecture and reading about the school.

I all about the pottery and was thrilled to see some local artists represented. They had a little…read moreof everything between all the shops. Candles, jewelry, clothing and more. Any kind of gift or treasure you could want! Prices were fair, I snagged a couple of Christmas gifts!

I went in Artwalk today with a couple of friends. One of my friends wanted to see if a sweater on…read moredisplay was available in her size. She asked a clerk and was told that the sweater on display was the only one available. As the clerk did not offer further assistance, I reached up to undrape the sweater from a t-shirt so that my friend could try it on. When I did so, the clerk came running across the store screeching, "Don't mess up my display!" I'm sorry, but I thought the purpose of a store that sells clothing was to entice customers to come in, try on the merchandise, and then buy it. If that's the case, someone should educate the clerk with the abrasive customer service skills. I will NEVER return to this store!

Boone Rock N Roll Emporium on King Street in Boone is a cool place that has a many different unique…read moreitems for sale. They definitely have some items that I have never seen at any other store which makes it a must to check out. I really like stores like this and that they exist. This store has a really cool vibe and atmosphere that is very laid back and makes you happy and smile from the moment you walk in. The staff was very helpful and did a good job. I was able to find some gift items that were perfect for some people on my list that are usually harder to shop for. If you are in the near vicinity of this store it would be wise to come in here. We had a really good experience shopping here and found some good deals.

This is a cool, quirky shop off the beaten path in Boone. We stumbled upon it, tucked back in the…read moremain row of shops, behind a thrift store. They have awesome items, such as Ramones onesies for your rock n roll baby, a wide variety of cat tank tops for your crazy cat lady, music, tobacco items, etc. The girl working at the desk was helpful and friendly. They had a ton of quirky stuff and were playing cool music too. Prices were reasonable. Would be easy to walk right by this place. If you blink you'll miss it. Keep your eyes open and stop by.

Always a top notch shopping experience. Darling assortment of clothes, shoes, accessories, jewelry…read moreand fragrance. Friendly and helpful staff.

I absolutely love love love this boutique! The kindest women work there who are always so helpful…read more They carry my favorite brands like Free People and Seychelles (which are hard to find in Boone!) and have some of the best denim. I typically wear a size L/XL and size 31/32 and I can always find something every time I go in. I cannot say enough good things about this boutique - they feel like family! They put on cute events and seem to always have a sale going on! Hands down my favorite place to shop in Boone!

I have driven past Boonies Old Country Store multiple times, and I've always wanted to stop in. I…read morefinally did so last week, and I'm glad I did. This sweet little store is like a trip back in time, selling bottled sodas, canned goods, and local Boone and NC products like soaps, etc. My favorite find here was the local pies they had for sale, such as chicken pot pie, pecan, chocolate chess... I wish I took a picture! There were so many pie options, savory and sweet, of different sizes. I saw, too, that there was a food deal that I very much wanted to purchase (but didn't, since I was leaving town) that included something like a savory pie and cinnamon rolls and something else. Anyway, for both locals and visitors, I suggest stopping in. Good dogs welcome!

Honestly it's super small & you'll spend more time driving there, than its worth. Lastly, The…read morecashier made myself & fiancee super uncomfortable (too much information)??! Not trying to be mean but wouldn't wish that on any couple during a trip

Well selected items, original art and prints in a beautiful store. Simply walking in is inspiring,…read moreeverything is pulled together with an artistic eye. I found myself contemplating re-doing my entire master bedroom based on a beautiful art print.

I have loved common good since they opened, but I just recently tried their coffee, and it is one…read moreof the better places for coffee in Boone! I got a vanilla latte, and it was perfect to have a coffee while I walked around and shopped, and looked up all of The amazing things they have in the store!

My family and I stopped into Take Heart last month during our first visit to Blowing Rock. My…read more6-year-old daughter had been looking for a heart-shaped locket after losing one from her grandparents. She finally found what she was looking for at Take Heart! She immediately went to the counter so we could purchase it. The women there were so kind with her, asking about her purchase and her name. They were so touched by her story that they decided to gift it to her for Christmas! We were shocked! We were in the store for a brief amount of time, but that visit will leave a long-lasting impression on her and us. Thank you to "the purple shop" for creating such a wonderful Christmas memory for our family!

This is THE STORE I look forward to visiting each time I visit Blowing Rock NC. It is my favorite…read morestore in fact. From the moment I walk in I feel welcomed. The scents, the positive and uplifting music playing over the speakers, the friendly welcome from the staff, and all the beautiful items in the store, feel like home to me. The owner Sherri is the icing on the cake, her smile is pure comfort. She is always happy to help me pick out something special. Her Joy is contagious, and sincere. There are so many beautiful items in the store. Each time I go I find a little gift for a friend, a family member, and usually one for myself, and I leave with a smile on my face. Take Heart is a lovely little gem of a store. I cannot wait to return.

The cutest boutique in the area! Highly quality, curated items. Perfect for something special in…read moreyour home for gifts. Primarily decor items, but options for woman and some for kids and men.