Fun must-see shop in downtown Highlands for dressings, jellies, sauces, snacks, and nut mixes with clever names and (in a pre-pandemic world) lots of sampling opportunities. Great for hostess gifts and vacation snacks. read more

Good store with delicious goodies inside, but please don't bring in your children! There are so many warning signs all over the place that it takes away much that is good in the store. One would assume that with small children, you'd be keeping an eye on them at all times, but lest you forget, this store was put in Highlands for the sole purpose of reminding you. This place should be selling porn with all the "Adults Only" signs they have. They've got hundreds of mustards, jams, jellies, sauces, dips, and lots of stuff to dip in them. There. Are free samples for damn near every single item they have in the store! Tons of crackers and pretzels to dip in the free samples so you can taste them. Pricey, but some of those dips and such are worth it! read more

Colonel Mustard's - Store front - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

To begin, I do not have children. Nor have I ever tried to bring a child in this store. There is a sign stating that they aren't allowed, so I let it be. Yes, their decor is a bit "interesting" but I always stop in to see what's new in the world of condiments. I usually leave with a BBQ sauce and a dip of some sort (most recently a Bacon Bourbon BBQ Sauce and a Mascarpone Dip). I never really sample anything because of course it cannot be sanitary when there are tons of people in and out sticking their fingers in things, but the samples are plentiful! I've never really dealt with the staff other than checking out, but they are always friendly and chatty when I am ready to purchase. If you are on the hunt for a new friend for your chips or a unique mustard, I'd check this place out. According to other reviews though, DO NOT bring a child. read more

Colonel Mustard's - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

Love this place... It's like a candy shop for adult tastes. Every sauce, condiment, jelly, jam, pickle, relish, pepper, honey, etc. that you might imagine and hundreds upon hundreds that you likely have not... is here. They have an open jar of everything for you to test. Animal crackers upon which you test sweet things, pretzel sticks for mustards and similar sauces, and crackers for most everything else. Where can you find hot pickled quail eggs? And more importantly where else can you try one out to see if you like them? Like hot peanuts? Want to try a really hot peanut? I dare you!!! ...pickled vegetables, oils and vinegars, bbq sauces, steak sauces, dips, olives, bruschettas, pretzel dips, honeys, pepper jellies, pancake syrups and mixes, it just goes on and on... A friend of mine and I walked around this place for 30 min testing things. Our wives eventually wandered in and at first looked at us like kids eating free candy samples in a store (which accurately described exactly what was happening)... but soon they were doing the same, only they were buying stuff as they went along! This try before you buy think really works! You walk up to a section, say on pepper jelly, you may have 12 different jellies, then 10 hot pepper jellies, then a few more special pepper jellies... you could spend a whole day in here. We walked out with all sorts of things that we didn't know we were missing. Some practical things like syrup and pancake mix for later this month when the family comes to our lakehouse to hang out for a week... plus some BBQ sauce, jam, etc. About halfway home we started thinking of things we should have gotten - some blueberry jam... maybe some mint jelly... pickled asparagus... The owner is a real hoot also. "Parker A." described him as adorably authentic. He's got some wildly interesting sayings written on paper bags hung from every available spot in the store. Some may be a bit politically incorrect. If you are intolerant, go buy yourself a some grape jelly at Kroger and try to convince yourself that folks buying really interesting food are socially inferior to yourself. If there is a kid deep within you, or if you are a sucker for the "DANGER! THESE PEANUTS ARE REALLY REALLY HOT" sign... you should try this place. Try a hot pickled quail egg while you are there. read more

"And we have come to believe that it was Colonel Mustard in the conservatory with a wrench." -- NCIS, Season 4, Episode 22 So much to taste in such a tiny little shop - I'm not sure how they stay in business, frankly. You walk in and are immediately confronted with hundreds of jars of jellies, mustards, relishes, hot sauces, dips, sauces, nuts, cookies - the list goes on and on. However, the store is a mad-house. Positively packed! At each "station," there are open jars for tasting with large buckets of pretzel sticks, animal crackers, wheat thins, etc. Only some of them have tongs... so let's back up a bit. At the doorway to the store is a large handwritten sign that says NO KIDS! Kids will use their hands and not tongs. Okay, sure, if unsupervised and not well-behaved. But, hello store owners, at least 1/3 of your containers were missing the tongs and I had to (quite carefully so as not to touch anything else within the container) use my hands to grab a cracker, cookie, pretzel (or three). So while I get your sentiment, I think you need to pay more attention to the people who are probably stealing your tongs. Also, grown adults double-dip. Hopefully, not in your store. I digress. I tasted a ton of things, and truly, by the end, my tastebuds were shot. I did enjoy that they had college pasta, hot sauce, peanuts, etc. And also a ton of crazy hot sauces that I got a kick out of (so did some of my friends). I was disappointed that a store called Colonel Mustard's smallest collection was of mustards (maybe a dozen?) and that is what I was most excited to taste and purchase. I would have probably bought them all had they had a bigger and more interesting selection. Pity. Overall, it was a fun experience, but there is no urgency to buy anything. You can just walk through, taste everything, and spend no money. How do they not lose their shirts? Cute concept, fun experience, might visit just to buy crazy hot sauces you can't find easily in the future. Also note, not one of their "hot pepper jellies" was the least bit spicy. Also, a big disappointment. read more

Colonel Mustard's - Yup - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

Very turned off by the Trump propaganda, jellies named Magazine, worker wearing Magazine hat, and the bourbon jellies were very thin and runny. read more

I really hope to make it back to The Highlands in June when I visit finally . I found my unposted review and am sorry I only did so now. I bought some Notre Dame peanuts among other things that were a gift for my sister. They have such a wonderful selection of stuff ,and I really need to fill up my free extra checked luggage. The sampling was a really cool part that may not happen this time,but they were so generous about it. Very sweet employees too. The kids not allowed thing ,well as I know from working with the wee ones in Elementary school .There is a lot of glass and especially with Covid ,you can see even more how they don't know their movements or how to keep space. There is a really nice area to sit outside and the kids can get ice cream read more

Great shop to gather a wildly eclectic assortment of jellies, jams, sauces,toppings...you name it , they've got it. A fun store to walk through and find those pickles you want but didn't know existed! read more

Scolding signs everywhere. Owner is a jerk. For example, my mother-in-law was checking out, buying about $125 worth of stuff. Owner looks at her and growls, "I know you have grandchildren because I can smell 'em on you". Our kids were not even in town that day. This guy can keep his mustard and I'll keep my money. Edit: in response to HIS response below. 1.) My statement IS 100% true. I am not embellishing. AND our kids were not even with us that day. 2.) I do SO love Dick Van Dyke! An American treasure! 3.) With regards to your handwritten marker signs wallpapering the store, 'Colonel', if you think they are not uncouth and that they don't lack tact.. well then.. okay. There's probably no convincing you otherwise. 4.) AWESOME about your 20% sales increase! Sorry to say that I, nor my friends nor family, will be contributing to any percentage in the store. 5.) for anyone reading this review: below is the type of condescending handwritten signs plastered ALL. OVER. THE. STORE. read more

Colonel Mustard's - this is not an all you can eat buffet for children - Herbs & Spices Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

This place is absolutely amazing. They have all the samples out and keep them fresh. The people there are so kind and sweet. They do have signs about not wanting children in the store which is highly understandable once you step inside. The samples and jars are all in easy reaching distance from small hands that may not be as sanitary or can easily pull all the jars down. This place is definitely a great place to bring back gifts and get delicious spreads! read more

This place is a great find. They have tons of different dips, jams, sauces, etc...and you can taste them all. They have virtually everything they own opened to sample with pretzels and cookies available all over the store to dip. Agree this should NOT be a place for children, behaved or not. Kids could not control themselves in a place like this no matter how well they are watched and it is a small place with lots around. Yes I have raised two children and can fully understand that this would not have been a place for them. One of the rare times you can try all the different types of sauces and dips you always see but don't want to spend the money because you are afraid it won't taste good. If in town...and you don't have kids....you MUST stop here. read more

I have been bringing family and friends in for years. Last month I brought my grandchildren with us to pick up a few things. The owners would not allow them in...ages nine and eleven. Well behaved ... Both parents Marine corps parents for 20 years! I was so shocked. Will never go back. Now my son and daughter in law have retired...moved here and they will never go in. So disgusting to be so close minded to children. Big loss for this business! read more

Great little shop full of awesome sauces, jams, preserves and wines. Great stop for gifts and edible souvenirs.

You can sample everything, and prices are very reasonable. Tons of hilarious hillbilly "words of wisdom" printed on paper bags all over the store, and the grumpy/crazy old man working the register is a hoot. Is it all a contrived backwoods act to attract curious city folk? Maybe, but the store and proprietor seemed adorably authentic to me. read more

Can't say enough great things about this place! Now that they have a little more room and it's open and inviting it's all the better to really take in the hundreds and hundreds of samples that they open up every day for folks to try! Make sure not to miss the Pecan Pie in a Jar and they just have the best jams around! read more

A little shop hidden in the corner of an outdoor shopping strip. Go inside. You'll be amazed at the amount of goodies the store carries. From well known jams, jellies, and dips, to obscure pairings that you never thought of even trying together. Great selection! And you get to try each one before you decide on which ones to take home. Be sure to try the wine jelly selection. What a great idea! Don't let the odd pairings turn you away. Most of them are delightful. Whoever thought that chardonnay jelly would taste great. The prices are a little high, however, but for some jars, it is just worth it. Also, be sure to get some of the cheese garlic biscuit mix. Delish! read more

This neat little shop has every jam, preserve, jelly, salsa, dip, sauce, and - of course - mustard that you could have ever dreamt of. Oh yeah, you get to taste them all. My only complaint is that the place is kind of pricey, but thats what you get for the primo location and the ability to taste before you buy. read more

I'm not sure how to rate a mustard store. I guess as far as mustard stores goes, this is the end-all-and-be-all of them. I have never seen so many hot sauces, so many mustards, jams, preserves, odd wines, steak sauces, snack crackers, chips,. on and on. And the best thing is that they are open for you to sample. They have signs all over that say "Please Try Me." Some of the things we tried were just amazing. Here you can try before you buy. Great idea. read more

Not what you may expect. Definitely worth the visit! You can sample all there jams, salsa, etc. My favorite, Habanero/Black Rasberry jam. Nice Kick!!! Great for cooking. This shop is a must stop when in Highlands, NC. read more

Love this place! Got some strawberry-pepper jelly and some steak sauce! Stop in and sample the ample samples!

Loved this place. Wish they had a website so I could place an order for products since we live several hours away. Loved the apple salsa. Would love to buy Christmas gifts from this store if we lived closer. Definitely recommend. read more

This store has a sign that says children under the age of 13 are not welcome, does not say they are welcome with an accompanying adult. We have 2 young children that we carry and hold their hands in stores. We couldn't even walk in. I will never shop in a store that doesn't welcome responsible families. read more

I have been visiting Colonel Mustards for YEARS with my mother who is a local, and as of this Thanksgiving with my boyfriend. I can't get out of this store without spending $$$. This store makes for a great appetizer round before lunch or dinner because he has an open sample of everything he sells along with a cracker, cookie, or pretzel to try your goodies before you purchase. ;) Who CARES that he has signs by the front door that says Adults Only! It is a very small store with a lot of product and open containers. I can snack and taste easy knowing that I won't be contaminated with hand foot and mouth disease from children all over the store. Some of my faves are the Gator Hammock Gator Sauce, sweet pickled baby corn, and the Champagne garlic honey mustard pretzel dip!!! read more

First off to the people with children complaining, get a life. Most parents with kids now days have no control over them, so I completely understand where the owner is coming from. The store is small and cramped for space, not setup for your children to run wild and destroy things. Yes, I have kids and grand kids. To the lady calling him a bigot, it's humor. There was a time when sticks and stones could break your bones. Now we live in the United States of the Offended. This is a one of a kind specialty shop with high end gourmet condiments. Everything we purchased turned out great. The service was great and didn't experience a single customer service issue. But then again we didn't go there expecting them to kiss our butts. The chocolate smore is awesome. read more

Don't forget the pickles!!! Just like grandmas (or better)!!! Highlands sweet fire pickles are awesome!!! They are worth the 800 mile drive from south florida, hope they are open on black friday!!! See you then Colonel. read more

I took a few steps into this store with my two children and was immediately told they are not allowed inside. I understand that some people may not pay attention to what their children are doing. However, I think that if there was reason for concern, then is the appropriate time to address that situation. As a business owner myself, I feel this is not the way you should treat customers. Regardless of what you are selling, you should treat all customers with respect and courtesy. We will not come back again and will make sure we spread the word about their poor customer service. read more

rude, rude, rude!!! do not give this buisness any money!!! they do not allow any children and kick them out even if they are being watched and well behaved!!! read more

My husband & 13 y.o. son went in and as I started to cross the threshold with my 12 y.o. daughter, I saw a sign "Adults Only" with a lengthy, boorish explanation as to why (afraid children would double dip). Unable to join my husband & son, I texted him to let him know to not give the unfriendly establishment any business. That worked out fine as the ONLY sauce he liked was quite over-priced at $9 for a small container. The owners apparently don't understand much about children, even having been one themselves at some loooooong ago time, as it's mostly much younger children that "double dip".....perhaps, toddler age (not those under 13). The shop is located in the heart of a quaint TOURIST town full of shops. I cannot imagine how many times in a day they see the visible upset of an adult with child (up to the age of 13) turned away at the door-----that's a lot of negativity to create & support in their lifetime. Had they had more creativity, friendliness & a better business sense, they could have come up with a much better solution to the double-dipping issue. And, ahem, it's not just children that double dip. Rude & not worth anyone's time. If I could have given "0" stars, I would have as they don't even deserve 1. read more

My family and I have never been treated so poorly. One of the other reviewers noted the signs regarding children... he was right. I brought my 5 year old daughter in the store. The person behind the counter told (not asked) me to leave and then cursed at me in front of my daughter. If you have children, stay away from this store. read more

Very cool shop. You can try any of the jams, jellies, preserves, nuts, pretzel dipping sauce, chow chow, salsas, etc. So many things to try. It is a bit expensive, but definitely worth the experience. read more

I loved this store! They had so many different mustards, sauces, nuts, wine, crackers, lots of good food and there is an open jar to sample almost everything. I was there on vacation and brought home maple bacon onion jam. Delicious! Also some sauces and the BEST garden dill saltine cracker mix!! Next time I am in the area, I will go again. The owners were friendly and helpful. I can understand why the "no children" signs are posted. With so many open containers with spoons, I can see why temptation would be great for kids. Plus it is quite crowded with so much good stock, a calamity, however inadvertent, is just waiting to happen. read more

OMG - this store is a hoot. Hundreds of jams, jellies, sauces, dips, etc. And the best part is that you can taste your way through the store. Please try the Appalachian Kitchens Wine Infused Jams. Many flavors from which to choose - all delish. Yummo! And to those pedofanatics that need to take their children everywhere - so sorry that it is an adult store. It is for the protection of the children that they do not accidentally taste something that will burn their mouth or play to an allergy. Says so right on the sign as you walk in the front door. Try somewhere else where kids AND parents are welcomed - someplace - like - say - Chucky Cheese? read more